Asthma is a traumatic and life-threatening condition that affects millions of people and kills approximately 4,000 in the U.S. each year. Because of the severity of the physical and emotional effects of the problem, many sufferers seek additional help beyond what their doctors recommend. While many alternative medicine treatments proliferate, the Mayo Clinic has identified a number of natural remedies that have some evidence to support their claims.
Eat Certain Foods
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which boost the immune system, and may improve lung functions and decrease asthma symptoms. Treating asthma with diet is best done by getting nutrients from whole foods, rather than supplements. Vitamins and minerals offer work better in combination with their naturally occurring complements than separately. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce lung inflammation and other symptoms. They can be found in high-fat fish such as salmon, nuts including almonds and Brazil nuts, flaxseed and certain oils.
Avoid Certain Foods
Some foods may exacerbate the symptoms of asthma, including foods high in saturated fat (e.g., red meat), salty foods, additives, preservatives and artificial sweeteners and dairy products. Sodium may trigger attacks by stimulating the immune system response related to asthma, while dairy products can increase the production of mucus.
Add Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular function, including strengthening the lungs. Exercise can trigger an asthma attack, especially if performed in cold weather, so check with a physician before beginning an exercise program. Start slowly and build up your heart rate as you gauge the effects of your exercise.
Herbs
Healers have used herbs to treat asthma for thousands of years. Still used in many countries, herbal remedies that have the best reputation for improving asthma symptoms include butterbur, ginkgo extract, dried ivy, choline, French maritime pine bark extract, tylophora indica and Indian frankincense.
Breathing Exercises
In order to decrease the amount of medicine necessary to treat asthma, as well as to reduce the symptoms, you may consider a regimen of breathing exercises, including the Buteyko technique (focuses on breathing less and stress reduction); the Papworth method (focuses on deep breathing, using the nose and diaphragm); and yoga exercises (focuses on slow, steady breathing and stress reduction).
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