ASTHMA
Natural Support For Asthmatic Conditions
Asthma is an allergic condition that causes constriction of the airways with production of excessive, thick mucous in the lungs. This combination of factors can cause everything from mild wheezing to a life-threatening breathing difficulty. The allergic "trigger" can be either external (pollens, food allergies) or internal (not due to an allergen, but caused by irritating substances released by the body in response to exercise, cold, stress). Because asthma can become life-threatening, it is important to work with a physician. Emergency medications may be necessary and advisable to have on hand, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Childhood asthma is different from adult asthma in many respects. The following recommendations are intended to address adult asthma.
Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations
- Food allergies should be evaluated for. An elimination/challenge diet followed by avoidance of any allergic foods, should be done. Milk and dairy products are common allergens.
- Aerobic activity: Mild to moderate aerobic activity such as walking, 5 times per week. This improves breathing ability and lung capacity. Go slowly and cautiously if you have exercise-induced asthma. Stretching and light weight lifting, especially of the upper body, strengthens the breathing muscles and improves breathing efficiency.
- Tobacco smoking is a definite "no." Read "Smoking .....Just the Facts" section again.
- Minimize airborne allergen and irritant exposure. (Keep house clean house of animal dander, molds, dust, mildew; avoid irritating chemical and odor exposure; consider an air filter if you live in a polluted city and your symptoms are severe.)
- Be SURE to drink 8 glasses of pure water per day. Insufficient water will further thicken respiratory mucous, making it difficult to expel.
- Avoid common irritant substances: aspirin and salicylate-containing foods, sulfites (especially in beer, wine, salad bar preservatives, MSG)
- Maintain a normal weight. Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma.
Primary Support
- Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamin B complex, antioxidants A,C,E, and zinc, and magnesium are particularly important.
- Max EPA (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 2-4 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 6-12 caps per day). [Note: some people who are sensitive to aspirin may also be sensitive to fish oil. In such cases, use flax seed oil, flax seed meal or flax oil capsules instead].
- Vitamin C: (in addition to the 1,000mg contained in Maxi Multi): 10mg for every pound of body weight, in divided doses. (Example: 1 150 pound person would take an additional 1,500mg per day).
- Similase (digestive formula): 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Incomplete digestion can cause allergy-like symptoms.
- Magnesium: 200-400mg, 3 times per day with meals. [Target dose: 600-1,200mg per day. Maxi Multi contains 500mg, so lower additional doses can be taken when you are on this formula].
Flavonoids (choose one):
Additional Support
- Immune Support: 1-2 caps, 2-3 times per day with meals.
- Turmeric caps: For food allergy: 1 cap, 3 times per day,10 minutes before meals. For exercise-induced asthma, take 2 caps,10 minutes before exercise. Other: 1 cap, 3 times per day.
Have "Dr. Myatts Immune Formulas" on hand and use these at the first sign of a cold or flu.
Self-Tests
Low digestive efficiency, especially hydrochloric acid deficiency, is a common finding in asthmatics. A Gastric Acid (HCL) Self-Test is recommended. This test is simple, inexpensive, and important to do.
Dr. Myatt's Comments
Candidiasis, increased intestinal permeability and parasites are other possible causes. You need the help of a physician to evaluate these additional causes, especially if your self-help measures fail to give improvement.
With discovery of offending foods and chemicals, better immune function and overall improved health, many cases of asthma can be corrected. Diet appears to be very important in the control of asthma. Remember that this can be a life-threatening condition. Work with a physician to have an "urgent care" remedy available if needed.
