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Nutritional Remedies for Asthma
Good nutrition is important to people who suffer from asthma, including those with food allergies. While other remedies are available that may help alleviate
the effects of asthma, asthmatics also need to watch their diets. Clinical studies have shown that obese people are more susceptible to acquiring asthma.
In one long-term clinical study involving 25 asthmatic patients, 23 reported an improvement of their condition by practicing a vegan diet. A naturopathic physician can advise you as to which kinds of foods may be beneficial to you and warn you of the dangers of foods that can increase effects of asthma. Eggs and shellfish are a common source of allergies which can increase and compound your symptoms. Wheat, chocolate, food coloring, and citrus products can also cause delayed allergies along with food additives. Citrus products, however, and other foods which have high concentrations of vitamin C have proven effective in treating asthma because they are mild antihistamines and antioxidants, which protect the mucous lining of bronchioles. Vitamin B12 has also been touted as a remedy for childhood asthmatics, particularly in sulfite sensitive patients as Vitamin B12 binds to the sulfites.
Old remedies for asthma include ephedra plants and expectorants, which modify the quantity and quality of mucous secretions in the respiratory tract. Some expectorants
include licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and grindelia (Grindelia camporum). Other herbal supplements which can reportedly reduce the effects of asthma are chamomile tea when used as an antihistamine, elderberry which reduces nasal congestion, ginger which reduces allergic reactions, green tea which opens bronchial passages, hyssop tea which relieves respiratory congestion, lobelia tincture or capsules which reduce inflammation, mullein oil which relieves coughing and helps clear bronchial tubes, and nettle, a tea that relieves respiratory problems.
Note: Some statements in this article may not be
approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and
should not be taken as professional medical advice.
