Asthma awareness
As the weather warms up, pollen levels increase and this can prove agonising for asthma sufferers.
Asthma has been on the rise in Australia for many years and, according to Asthma Australia, we have the dubious honour of being one of the world’s asthma hot spots. With about 10 per cent of Australians being affected by the condition and around 20 per cent of children having an attack at some stage, asthma ranks among the top ten reasons for visiting a doctor.
What causes asthma?
Asthma is a disorder that affects the airways in the lungs, and is caused by sensitivity to various allergens or irritants. The smooth muscles in the lining of the airways react to these allergens by swelling and producing greater amounts of sticky mucus. As the airways begin to tighten, it becomes harder for air to get through to the lungs. Symptoms of asthma include tightness in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath and a dry, irritating cough that becomes worse after physical activity.
There are two main types of asthma: allergic and non allergic. Two thirds of asthma sufferers have the allergic type, which is often worse during spring and summer. Allergens can include dust mites, cigarette smoke, pollens, grass clippings, animal dander, mould spores and certain foods or food additives. The non allergic type is triggered by a variety of factors, including exercise, changes in weather, emotional upsets and viral or bacterial infections.
Asthma and diet
Diet is incredibly important for asthmatics, who should consume a healthy, whole-foods diet based on lean proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables. Large amounts of saturated and animal fats should be avoided, as should dairy products that tend to increase the production of mucus. Recent research suggests that Western diets may be linked to asthmatic and allergic reactions in children, and a diet high in polyunsaturated fats (such as margarine, fried foods, omega-6 fatty acids) has been shown to double the risk of asthma. Vegan and vegetarian diets have shown benefit in some asthmatics, possibly due to the elimination of allergens and/or altered fatty-acid metabolism. A clinical trial demonstrated that a vegan diet improved symptoms of asthma in 92 per cent of participants after one year.1
Many asthmatics react to additives found in processed food, so minimising the consumption of the following food additives may be helpful:
- Preservatives (31–312, 317–320) found in margarine, dairy spreads and cooking oils.
- Benzoates (210–213) found in cordials, fruit drinks, soft drinks and dessert toppings.
- Colourings (102, 123) found in lollies, cake mix, jelly and cordial.
- MSG (621) found in instant noodles, chips, rice crackers, stock and gravy.
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (220, 221–225, 228) found in dried fruit, fruit juices, soft drinks and jam.
Some asthma sufferers may also have an intolerance to salicylates. These are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants. Foods with the highest levels of salicylates include grapes, sultanas, berries, oranges, tomatoes and pineapples. (See our article on low additive foods on page 11 of this issue).
Asthma and fatty acids
Low intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may also contribute to the occurrence of asthma, since the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids has been shown to be low in asthma sufferers. Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may be useful in relieving asthma symptoms, although not all studies have shown beneficial effects. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Essential fatty acids also help to maintain the integrity of the cell walls that help to fight invading viruses, bacteria and allergens.
Herbs for respiratory health
Herbal treatment of asthma involves the use of anticatarrhal herbs. These help the lungs eliminate phlegm, a process known as expectoration. Other herbs can be used to soothe and support this process. Some herbs have antispasmodic qualities which ease the spasm response in the muscles of the lungs, and antimicrobials are useful in preventing secondary infections. Herbs that calm the nervous system are also useful for alleviating the stress-related aspects of asthma. The following are herbs that may be helpful for respiratory allergies:
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an antispasmodic herb. It tones and soothes the mucous membranes, reduces inflammation and encourages healthy fluid production in the lungs. By encouraging mucus production, Mullein protects the membranes from absorbing allergens and encourages expectoration.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed powder soothes irritated airways and membranes, and is excellent for conditions involving excess mucus or phlegm. Fenugreek seeds contain saponins, which have dissolving and loosening properties. This may explain why they have been used to dissolve thick or hardened mucus and aid in its expulsion from the body.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic herb, especially useful for stimulating the digestive process. It has a long history of use in helping to overcome colic, gas and other digestive disturbances. Fennel appears to stimulate the lungs to eliminate phlegm, and historically, it has been used in cases of persistent coughs.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a pungent, heating aromatic along the same lines as capsicum and ginger. It also appears to have a strong stimulating effect on the respiratory membranes, encouraging them to expel mucus.
Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) contains chemicals that help inhibit the release of histamines from mast cells – the cells that respond to allergies and help defend against pathogens.
Nutritional support
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has been shown in laboratory tests to reduce the body’s inflammatory response.
Quercetin, a compound found in garlic and onion, has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity. It also inhibits the release of histamine (a protein released in an allergic response) and the hormone leukotriene. These compounds cause blood vessels to narrow and airways to constrict during asthma attacks.
Minimising exposure to allergens
As asthma is a potentially serious condition, never discontinue conventional asthma medications, such as Ventolin, without consulting your healthcare provider. Herbs, nutritional supplements and diet can greatly assist the management of asthma. See table for additional measures that will contribute to the success of these remedies.
Extra measures to manage allergens
Air filters help to eliminate many common airborne allergens including pollen, mites, mould, animal dander and dust. Make sure you clean or replace air-conditioning and heating-system filters regularly so you are not recycling dust through your home. Consider installing a negative-ion generator at home as this may help to reduce airborne allergens. Breastfeeding has been shown to help build up the natural immunities that prevent children from developing allergies. Breathing methods, such as Buteyko, are showing potential in asthma management. Clinical trials have shown that yoga greatly reduces the need for asthma medications (when using specific poses and practiced for at least 65 minutes twice a week for at least 1 year). Some studies are demonstrating hypnotherapy may be useful for alleviating asthma and allergy.