Everyday thousands of people power up their computers in search for information on a natural cure for allergies and asthma. Indeed, between 50 percent and 90 percent of asthma sufferers have allergies.
The most common-asthma provoking allergens include dust mites, animal dander, chemicals, certain medications, feathers, food additives, (such as sulfites), tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, fumes, mold, pollen, grass. However, any kind of allergen can precipitate an asthma attack when inhaled.
To date, there is no cure for asthma. Moreover, there isn’t any natural cure for allergies and asthma. However, there are some supplements that may help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. But before we delve into supplements, let’s discuss some very important facts about asthma.
Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes, the main airways that lead to the lungs, become inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten up, and cells in the lungs produce more mucus than usual further narrowing the airways so less air flows through. As a result, this can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Needless to say, not all asthma attacks are same as some are worse than others. Put simply, asthma attacks can range from mild wheezing to a life-threatening inability to breathe. A severe asthma attack requires immediate medical treatment.
Indeed, it’s unfortunate that there is no natural cure for allergies and asthma, but understanding all the possible triggers may help you ward off attacks once identified and you begin to take steps to avoid them.
So, what are the causes of asthma?
According to the well renowned tome, “The Medical Advisor - Second Edition- The Complete Guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments” who states:
“Asthma has no single cause; rather episodes can be brought on by a variety of factors working alone or in combination. Allergies are the primary offenders.” (Page 148-149.)
Heredity is another factor in allergy-related asthma. If it runs in your family you’re more likely to develop asthma.
In addition, you’re more likely to develop asthma if you’re sensitive to environmental allergens or irritants such as air pollution, cigarette smoke etc.
Other examples of things that can bring on asthma symptoms besides the common-asthma provoking allergens include, but not exhaustive:
- Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, including the common cold
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Cold air
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Exercise
- Stress and strong emotions
Now, before we discuss supplements that may help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, it’s important that you never stop taking your medication or change your dosage without approval from a physician.
In addition, asthma is best treated under the care of an asthma specialist and if you decide that you want to try any dietary supplements, it’s important that you discuss it with your physician first.
That said, let’s move on to supplements that may help.
While this is no natural cure for allergies and asthma, the following are often recommended for asthma:
Vitamin C has been shown in numerous studies to help prevent or improve asthmatic symptoms. Moreover, asthma sufferers are often deficient in this vitamin. In addition, according to various studies, vitamin C appears to help exercise-induced asthma.
Magnesium relaxes the bronchial muscles which helps fight off attacks.
Quercetin appears to have the ability to inhibit the release of histamine and is said to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Vitamin B6 - If you’re taking theophylline, vitamin B6 may be needed because this medication can lower blood levels of this nutrient. In addition, Vitamin B6 appears to play a role in relieving the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks.
Pantothenic acid, (vitamin B5) also known as the anti-stress vitamin appears to reduce certain allergy symptoms and asthmatic reactions.
Fish Oil – Studies have shown that fish oil can help reduce airway inflammation and, as such, it may be worth considering. However, should you and your doctor decide fish oil is right for you, it’s important that you buy a high quality fish oil supplement that is free of contaminates.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s unfortunate that there is no natural cure for allergies and asthma, but the above nutrients may help you fight off attacks. It’s important that you talk to your physician about the dosage of these nutrients.
Caution: The B vitamins work as a team and, as such, they should always be taken together. Therefore, it’s vital that you speak to a physician before taking any stand-alone B vitamins.
Final note…
Nutritional supplements are not helpful for an acute asthma attack so you will need to follow the emergency plan that you and your physician discussed.
Cindy Amorin is the chief editor of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre.com, an information-rich site that discusses nutritional, dietary, and herbal supplements and their potential therapeutic value. She is the author of pharmaceutical grade fish oil, a section of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre discussing tips on how to buy a quality fish oil supplement. She is also the author of the benefits of fish oil
Tags: allergies, allergies and asthma, cure allergies and asthma
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