Asthma is a chronic, incurable disease that affects your breathing. An asthma attack can be triggered by many things including allergens, pollution, illness, infection, stress, and more. While we can’t cure asthma, it can be controlled, and many of the uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms can be prevented by natural means.
Developing Asthma
This medical condition usually rears its head by around age 5 in most cases. Asthma can cause shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing. This is caused by sensitivity in the airway, reducing its size and cutting the amount of oxygen getting into one’s body. Asthma attacks are usually triggered by something specific in the environment like allergens or an infection.
Doctors don’t know precisely what causes asthma. However, we can determine what commonly triggers an attack in a specific person, and work to control the illness from there.
Naturopathy and Asthma
Naturopathic medicine utilizes natural means to promote whole-body health. At Flow Natural Health Center, we balance ancient healing methods with modern medical practices to help our patients realize the healing power of nature. While we asthma can’t be cured, we utilize natural methods that work with a patient’s body to help prevent attacks and enable them to realize their potential for wellness.
We recommend that you come in and discuss your specific asthma symptoms and triggers to discover the best symptom management and attack prevention methods. Common triggers include:
- Allergies to foods, dust, pollen, pets and more.
- Anything that can cause inflammation.
- Respiratory infections.
- Cold or flu.
- Stress, depression, or panic.
Eating to Reduce Inflammation
Different people have a variety of triggers. However, improving overall health and reducing inflammation can help to prevent a serious attack. Here are a few things you can do immediately to reduce inflammation.
- Eat anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like ginger or turmeric.
- Reduce intake of animal protein and increase your vegetable/grain protein. Beans, lentils, and quinoa are great sources of vegan protein.
- Add alliums and crucifers to your diet. These include garlic, onions, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
- Swap animal fats for vegan fats like flax meal, walnuts, avocados, and pistachios.
- Include brightly colored fruits/veg and leafy green vegetables to your diet. Kale, carrots, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and oranges are great options.
- Try eating more dairy-free probiotics like kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, coconut water kefir, and sour pickles.
There are many, many dietary options that can reduce inflammation, thereby improving asthma symptoms. However, the best option for holistic asthma treatment is to make an appointment here at Flow Natural Health Care so that we can evaluate your particular health challenge, discover your triggers, and work with you to prevent contact with these triggers while benefiting your overall health.
Tags: Asthma, Asthma Triggers, Flow Natural Health Care, holistic health, Naturopathy
