Asthma affects the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs called airways. In asthma sufferers, the airways become swollen, sore and narrowed, which means the lungs get less air. The reduced airflow into the lungs causes trouble breathing, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. Some nutritional remedies may help treat asthma, although asthma sufferers should consult a health care professional before starting any supplement program.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol, also known as pine bark extract, is a powerful antioxidant and helps to protect the body from free radical damage, according to the American Cancer Society. In a study published in a 2004 issue of the "Journal of Asthma," researchers studied the affect of pycnogenol on children between the ages of 6 and 18 years suffering from asthma. The team found that 1 mg of pycnogenol per pound of body weight daily, helped to improve asthma symptoms and the functioning of the lungs. The children who where taking pycnogenol, where also able to reduce or discontinue the use of their inhalers more than the placebo group. Asthma sufferers should consult a doctor before taking any pycnogenol supplements or reducing or discontinuing any medications.
Choline
Choline, an essential nutrient, is only produced in the body in small amounts. The majority of the body's choline is obtained from food or supplements. Good sources of choline include, milk, eggs, liver and lecithin supplements. In a study published in a 1997 issue of the "Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences," researchers studied the affect of choline on asthma patients. The researchers found that taking 1000 mg of choline three times daily helped to reduce asthma symptoms.
Beta-Carotene
Ninety percent of children with asthma have symptoms after exercise, according to Kidshealth.org. When we breathe normally, the air has time to become warm and moist before it enters the lungs. During exercise, quick, shallow breaths are taken. The main cause of exercise-induced asthma is believed to be the inhalation of cold, dry air. Beta-carotene breaks down into vitamin A in the body. Good sources include whole grains, vegetables and fruit. In a study published in a 1999 issue of the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology," researchers found that 64 mg of beta-carotene daily has a protective effect on exercise-induced asthma.
References
- American Cancer Society: Pine Bark Extract
- "Journal of Asthma": Pycnogenol as an adjunct in the management of childhood asthma: Lau BH, Riesen SK, Truong KP, et al: 2004
- Linus Pauling Institute: Choline
- "Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences": A placebo controlled trial of two dosages of LPC antagonist-choline in the management of bronchial asthma: Gupta SK, Gaur SN:1997
- KidsHealth.org: Exercise Induced Asthma
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology": Prevention of exercise-induced asthma by a natural isomer mixture of beta-carotene: Neuman I, Nahum H, Ben-Amotz A:1999
