Improving Asthma and
Reducing Medication
through Nutrition

"Nutrients with Specific Benefits for Asthma Sufferers."

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition. Asthma difficulties cause inflammation in the airways until they eventually become permanently damaged, which makes the tissues in the airways extremely vulnerable to further inflammation. And there we have the vicious cycle which is asthma.

We know that keeping the air clean is one very important precautionary in minimizing the inflammation, but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to today's indoor air quality problems, which are at an all time high. Fortunately, a well thought-out nutritional plan can also help reduce inflammation, and therefore reducing asthma problems.

A strategic nutritional plan is especially crucial when you consider that asthmatics are more likely to be afflicted by certain nutrient deficiencies as a result of asthma medications and the stress associated with this condition. Most importantly though, there are certain nutrients that offer specific benefits for those with asthma, such as natural anti-inflamation, anti-oxidation, and anti-histaminic.

Nutrients with Specific Benefits for Asthma Sufferers.

1. Antioxidants
   Why: They defend against free radicals, which cause irritation and inflammation (common for asthmatics)
   Sources: Fresh produce (plenty of fruits and vegetables) are better than vitamin pills

2. Fish Oil (avoid if fish allergies are suspected)
   Why: Anti-inflammatory
   Sources: According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, having fish twice a week or fish oil concentrate (capsules) are your best sources.

3. Glutamine Powder
   Why: According to the J Allergy Clinic of Immunology, it is good for food allergy recovery and for those with candidiasis (such as yeast infections).
   Sources: Supplements

4. Magnesium
   Why: Asthmatics are chronically deficient of it. Helps to relax the bronchial tubes and smooth the esophagus muscle.
   Soures: Milk and other dairy products, whole grains, nuts, legumes, leafy green vegetables

5. Multivitamins with B complex (especially Vitamins B6 & B12)
   Why: Asthmatics are typically deficient of these according to Nutritional Medicine.
   Sources: Multivitamin supplements, especially those strong in B6 & B12

6. Folic Acid
   Why: Asthmatics typically deficient.
   Sources: Dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat foods, liver asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, supplements

7. N-acetylcysteine
   Why: Antioxidant that thins the bronchial mucus.
   Sources: N-acetylcysteine supplements (form of amino acid that is well-absorbed)

8. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
   Why: Helps to form antibodies.
   Sources: Eggs, fish, milk and other dairy, whole-grain cereals, white/sweet potatoes, lean beef, legumes, yeast, broccoli, capsules, and shiitake mushrooms (Japanes/Chinese delicatessen)

9. Quercetin
   Why: It is a natural anti-histamine according to the US Dept. of Agriculture. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory.
   Sources: Supplements/capsules (it is a plant extract)

Do not make changes to your medication regimen without the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.

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