Causes of Asthma and Practical Help

Causes of Asthma and Practical Help

May 06, 2022

In the UK, almost 6 million people are diagnosed with asthma. By leading to a severe lack of oxygen to the blood and brain, asthma kills three people in the UK every single day. Asthma in adults is more common in women than men.

Asthma is usually an allergic disease in which immune system overreacts with inflammation and airway constriction as a result of encountering different environmental factors such as pollen, dust, moulds, chemicals, proteins, bacteria, viruses, etc.

 

 

KEY CAUSES

 

Asthma, allergies and autoimmune diseases apparently have the same common root which is overactive immune response. It is not clear why the immune system becomes oversensitive and triggers inflammation when there is no reason for that. However, we know that it could be associated with the very common today nutritional deficiencies.

Vitamin D3, Zinc and Selenium are required for the suppressor T-cells of the immune system to prevent other immune cells from being overactive, from attacking own body tissue and from triggering inflammation when it is not needed. It means that deficiency of vitamin D, zinc, selenium as well as magnesium, vitamin B12, iodine, boron and some other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may play an important role in the development of asthma, allergies, and autoimmune conditions.

Other factors that are believed to contribute to asthma are the following: Inherited or acquired abnormalities in functioning of the immune system; bacterial infections (especially Chlamydia pneumonia); gluten sensitivity; allergies; leaky gut and lack of probiotic bacteria; chronic stress, anxiety and depression; milk proteins (especially A1 casein), high levels of toxins, consuming trans-fats and proinflammatory omega 6 fats (margarines and refined oils); avoiding anti-inflammatory plant foods.

 

TRIGGERS

 

Possible triggers may include dust mites, pollen, stress, smoke and air pollution, animal fur, infections (Chlamydia pneumonia), gluten, milk and dairy products, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, stimulants, etc.

 

BENEFICIAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

 

  • Take nutritional supplements, such as Beta glucan complex (1 twice daily), that contain vitamins and minerals (including vitamin D3, zinc, selenium and vitamin C) required for normal function of the immune system.

 

  • Lungforte (contains NAC, quercetin and other ingredients): 1 a day. NAC (N-Acetylcysteine). In some cases, oral L-cysteine or NAC therapy has been very beneficial. NAC is also useful due to its mucolytic effect. It breaks up mucus in the respiratory tract by removing specific bonds in mucus proteins. It is able to break up or loosen sputum making it easier to cough up. Quercetin (included in Lungforte) has been known for its antiallergic properties. It may help relax airway smooth muscle and improve cellular levels of zinc which plays crucial role in maintaining normal immune system function.

 

  • Make sure you take about 4000-5000 IU of vitamin D3 every day after breakfast because it was found that almost all individuals suffering from asthma, allergies and autoimmune diseases are deficient in this vitamin D. Remember to take also well absorbed magnesium (such as magnesium citrate or bisglycinate) as vitamin D supplements lead to magnesium deficiency over time.

 

  • Magnesium citrate or another well absorbed magnesium such as bisglycinate: 2 times a day 200 mg. Magnesium is often recommended for people suffering from asthma and autoimmune conditions because it calms the nervous system, muscles, and it is required for normal function of the immune system.

 

  • Ashwaganda is a well-known adaptogen.

 

  • Nigella sativa (Black Seed) oil is believed to help “calm” human oversensitive immune system and due to its antibacterial properties it may help to address one of the common triggers of asthma – the Chlamydia pneumonia infection.

 

  • Boost Glutathione levels which is regarded as the most powerful of all antioxidants which protects and strengthens human immune system. You can do it by providing your body with the ingredients (especially Alpha Lipoic Acid) that increase glutathione production in the liver.

 

  • Take a good quality high in both EPA and DHA omega 3 fish oil supplement such as Omegazon (1 capsule 2 times a day with meals) due to its antiinflammatory benefits. Highest plant sources of omega 3 are ground flaxseed and flax oil as well as chia seed (soaked).

 

  • Vitamin B12: 1,000 to 2,000 mcg a day under the tongue (sublingual Methylcobalamin form of B12 is regarded as the most effective). Deficiency of this vitamin is rampant today due to the lack of B12-producing probiotic bacteria that should reside in human small intestines.

 

  • Zinc: 25mg a day with meal.

 

  • Take good a quality probiotic formula such as ImmuProbio or DailyProbio to improve gut health and immune system function.

 

  • Other nutritional supplements reported as beneficial: Garlic, Propolis, Pau d’Arco, Pine bark extract, Evening primrose oil and Star flower oil, Super Greens, Bromelain, Maca, Chlorella.

 

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

 

  • Increase consumption of omega 3 fatty acids in the form of ground flaxseed, chia seeds. Omega 3s are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function and cell growth.

 

  • Drink 2 times a day 1-2 glasses of raw vegetable juices 30 minutes before meals.

 

  • Eat more unprocessed, uncooked, and unrefined plant foods, especially raw vegetables (carrot, green leafy, etc.)

 

  • Avoid trans-fats (margarines, etc.) and pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids (most plant oils).

 

  • Use only raw organic coconut oil and cold pressed flax oil.

 

  • If possible eliminate milk and dairy products (especially hard cheese), meat (especially pork), gluten, foods and drinks with sugar, white flour products and other refined foods, stimulants, chocolate, cola, fried foods, processed foods.

 

  • Instead of wheat and products containing gluten, consume quinoa, millet, brown rice, and buckwheat.

 

  • Learn to control stress and think positive.

 

  • Exercise every day with deep breathing (especially out in fresh air) as it increases insulin receptor sensitivity, and as a result your body produces less insulin, which helps to reduce inflammations and symptoms of asthma.

 

  • Expose your body to the sun whenever it is possible.


 

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Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.

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