ASTHMA...Then and NOW
When I was in medical school, I was taught that the main problem in asthma was something called bronchoconstriction, the tightening of the small airways or bronchial tubes needed for normal breathing. The primary treatment offered was medication to dilate those airways. The current concept or theory of asthma is very different. It is now seen as an inflammatory disorder of the airways, with bronchoconstriction secondary to the irritation caused by the inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs, like inhaled steroids for example, are now considered to be standard of care and the mainstays of treatment. Asthma is increasing in frequency all over the world.
Asthma has typically been divided into two categories, extrinsic and intrinsic types. Extrinsic asthma is generally considered an allergy related condition. Intrinsic asthma type is associated with a bronchial reaction that is due to such factors as chemicals, cigarette smoking, dust, cold air, exercize, infection, and becoming emotionally upset.
I believe without question that diet influences inflammation. The food choices we make can determine whether we are in a pro-inflammatory state or an anti-inflammatory one. In the former, abnormal inflammation is more likely, as are all the diseases associated with it, including asthma. In the latter case, normal inflammation is not affected, that is, the body's healing response to infection is as it should be.
So, if you or someone you know suffers with asthma or some type of restrictive airway condition, consider all possibilities: evaluate your diet ( certain foods like the nightshade plants for example, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplants ) may produce the pro-inflammatory response I mentioned above. Milk and dairy products can be a major problem for children with asthma as they increase mucus production which can further inhibit free breathing. Again, many children have food allergies and are allergic to dairy products.
Evaluate your lifestyle and environment at work, school and play, as it may be contributing to some of your asthmatic or allergy type symptoms...and read on.
Knowing The Facts About Asthma
It is an obvious statement to say, "asthma is on the rise." If you know anyone with children or have children yourself, you probably know of a child with asthma. “6.3 million children under 18 report having asthma.” Now, let’s look at some statistics that may surprise you:
20.3 million Americans report having asthma.
There are more than 5,000 deaths from asthma annually.
More than 14 million school days are missed annually due to asthma.
Asthma accounts for approximately 14.5 million missed workdays for adults annually.
The American Chiropractor – January 2006 So we know it is a serious concern for Americans, but do we really know what it is? And why is it on the rise? Also, what can we do about it from a nutritional standpoint? Those are questions that I will answer for you.
Asthma is a disease in the lungs where the bronchial tubes constrict reducing the airflow in and out of the lungs. This happens in a number of ways: the smooth muscles around the tubes tighten, the tubes themselves swell and inflame, and an accumulation of mucus as well as other fluids build up and obstruct the airways. There are specific triggers that set off this overreaction or overstimulation of the airways. This is sometimes called “reactive airway disease.” The various triggers consist of allergens like certain foods, animal dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, feathers, food additives, mold, tobacco, etc. and also nonallergenic triggers like adrenal disorders, anxiety, extreme temperature and weather changes, exercise, laughing, infections, etc.
As for answering the question, “Why is it on the rise?” That is yet to be determined. We do know that asthma is an inherited condition and so are allergies. Therefore, as our population grows so will the number of Americans who have this disease. Here comes another very obvious statement, "pollution is on the rise." “The US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels.” www.cia.gov
"Give me some good news," you say. Even though preventative and emergency medications may be necessary for those who suffer from asthma, certain nutrients are known to help reduce the amount of medication needed. Vitamin C is known to limit inflammatory responses, fight against possible infections and also helps keep airways open if taken before exercise. Vitamin B6 is known to help decrease the asthmatic wheeze and is also needed for those taking medications containing theophylline. Vitamin B12 also helps to decrease inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Magnesium, fatty acids and L-Glutamine are other important nutrients that are thought to help minimize asthmatic symptoms.
Växa products that we suggest for those who suffer from asthma are: Aller-Sine, Vitamin C, Omegacin, Anti Oxin and Immune-Aid. All of these products have the above ingredients and more! The combination is sure to help with all aspects of asthma as well as improve overall health. Do be cautious if you are allergic to rag weed, some of the herbs in Aller-Sine and Immune-Aid may also cause said allergies. Also on that note, if your asthma is due to an allergy, do your best to single out the specific allergy and if it is something that can be eliminated from your diet or surroundings (as in a pet or dust), then you can omit the problem ahead of time.
Asthma has typically been divided into two categories, extrinsic and intrinsic types. Extrinsic asthma is generally considered an allergy related condition. Intrinsic asthma type is associated with a bronchial reaction that is due to such factors as chemicals, cigarette smoking, dust, cold air, exercize, infection, and becoming emotionally upset.
I believe without question that diet influences inflammation. The food choices we make can determine whether we are in a pro-inflammatory state or an anti-inflammatory one. In the former, abnormal inflammation is more likely, as are all the diseases associated with it, including asthma. In the latter case, normal inflammation is not affected, that is, the body's healing response to infection is as it should be.
So, if you or someone you know suffers with asthma or some type of restrictive airway condition, consider all possibilities: evaluate your diet ( certain foods like the nightshade plants for example, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplants ) may produce the pro-inflammatory response I mentioned above. Milk and dairy products can be a major problem for children with asthma as they increase mucus production which can further inhibit free breathing. Again, many children have food allergies and are allergic to dairy products.
Evaluate your lifestyle and environment at work, school and play, as it may be contributing to some of your asthmatic or allergy type symptoms...and read on.
Knowing The Facts About Asthma
It is an obvious statement to say, "asthma is on the rise." If you know anyone with children or have children yourself, you probably know of a child with asthma. “6.3 million children under 18 report having asthma.” Now, let’s look at some statistics that may surprise you:
20.3 million Americans report having asthma.
There are more than 5,000 deaths from asthma annually.
More than 14 million school days are missed annually due to asthma.
Asthma accounts for approximately 14.5 million missed workdays for adults annually.
The American Chiropractor – January 2006 So we know it is a serious concern for Americans, but do we really know what it is? And why is it on the rise? Also, what can we do about it from a nutritional standpoint? Those are questions that I will answer for you.
Asthma is a disease in the lungs where the bronchial tubes constrict reducing the airflow in and out of the lungs. This happens in a number of ways: the smooth muscles around the tubes tighten, the tubes themselves swell and inflame, and an accumulation of mucus as well as other fluids build up and obstruct the airways. There are specific triggers that set off this overreaction or overstimulation of the airways. This is sometimes called “reactive airway disease.” The various triggers consist of allergens like certain foods, animal dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, feathers, food additives, mold, tobacco, etc. and also nonallergenic triggers like adrenal disorders, anxiety, extreme temperature and weather changes, exercise, laughing, infections, etc.
As for answering the question, “Why is it on the rise?” That is yet to be determined. We do know that asthma is an inherited condition and so are allergies. Therefore, as our population grows so will the number of Americans who have this disease. Here comes another very obvious statement, "pollution is on the rise." “The US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels.” www.cia.gov
"Give me some good news," you say. Even though preventative and emergency medications may be necessary for those who suffer from asthma, certain nutrients are known to help reduce the amount of medication needed. Vitamin C is known to limit inflammatory responses, fight against possible infections and also helps keep airways open if taken before exercise. Vitamin B6 is known to help decrease the asthmatic wheeze and is also needed for those taking medications containing theophylline. Vitamin B12 also helps to decrease inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Magnesium, fatty acids and L-Glutamine are other important nutrients that are thought to help minimize asthmatic symptoms.
Växa products that we suggest for those who suffer from asthma are: Aller-Sine, Vitamin C, Omegacin, Anti Oxin and Immune-Aid. All of these products have the above ingredients and more! The combination is sure to help with all aspects of asthma as well as improve overall health. Do be cautious if you are allergic to rag weed, some of the herbs in Aller-Sine and Immune-Aid may also cause said allergies. Also on that note, if your asthma is due to an allergy, do your best to single out the specific allergy and if it is something that can be eliminated from your diet or surroundings (as in a pet or dust), then you can omit the problem ahead of time.
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