Asthma natural treatment and prevention has increased in popularity in recent years due to inability of conventional medicine to provide long term solutions for this condition. In the United States, over 24 million people are affected by the chronic lung disease known as asthma. The most common symptom of asthma is breathlessness. It usually starts as a dry cough and tightness in the chest that quickly worsens until wheezing and laborious breathing results. The causes for Asthma come from diet, personal and home care products and the environment. Many asthma sufferers have become dissatisfied with traditional approaches to asthma treatment. The main concerns have been that treatments have been unable to improve their condition long term and the health risks resulting from steroid side-effects.

The rise of alternative natural treatments in recent years has been because
people have become aware of the fact that natural remedies, in many cases, have had the ability to give the body the strength to overcome sickness and disease. But putting the right things in to your body is only part of the recipe for success. Successful alternative treatment also involves avoiding the types of foods, personal and homecare products and environmental toxins that are toxic to good health.

There are many impurities in the environment that provoke asthma attacks such as dust, pollen, smoke, animal hair, chemicals, cold, warm or moist air, emotional stress and perfume. In children, the most common cause is viral infections from the flu and common cold. The use of antibiotics with children has been linked to asthma because they destroy intestinal flora which compromises the immune system. Studies have linked asthma to candida, a sluggish digestive system, due to lack of pancreatic enzymes or low stomach acid. Exercise or physical exertion have been known to trigger asthma. However, it is known that regular exercise helps cure asthma.

Asthma is highly prevalent in urban areas where there is a high level of air pollution due to fossil fuel emissions. Industrial compounds known to induce asthma are sulfites found in chlorinated swimming pools. Organic compounds found in the home that provoke asthma include dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, fabric softener, paper tissues, paper towels, shampoo, cosmetics, shaving cream, air fresheners, candles, aftershave lotion, products from oil-based paints, cologne, hairspray, hair gel, facial cream, sun tan lotion and deodorant.

Foods known to provoke asthma are eggs, wheat, peanuts, cow’s milk and food additive. Foods don’t always cause an immediate attack so it is often difficult to know when they are the cause. High protein foods can cause problems because when stomach acid is low, these foods can get absorbed into the blood stream and cause an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Other foods that can provoke asthma are shellfish, fish, nuts, chocolate, baked goods and food coloring. Sulfites, which are used extensively in restaurants to preserve foods are linked to asthma attacks.

People with asthma should seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional before using any alternative treatments to avoid improper therapies that can trigger attacks.

After an asthma attack drink plenty of water to loosen mucus to allow the coughing out of secretions. Drinking water throughout the day will lessen the severity of attacks when they come. Juice fasting has been found effective in ridding the body of mucus and toxins. Fasting three days per month is recommended.

A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables is recommended because they help eliminate toxins and stimulate digestion. Avoid dairy products because they increase mucus production. Animal products contain substances that increase inflammatory reactions. It is best to avoid animal meats because of the food allergens they contain. Organic, plain yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics. Probiotics help restore intestinal flora which strengthens the immune system. Studies have found that probiotics are affective in the treatment and prevention of asthma. There are several high quality probiotic supplements available at local health stores. dosage: Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1–2 capsules or 1 tsp per day.

Essential nutrients are vitamin C with bioflavonoids,(strengthens immune system) dosage: 1,000 mg three per day, increase to 4,000 mg per day during asthmatic episodes, magnesium,(relaxes muscle spasms in bronchial tubes)dosage: 500–750 mg Vitamin B12(resistant to the effects of sulfites) dosage: 1mg tablet under the tongue daily, Vitamin B6(reduces severity of attacks) and Vitamin B5(for allergy treatment) The vitamins should be taken together in a complex to avoid nutrient imbalance. dosage: 50 mg up to three times daily, Vitamin A and E protect against pollutants and ensure the proper working of mucous membranes. dosage: vitamin A - 15,000 iu daily ( do not use during pregnancy) Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols - work your way up to 600 iu over several weeks.

Herbs effective in the treatment of asthma are licorice(anti-inflammatory), curcumin,(anti-inflammatory), forskolin(bronchodilator), garlic and onion(inhibit production of leukotrienes), lobelia(relaxes bronchial muscle), mullein(anti-spasmodic and decongestant), thymus(immunity booster), echinacea(natural anti-biotic and immune system booster), astragalus(strengthens lungs and boost immunity), capsicum(improves circulation), green tea(helps open airways), inhaling peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils can help ease breathing, hyssop tea(relieves chest congestion) and elderflowers(treatment of runny nose and fever).