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ASTHMA
Natural Support For Asthmatic Conditions
Asthma is an allergic condition that causes constriction of the
airways with production of excessive, thick mucous in the lungs. This
combination of factors can cause everything from mild wheezing to a
life-threatening breathing difficulty. The allergic "trigger" can be
either external (pollens, food allergies) or internal (not due to an
allergen, but caused by irritating substances released by the body in
response to exercise, cold, stress). Because asthma can become
life-threatening, it is important to work with a physician. Emergency
medications may be necessary and advisable to have on hand, depending
on the cause and severity of the condition. Childhood asthma is
different from adult asthma in many respects. The following
recommendations are intended to address adult asthma.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Food allergies should be evaluated for. An elimination/challenge
diet followed by avoidance of any allergic foods, should be done.
Milk and dairy products are common allergens.
- Aerobic activity: Mild to moderate aerobic activity such as
walking, 5 times per week. This improves breathing ability and lung
capacity. Go slowly and cautiously if you have exercise-induced
asthma. Stretching and light weight lifting, especially of the upper
body, strengthens the breathing muscles and improves breathing
efficiency.
- Tobacco smoking is a definite "no." Read "Smoking .....Just the
Facts" section again.
- Minimize airborne allergen and irritant exposure. (Keep house
clean house of animal dander, molds, dust, mildew; avoid irritating
chemical and odor exposure; consider an air filter if you live in a
polluted city and your symptoms are severe.)
- Be SURE to drink 8 glasses of pure water per day. Insufficient
water will further thicken respiratory mucous, making it difficult
to expel.
- Avoid common irritant substances: aspirin and salicylate-containing
foods, sulfites (especially in beer, wine, salad bar preservatives,
MSG)
- Maintain a normal weight. Obesity increases the risk of developing
asthma.
PRIMARY SUPPORT
-
Maxi Multi:
3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of
vitamin B complex, antioxidants A,C,E, and zinc, and magnesium are
particularly important.
-
Max EPA
(Omega-3 rich fish oil): 2-4 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target
dose: 6-12 caps per day). [Note: some people who are sensitive to
aspirin may also be sensitive to fish oil. In such cases, use
flax
seed oil,
flax seed meal or
flax oil capsules
instead].
-
Vitamin C: (in addition to the 1,000mg contained in Maxi
Multi): 10mg for every pound of body weight, in divided doses.
(Example: 1 150 pound person would take an additional 1,500mg per
day).
-
Similase (digestive formula): 2 caps, 3 times per day with
meals. Incomplete digestion can cause allergy-like symptoms.
-
Magnesium: 200-400mg, 3 times per day with meals. [Target
dose: 600-1,200mg per day. Maxi Multi contains 500mg, so lower
additional doses can be taken when you are on this formula].
Flavonoids (choose one):
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
-
Immune Support: 1-2
caps, 2-3 times per day with meals.
-
Turmeric caps: For food allergy: 1 cap, 3 times per day,10
minutes before meals. For exercise-induced asthma, take 2 caps,10
minutes before exercise. Other: 1 cap, 3 times per day.
Have "Dr. Myatts
Immune Formulas" on hand and use these at
the first sign of a cold or flu.
SELF-TESTS
Low digestive efficiency, especially hydrochloric acid deficiency, is
a common finding in asthmatics. A
Gastric Acid (HCL) Self-Test
is recommended. This test is simple, inexpensive, and important to do.
DR. MYATT’S COMMENTS:
Candidiasis, increased intestinal permeability and parasites are other
possible causes. You need the help of a physician to evaluate these
additional causes, especially if your self-help measures fail to give
improvement.
With discovery of offending foods and chemicals, better immune
function and overall improved health, many cases of asthma can be
corrected. Diet appears to be very important in the control of asthma.
Remember that this can be a life-threatening condition. Work with a
physician to have an "urgent care" remedy available if needed.
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