The immune system is one of the most remarkable and complex systems within the human body. The main ‘ gates ‘ are the digestive system and the lungs.
The lungs let in air, while the nasal passages help to prevent unwanted agents from entering the lungs. Healthy, strong mucous membranes in the respiratory and digestive tract, are the first lines of defence against invaders. The respiratory system – the lungs and airways – together with the cardiovascular system is responsible for delivering oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body and then for removing carbon dioxide and returning it to the lungs to be exhaled.
In asthma, there is an intermittent narrowing of the airways causing shortness of breath as well as wheezing. If asthma is severe, just trying to breathe can cause exhaustion. Asthma is associated with exposure to allergens – substances that cause an allergic reaction.
Dietary remedies for Asthma
Antioxidants: These include fruits and vegetables and nuts containing Vitamins A and E. Vitamin A rich foods include broccoli, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, bell pepper, leafy greens, green peas, grapefruit, mango and papaya. Vitamin E foods include sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, pinenuts, avocado, turnip greens, chikoo, kiwi and red bell peppers.
These have a beneficial impact on people suffering from asthma . Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and include all the colours of the rainbow.
Fish oil: Asthma is an inflammatory condition and Omega – 3 fatty acids, found in fish and chia seeds are very useful. Cooking oils containing Omega-3 fatty acids include walnut, flaxseeds, mustard, canola, soybean and cod liver oil.
Magnesium: Most people suffering from asthma have low magnesium levels. Include foods such as green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts,
Coffee: Caffeine can help airway function, so a couple of cups of black coffee every day may be beneficial.
Ginger, turmeric and licorice root (Mulethi) : These three foods are very effective for asthma. Include ginger and turmeric in your diet and keep mulethi in your mouth. This helps ease the dryness in your throat.
Keep your stomach slightly empty: Eat less than the full capacity of your stomach. When stomach contents back up, the acid they contain may trigger the activity of nerves that effect the lungs, causing tightening of the small airways and worsening the asthma.
Note: An effective home remedy against asthma is to soak two dried figs overnight in water. Eat the figs and drink the residual water first thing in the morning.
Non – dietary remedies for Asthma
Massage: Massage the chest gently with warm sesame oil mixed with rock or pink salt. This helps to loosen the warm phlegm, which causes congestion of the chest.
Steam Inhalation: Do steam Inhalation twice a day as it helps the breathing by opening up nasal passages.
Lose weight: If you are prone to asthma attacks and are overweight, try to get rid of some weight. This will help you to increase your lung capacity.
Avoid smoking: Smoking, exposure to dusty, cold and damp air increases the risk of asthma. Avoid these conditions as much as possible.
Exercise: It might be difficult to do vigorous exercise when you have asthma, but even gentle exercise or a 10 to 15 minute walk twice a day will help. Certain yoga exercises such as forward bend, butterfly and bridge positions provide relief
Abdominal breathing: This is excellent for asthma as it maximizes air distribution in your lungs. Do this twice or thrice daily
Avoid psychological stress: Stress aggravates asthma and so try to avoid stress as much as possible.
Hope these simple tips help you to keep your asthma under control.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!