Reasons given to explain this rise include increased stress on the immune system due to greater chemical pollution in the air, water, and FOOD...earlier weaning and earlier introduction of solid foods to infants...food additives...genetic manipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenic tendencies.
The first step in a natural approach to asthma is to reduce the allergic threshold. The two main ways to do this is to reduce exposure to airborne allergens and to reduce the intake of food allergens.
Home air purifiers have been analyzed by Joseph Mercola and information on the various models is available at www.mercola.com. His recommendation is Way Healthier Air Purifier, but you can research this for yourself to determine if and/or which purifier you might wish to install in your home.
Simple changes can produce very profound improvements. Following a nutrition plan is one of the first things to try and can make all the difference to a young child (or adult) in decreasing the impact of asthma and increasing the ability to breathe. Avoid GRAINS, PASTEURIZED DAIRY PRODUCTS, SOY, SUGAR, and FRUIT JUICES. If you can buy raw milk where you live, make this change. Just be sure the cows are grass-fed. Normally, the inability to digest dairy is a result of the loss of the enzyme in the milk that allows human stomachs to process the milk. Pasteurization kills this natural enzyme and contributes to lactose intolerance. Soy is one of the most genetically modified plants and should be avoided. Think about all the infants put on soy formula because they show lactose intolerance. The incidence of this is extremely high in the African-American community, where almost all babies are diagnosed as lactose intolerant. Grains- the inability to digest the protein gliadin - can create inflammation in the body and that inflammation will appear in the weakest, most compromised part of the body. A weakened adrenal system can produce a weakened immune system. The activity of the adrenal gland is important in asthma due to its hormones cortisol and epinephrine. These compounds activate receptors on the bronchial muscle, which leads to relaxation of the muscle and opening of the airways. It is thought that during asthmatic attacks there is a relative deficiency of cortisol and epinephrine. So if the adrenal system is compromised due to the stress on a child's system by bad air, bad water, and bad food, this deficiency is even greater. It is important to be sure that enough long-chain omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA) from fish oils are included in the diet. Mercola recommends Carlson fish oil and cod liver oil due to strict standards for purity and freshness. With spring in the air, more exposure to the sun is a given. If that is the case, it is important to switch from cod liver oil to fish oil in order to prevent Vitamin D toxicity. Essential oils of peppermint and frankincense are therapeutic for treatment of asthma. These oils are used sparingly and should be initiated with the help of someone well versed in the use of essential oils. The Maker's Diet is a good source and Mercola's web site is also helpful.
Many asthmatics are on inhalers and often need antibiotics. If you feel it is necessary to put your child on an antibiotic, then absolutely do so. They should not be relied upon all the time, however, and often they are widely overused. It is very important, after the antibiotics are used, to recolonize the GI tract, for antibiotics kill the good bacteria we need in the gut as well as the bad we are trying to eliminate. Children can take probiotics to help with this recolonization process.
There are several different types of inhalers, the most common being the pressurized metered-dose inhaler. Recently, the FDA banned the use of inhalers that utilize Chlorofluprocarbons as propellants for the more environmentally friendly HFA inhalers. Some groups feel that the HFA inhalers are not as effective and there is a higher price due to the lack of a generic version at this time. The medications in the inhalers are anti-inflammatory drugs of which there are two types: mast cell stabilizers and corticosteroids. Mast cell stabilizers can be used for mild asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective means of control. One side effect to be concerned about is Candida (thrush) in the throat. Other side effects are said to be a non-issue if the meds are used appropriately. Candida can become an deep-seated infection which contributes to myriad gut-related digestive issues.
Recently, the FDA issued warning covering the drugs Advair, Symbicort, Foradil and Serevent, stating that these meds should only be used if nothing else works on a person's asthma and then only for the shortest time possible. Long term usage can mask a serious asthma attack due to the medications ability to relax the muscles around stressed airways. While some don't think this is a big problem, experts do believe there is a tendency among asthmatics to overuse their meds.
So, in review:
...Asthma is a growing illness, especially in children
...The first step in control should be a natural approach regarding air purity and food purity
...Diets that eliminate offending allergens are quite effective in treatment
...Omega-3 fatty acids can relieve asthma
...Essential oils are helpful
...Vitamin B6 helps with stress and can be beneficial
...Antioxidants are highly recommended, especially Vitamin C, in dealing with environmental stressors
...Magnesium can help open airways and relieve asthma
...DHEA levels are typically low in asthematics
...Inhalers may create Candida, an overgrowth of common yeast in the GI tract (or throat) which can then become a cause of allergic conditions, like asthma
In severe cases of asthma, the best treatment is a combined approach, using natural measures to reduce the allergic threshold and prevent more acute attacks, along with proper drug treatment of acute attacks.
Having a physician you trust, who understands your concerns about more homeopathic remedies, is key.
Good, clean food is critical.
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