Asthma is a chronic, episodic illness that occurs when the passageways of the lungs spasm and constrict, causing coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing as listed by The Canadian Lung Association. The most common cause of asthma symptoms is constricting or tightening of the muscles that keep the bronchial tubes open. This can be caused by reactions to triggers such as to food, environmental and chemical allergens. Other triggers for asthma include respiratory infections, severe stress and other emotions and other factors. Asthma is commonly controlled with inhaled medications. However, there are several natural methods to treat and control bronchial asthma.
Breathing Exercises
Natural methods to control and prevent asthma include breathing exercises that help improve the function and health of the lung tissues, and improve the breathing efficiency of the muscles of the diaphragm, abdomen and chest. A study from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Australia that was published in the journal "Thorax" demonstrated that individuals with asthma who practice regular therapeutic breathing methods were able to decrease the use of prescription asthma relievers by up to 86 percent. Exercises that help to prevent bronchial asthma due to allergic sensitivity reactions include pranayma, a form of yoga; the Buteyko method, which was developed in Australia; and Chinese breathing exercises that originate from Tai Chi.
Diet Changes
Natural treatments of allergic bronchial asthma include changing the diet to decrease or eliminate foods and additives that trigger allergy sensitivity reactions in the lungs and body. Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends eliminating milk and milk products and replacing them with other calcium sources; eliminating margarine, vegetable shortening and deep-fried foods; and decreasing protein to only 10 percent of regular intake by replacing it with plant proteins. Dr. Weil advises that common asthma trigger foods such as corn, soy, sugar and wheat should be eliminated one at a time to see if asthma symptoms are reduced. Other natural suggestions include drinking plenty of water and increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and flax seed, to reduce inflammation; eating ginger and tumeric powder, which also have anti-inflammatory properties; and eating organically grown fruits and vegetables to avoid chemical pesticides as much as possible.
Warm-up Activity
Exercise can worsen allergy bronchial asthma symptoms. Dr. Weils recommends warming up slowly during exercise and including stretching in the warm-up. He also advises that the best physical activity for asthmatic individuals are sports that involve intermittent periods of rest or decreased activity such as softball, golf and tennis. This helps to better regain control of respiration during the activity. Swimming is also a preferred aerobic activity rather than running for asthmatic individuals as it helps to retrain the muscles that assist the lungs in inspiration and respiration.
