The Rising Epidemic of Asthma
Most of us take for granted our ability to breathe easily. In fact, we probably
don't put much thought into it at all! But if you are one of the millions of
people afflicted with asthma you understand the discomfort, even the terror that
arises when your breathing is obstructed. It is estimated that between 12-14
million Americans suffer from this respiratory disorder, with one-third of those
being children, and the numbers continue to climb. Researchers believe we are
hitting epidemic proportions with the increasing number of new asthmatics. In
the past fifteen years the rates of asthma have doubled.
Some theories as to why this disease is skyrocketing out of control are thought
to be due to the increase in global pollutants, global warming, genetic
predisposition, allergens, and toxins in general.
If we take a look at Traditional Chinese Medicine, it states that the emotion
partnered with the lungs and the colon is grief. It is so apparent that our
beautiful planet has become increasingly more and more polluted. As co-habitants
of earth, this grim truth lays silent (and perhaps not so silent) in the hearts
of all of us. Our bodies are closely tied to the planet that gives us life.
Then, would it not make sense that we would feel deeply grieved as a whole?
Children, who are so innocent and perceptive, are also the most vulnerable. It
is our responsibility to raise awareness of our surroundings, and to make
choices that are environmentally friendly whenever we can.
Triggers
While there are no medically definitive causes of asthma, there are known
triggers that can induce an attack in a susceptible individual. There are two
types of asthma, allergic and non-allergic. With allergies, the main culprits
are molds, dust, feathers, cigarette smoke, animal dander, pollution, food
additives, and pollen.
Non-allergic triggers can be cold air, stress, exercise, adrenal disorders, low
blood sugar, extreme temperatures, respiratory infections, and even laughing.
For a person with asthma, inhaling or ingesting the irritant can cause a series
of events to take place in the body. The smooth muscles of the airways become
constricted, mucus secretions are increased (the body's wise way of ridding
itself of the toxins), thus plugging up the smaller air passages. With this
swelling and mucus river, air cannot pass as easily through the pipes and a
wheezing sound results. Shortness of breath, lack of oxygen, and the fear of not
being able to breathe again, can compound the severity of the asthma attack. In
extreme cases hospitalization is required. Sounds pretty scary, doesn't it?
In fact, just the other day I ran into an elderly woman who lives in my area,
and she had oxygen tubes in her nose. She had just come out of the hospital
after having been there for twelve days. She had suffered an asthma attack so
severe she almost died, and she would be on oxygen for three months.
Be sure to have Lobelia Essence and/or Homeopathic Asthma on hand at all times. When a attack is starting or in one take a dropper full every 5-10 minutes till it stops. Either will stop an attack quickly and safe your live and a trip to the hospital.
To purify the air in your home get a
Boomerang Air Sanitizer.
It removes fungus, bacteria, virus, odors and pollen.
The Colon
Let's first have a look at what I believe to be the most critical factors in
becoming well again (over the long term) as it pertains to asthma, or any lung
condition for that matter.
The health of the colon is vital! If the colon is clogged and toxic, the lungs
can also become overloaded with toxins. I know they seem a far distance from
each other, and what does one have to do with the other you might ask?
When the colon is laden with fecal matter, these poisons have nowhere to go.
Your body would prefer to eliminate them, but since it does not have the
nutrition or the vital energy required to do so, the colon hangs onto them. This
creates a backing up in the system ('up' being the key word here). The poisons
circulate throughout the system via the blood, which passes through the lungs.
The lungs are also an eliminatory organ with a job description separate from the
colon, however, they will be burdened to compensate for the insufficient waste
removal of the colon. If there is already a lung weakness, this becomes too
stressful for the lungs and they will let you know it!
An herbal colon cleanse, along with rebuilding the system through nutrition is a
must. This cleansing and rebuilding is NOT a
one-time deal either, it takes a commitment and a lifestyle change. It is
something that will have to be incorporated into your life on a regular basis.
But it is worth it! You will find that many other bothersome complaints will
disappear as an added bonus to your new-found program.
Tiao He Cleanse is
a mild 15 day cleanse that can be used long term.
CleanStart is a heavy
duty cleanse for 14 days. If you haven't cleanse before you should do this one
for 30 days, just use one package a day instead of the 2 as the directions say
and repeat every 6 months. After the colon cleanse you will want to do a
Para Cleanse. Most
everyone with problems has parasite. You can get these from the air, water or
food. Use one package for 10 days, go off 10 days and then redo for 10 days. You
should repeat once or twice a year.
Diet
Diet is also a key factor. A healthy well-rounded diet will keep your body fit
and your immune system strong. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit and lean
proteins such as fish and chicken. Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids,
such as salmon, tuna, and sardines is recommended as omega-3 is a natural
anti-inflammatory.
Decrease or eliminate dairy products as they are often, antagonistic and dairy
increases the production of mucus. Also avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated fats,
refined foods, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.
Food additives, such as sulfites, found in a lot of commercially prepared foods,
food dyes, and preservatives need to be eliminated.
It helps to know what the allergens are specifically, however, there are some
common ones that can trigger attacks: nuts, wheat, citrus, yeast, and MSG.
Onions and garlic contain a substance called quercetin which is an
anti-inflammatory that has shown to be effective in asthmatics. So eat plenty of
those, they're good for the blood too!
Small frequent meals are easier on the digestive system which is usually
compromised in an asthmatic person. This in turn will assist the colon in better
assimilation and elimination. A stomach that is too full can put pressure on the
diaphragm which can then trigger an attack. Likewise, gas-producing foods can
also apply pressure to the diaphragm which can be a trigger. Digestive enzymes
may be helpful.
Taking Control
As an asthmatic you really have to be your own detective. Keep a record of those
things that are problematic for you—what foods bother you? How do you handle
your stress? Is an attack more likely to occur at a certain time of day? If so,
why? For women, does your hormonal flux affect your asthma? Once you have
narrowed down what your triggers are, you will be able to better manage your
health, and ultimately your life.
Stress reduction techniques are advisable and have proven to be very effective
in children. Train yourself not to panic in the event of an attack, visualize a
warm sunny beach in Mexico, or eating that rich, delicious Belgium chocolate
(that you can only dream of, sorry!). Learning how to use your breath to calm
yourself, along with visualization, may work rather well in deflecting an attack
and in preventing them. The mind is an amazing tool!
Supplemental Helps
Along with proper nutrition and cleansing you will want to include supplements
to further assist you to great health. It has been found that asthmatic
sufferers can be low in certain vitamins and minerals. Among these are
vitamin
B6, vitamin C,
selenium, and
magnesium.
Pantothenic acid is excellent for the
adrenal glands, as is folic acid, since adrenals are often
under active and
require support. Remember, if you take a single B vitamin you need to take it
with a B-complex. Hydrochloric acid
(PDA) production has also been found to be lower
than normal. So again. focusing on digestion via small meals and enzymes (Food
Enzymes) will
improve your overall well being.
Herbs
Herbs are wonderful healing modality to turn to and there are many that can help
in this instance. Ginkgo
Biloba acts on the circulatory system carrying
nutrients to all parts of the body. It has anti- inflammatory and anti-allergy
properties and helps to relieve tightness in the chest.
Lobelia is a natural relaxant, which may remove obstruction and open the
airways—an important herb to have on hand. In the event of an asthma attack,
take internally with warm water. Use it as often as every 15 minutes until the
attack stops.
Mullein is an anti-spasmodic and anti- inflammatory. Mullein oil in tea or juice
is said to have an immediate effect in relieving an attack. Astragalus is a
Chinese herb that strengthens the lungs and also strengthens the immune system
at large and is a good overall tonic.
Nature's Sunshine has some great combination herbs such as the
Fenugreek & Thyme,
AL-J,
CC-A, and
Lung Support to name a few. These formulas may reduce
congestion in the lungs and help to open air passages.
Some single herbs that can be used singly or in combination with others are
licorice root (do not use licorice root if you have high blood pressure),
golden
seal, slippery elm
and echinacea.
For you coffee and tea drinkers, here's some good news. Caffeine is a relative
to the asthma drug theopylline. It actually has some beneficial properties to
the asthmatic's lungs. Taken before exercise it can reduce the chances of having
an attack, and if an attack occurs, grab that cup of java for some instant
relief.
Now speaking of exercise, yes you can do it! Thought you could get out of it,
did you? Before beginning your workout, try taking 2000 mg. Of vitamin C one
hour before. Limit your salt intake, as too much salt can trigger an exercise
induced attack.
Ginkgo Biloba is also beneficial in protecting against an attack occurring due
to exercise. Keep in mind that the above is for preventive measures, and to
assist in healing your body over time. If you happen to have an asthma attack,
get some help immediately!
But in the long term, strive toward optimum health and a future of breathing
easy. To life!
ASTHMA HOMEOPATHIC
WORKS GREAT TO STOP AN ATTACK.
Use every 5-10 minutes until the attack is gone.
Go to my personal
NATURE'S SUNSHINE site for your Personal "Health Analysis".
You may
also check on product information, ordering and become a member for FREE.
Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail:
Karen
