Asthma is a hypersensitivity disorder in the airways causing inflammation, increased mucus production, muscular spasm and constriction of the bronchioles. This reaction leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, hyperventilation and, in some instances, constriction of the airways all together, creating a medical emergency. Leukotrienes and prostaglandins are the main molecules in the body responsible for this inflammation. Leukotrienes are also specifically involved in bronchoconstriction and mucus production. This inflammatory hypersensitivity can be related to food and environmental allergies, vitamin deficiencies, a history of respiratory infections, and increased steroid or antibiotic use. Asthma attacks can be drastically reduced with specific foods and supplements that decrease these inflammatory molecules, offer nutritional support to the lining of the respiratory tract and alleviate bronchospasm. Eliminating allergens and mucogenic foods also play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of attacks.
Diet and Supplements
Fresh fruits and vegetables, organic and pesticide-free, can provide essential vitamins and antioxidant support to decrease inflammation and to fight free radicals in the body, as well as provide overall immune support. Fish and fish oil in the form of omega-3 essential fatty acids can lower the hyperactivity of the airways by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. According to Dr. Alan L. Miller, N.D., in his article on the treatment of asthma in "Alternative Medicine Review," these fatty acids reroute the inflammatory biochemical reactions in the body, so the end products are much less potent forms of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, decreasing hyper-reactivity in the lung tissue.
Several other items also have anti-inflammatory affects, including water, quercetin, ginger, licorice root, thea sinesis (green tea) and tumeric (which contains curcumin, a constituent primarily responsible for its anti-inflammtory action).
An increased consumption of allium-containing vegetables, such as onions and garlic, can decrease bronchospasm and inflammation by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory pathways in the cells. Decreasing or eliminating sugar from the diet decreases formation and viscosity of mucus in the respiratory tract.
Ginger also reduces platelet aggregation, acts as an antioxidant and inhibits the most powerful inflammatory pathways that synthesize prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxane. Gingko biloba inhibits platelet activating factor, a key mediator in asthma allergies and inflammation. It also acts as a bronchodilator.
Calcium/magnesium supplementation decreases smooth muscle contraction, which is especially important to decrease bronchospasm. Deficiencies in vitamin C, niacin, B6, magnesium and zinc can decrease the activity of the desired metabolic pathway of essential fatty acids, leading to an increased production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
Antioxidant Support
The antioxidants in fruit and vegetables can increase respiratory health and overall immunity. Apples, especially, and noncitrus fruits can decrease mucus production. Fruits high in vitamin C help decrease the severity of asthma symptoms. The increased fiber content in fruit can decrease inflammation systemically in the body and increase elimination of toxins.
Vitamins C and E are essential antioxidants for properly lining the airway surfaces. They can decrease the response from white blood cells that are releasing abundant inflammatory secretions, called histamines. Decreased levels of these antioxidants in the fluid lining of the lungs has been shown in asthmatics, reports Dr. Miller. Children of smokers have an increased rate of asthma, as smoke depletes respiratory vitamin C.
Eliminate Allergens
Eliminating suspected dietary allergens is the most important step in decreasing inflammation and preventing asthma attacks. The most common allergens are: eggs, dairy, wheat, nuts, shellfish and fish. Other contributing factors can be chocolate, citrus, sulfites, preservatives and food colorings. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should also consider your exposure to environmental allergens, such as smoke, pollen, mold, dust, animal dander, mites and cockroaches, that may trigger or worsen an asthma attack.
Caution
Undiagnosed asthma should not be treated with foods alone. If you suspect you have asthma or it is currently untreated, contact your health care professional to assess and properly diagnose the severity of your condition, as it may be unexpectedly life-threatening.
References
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., Michael T. Murray and Herb Joiner-Bey; 2008
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; "The Etiologies, Pathophysiology and Alternative/Complementary Treatment of Asthma"; Alan L. Miller; 2001
- Canadian Asthma Prevention Institute: Prostoglandins
- Mayo Clinic: Asthma
