There it is again. You can feel your chest tighten as your airways constrict. As you start to wheeze and cough, you reach for your bronchodilator, and wish there was a cure. Or even a better way of managing your symptoms. A natural way of reducing your asthma symptoms. Sound familiar? With these natural asthma remedies, it might be.
CAUSES OF ASTHMA
An asthma attack happens because the body’s immune system is on the defensive. It senses a threat from an external source, and swings into action. It fails to distinguish between real and imaginary threats, and picks fights with harmless foreign proteins, as well as genuine invaders. Other things can also set it off, from chemicals and other toxins to exercise and changes in air temperature.
During an asthma attack, the muscles around your airways tighten in what’s known as a bronchospasm. Inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the airways causes them to swell or become irritated, and mucous production swings into overdrive. The mucous produced is thicker and more abundant, and these three factors – mucous production, inflammation, and the bronchospasm – cause the symptoms of an asthma attack.
ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
- Wheezing (includes breaths in and out)
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Coughing that won’t stop
- Rapid breathing
- Sweaty, pale skin
- Blue tinge to lips and fingernails
- Feelings of panic and anxiety
Fortunately, in the majority of cases, asthma attacks are mild, and breathing returns to normal within a few minutes to a few hours, but in the case of a severe attack, it is vital to seek urgent medical attention.
ASTHMA TRIGGERS
Asthma triggers vary from person to person, but common triggers include allergens such as plant pollens, mould, animal dander, cockroach droppings, and dust mites. Allergenic foods and food additives are another common source of asthma. These include dairy food, wheat, some nuts, certain fruits, and some fish and crustaceans. Some medications can also trigger asthma, as can strenuous exercise.
MANAGING SYMPTOMS
While there are no known cures for asthma, the symptoms can be reduced through lifestyle management, avoiding triggers, and a good asthma management plan.
There are also a number of natural asthma remedies that can help in the long term if taken regularly. Think of them as an extra tool in your asthma management toolbox, to be used alongside your current asthma management plan. Although they may not work for everyone, most have few or no known side effects, and they are certainly worth a try, especially if you are interested in harnessing your body’s own natural healing powers.
TOP 5 NATURAL ANTI – INFLAMMATORIES
QUERCETIN
Found naturally in apples and onions, this powerful bioflavonoid (related to the better known rutin) packs a punch when it comes to allergic asthma and other allergic conditions. Although not as well known as some of the other natural asthma remedies, it is one of the most useful.
When allergens enter the bloodstream, an immune response is triggered, producing an allergic antibody called IgE. The IgE molecules then combine with basophils (a type of white blood cell) and mast cells (which line the walls of many blood vessels). These are the main storage sites for histamines and serotonin. Once inside these cells, the IgE punctures the cell membranes, causing the histamines and serotonin to leak into the bloodstream. With histamines now on the loose, the allergic reaction occurs – sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, swollen, runny nose, skin blotches, and asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Quercetin works by stabilizing the membranes of mast cells and basophils. It helps to prevent them from releasing their pro – inflammatory load of histamines and serotonin into the bloodstream, keeping the immune system calm, and symptoms at bay.
Quercetin also inhibits the formation of leukotrienes (an inflammatory substance produced by white blood cells and other immune cells), which cause asthmatic symptoms. It works even when the IgE antibodies are present in the lungs (due to inhaled or ingested allergens) and would normally trigger the formation and release of leukotrienes, leading to an attack.
Quercetin is not well absorbed by the body, so its use is recommended with bromelain, (which itself is a powerful anti – inflammatory), in order to improve absorption.
Quercetin has no known side effects, and many practitioners recommend a daily dose of 1000 – 2000 mg.
BROMELAIN
Found in pineapples, the bromelain extract is made by grinding up the stem and juice of the pineapple. Like protease and lipase, it is a natural enzyme that digests proteins. It works in conjunction with quercetin by enabling your body to absorb more of the quercetin you consume.
It also has anti – inflammatory properties of its own, most notably its ability to reduce the swelling caused by inflammation. Scientists believe that it functions by limiting the pro – inflammatory metabolites that cause inflammation, and it is regarded as one of the best natural asthma remedies.
Quercetin and bromelain work well together because quercetin suppresses the histamine response, and reduces the damage caused by free radicals, and bromelain works on an enzyme level to reduce the activity of metabolites (small molecules that are a by – product of metabolism) and neutrophils ( a type of white blood cell), both of which cause an inflammatory response.
Side Effects Of Bromelain
Bromelain can have side effects, and although these are rare, they need to be kept in mind.
- Bromelain can cause heartburn if taken on an empty stomach. If this occurs, you can try taking it with food, or reduce the dosage.
- Bromelain can also cause an increased heart rate. Although this is rare, use caution when taking it if you have a heart condition or heart disease. It is recommended that you check with your doctor first.
There is no standard dosage for bromelain, as it varies according to a person’s condition. Check with a healthcare provider first if you are uncertain about it.
SERRAPEPTASE
Serrapeptase is an enzyme used by the silkworm to break down its cocoon prior to emerging as an adult moth. This ability also makes it useful in breaking down troublesome human tissue, such as scar tissue, necrotic tissue, embolisms, abnormal mucous membranes, cysts, and arterial plaque.
As a relief for bronchial asthma symptoms, it works by breaking down leukocytes and excess mucous, allowing them to be expelled from the body. With the airways clear, lung function and capacity is improved, and the body can begin to heal the damage. It also works as an analgesic, blocking pain receptors in damaged tissue.
There are no known side effects for serrapeptase. The dosage varies by condition, but supplements are commonly sold in units of 80 000 IU and 250 ooo IU. It must be taken 30 minutes to an hour before a meal, as it needs to pass through an empty stomach to the intestines in order to be absorbed adequately.
CURCUMIN
Curcumin, a phytochemical, is the yellow pigment that give turmeric its colour. Its botanical name is curcuma longa, and it is a member of the same family as ginger. It is a powerhouse in the natural world, with anti – cancer, antiviral, antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. It is a widely used dietary spice in many parts of the world, and studies have shown its potential in the prevention of asthma, and treatment of asthma symptoms. It too is one of the best natural asthma remedies.
Curcumin works in two ways to control asthma. As an anti – inflammatory, it lowers the levels of COX-2 and LOX, two inflammatory enzymes that can trigger the symptoms of asthma. As an antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals that damage cell membranes, causing further inflammation. As a natural leukotriene inhibitor, it is useful for allergies as well as asthma, and in particular, it is helpful for cases of bronchial asthma. It is also helpful as an expectorant (aiding the lungs to get rid of excess mucous).
As curcumin is not well absorbed by the body, there are a couple of ways to maximize its effectiveness. It is oil soluble, so if taking it as a supplement, take it in conjunction with with some kind of oil, such as an omega-3 supplement. Black pepper increases its bioavailability, so make sure your supplement contains a black pepper extract (sometimes known as piperine, or a patented name). If using turmeric as a cooking spice, heating it with some oil and adding black pepper will make it more readily absorbed by the body.
Side Effects
Side effects of turmeric are rare, but caution is advised if you are pregnant. It can also cause nausea or diarrhoea if taken in large doses, and on rare occasions, is suspected of causing gall bladder problems and slow blood clotting in some people. As with other natural asthma remedies, use it in moderation, and you should have no problems.
GINGER
Ginger root is not only a tasty addition to cooking. It is also one of the greats in the world of natural anti – inflammatories and antioxidants. In some cases, it is also helpful for pain relief, and is perhaps best known for its ability to treat nausea. Less is known about its use as one of the natural asthma remedies.
Ginger’s useful compounds include gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones. These contain powerful properties as anti – inflammatories and analgesics, and it is believed that they work in a way that is similar to non – steroidal anti – inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). It is believed that these ginger compounds actually enhance the effects of NSAIDS when the two are taken in conjunction.
Ginger has dual functions. It works by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes that cause the symptoms of asthma, and as a bronchodilator by activating enzymes that promote the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the airways. Studies have shown that it works well in conjunction with conventional bronchodilators used by asthmatics when attacks occur. This is promising as a safe alternative to drugs currently available, as these can have serious side effects. However, more research needs to be conducted.
For now, ginger remains one of the safe natural asthma remedies. With no known side effects, and readily available, it can be used fresh, as a tea, or taken as a supplement.
A WORD OF CAUTION
Sometimes it is tempting to think that more is better, but that is not always the case. It can also be tempting to believe that natural remedies are harmless, and therefore you can’t have too much of a good thing.
Taking too many antioxidants at once (especially bioflavonoids such as quercetin) can result in a pro – oxidant effect, especially when combined with vitamin C. This can actually cause inflammation, particularly in the joints. As with all supplements and medications, moderation and a balanced approach is the key to success.
HEAL YOUR BODY USING NATURAL ASTHMA REMEDIES
Asthma can be debilitating, especially for those who suffer with it on a daily basis. However, the body is designed to heal itself, given the right conditions, and utilizing some of these top natural asthma remedies gives it the best possible chance. Reducing (even eliminating) your asthma symptoms naturally IS possible. Use a common sense approach, educate yourself, and give the process enough time. Be flexible, and willing to experiment with what works for you. A future with less asthma is surely a worthy goal.