This week being Allergy week, for good reason, with the bulk of Hay fever sufferers now getting symptoms, I thought it would be appropriate to look at Asthma.
Asthma is an allergic disorder characterized by spasm of the bronchi ( the airway tubes ), swelling of the mucous lining of the lungs, and excessive production of a thick, viscous mucous. The major concern with asthma is that it can lead to respiratory failure – the inability to breathe.
The Asthma society of Ireland reckons that 470.000 people in Ireland suffer with Asthma at some time in their lives. To mark world Asthma day, the Asthma society of Ireland have launched a new booklet called “Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis” which can be downloaded from their website.
The rates of Asthma and allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) are rising rapidly, despite all the advances in medicine. The reason? No one knows for sure, but a number of factors seem to play a big factor in the rise of allergies. Increased stress, increased sugar consumption, poor nutritional diets, increased environmental chemicals, food additives and environments that are too clean (sterile).
Asthma is usually divided into two major categories; Extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic or Atopic Asthma is considered an allergic condition. Intrinsic Asthma is not associated with allergy but with a reaction to such factors such as toxic chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection and emotional upset. But both types end up with the same respiratory symptoms – breathlessness and chest tightness.
What we eat can affect Asthma. Dairy products have a tendency to produce excess mucus in the lungs, as well as, in certain individuals, an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is wise for all asthma sufferers to avoid milk and other dairy products. Sugar is very defermental to your immune systems. So avoid fizzy drinks, white bread, biscuits and cakes. Population studies have shown that children who eat fish more than once a week have one-third the risk of getting asthma as children who not eat fish regularly. Taking fish oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/30244/Eskimo-3-Fish-Oil-Lemon-Flavour-210ml/ supplements should help asthmatic children ease their symptoms.
Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/ is especially important to the health of the lungs, as it is the major antioxidant present in the lining of the airway surfaces. Vitamin C intake is directly linked with occurrence of Asthma. The higher the Vitamin C levels in any population the lower the Asthma levels. Therefore it seems that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and/or taking a vitamin C supplement will help Asthma sufferers. Take 1-2 grams of vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/ per day if you suffer either Asthma or hay fever.
Herbal remedies for the treatment of both Asthma and hay fever are really good, at getting at the root of the problem. I was just reading an article in “Positive Health” about a man with a severe allergy to cats, which grew worse as he got older. He was given Reishi Extract (Ganoderma lucidum) for 2 month, which to his surprise stopped his allergy to cats, despite exposure to a large number of cats while on holidays. I have seen in my practice and on the shop floor many cases of Asthma and hay fever getting better through the use of these mushrooms, Reishi http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/15361/Reishi-90-capsules/and Cordyceps http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/12463/Mrl-cordyceps-90tabs/, which have been used for over 2.000 years in the treatment of imbalances of the immune system.
In Japan, Reishi in clinical trials of 2.000 cases of allergy related chronic bronchitis has success rates of over 60% with 97% overall improvement – truly a magic mushroom.
Showing posts with label asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asthma. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Asthma
Asthma can stem from a combination of causes. There is often an allergic component that triggers asthmatic attacks. In some cases the cause is purely genetic while in others it may be an acquired reaction to exposure to an irritant. The state of the nervous tone of the body can also lead to bronchial spasms. In predisposed people, tension, anxiety, hyperactivity or exhaustion can cause so much stress that an asthma attack is triggered off.
The rate of asthma in the Western world is rising rapidly, especially among children. Reasons often given to explain this phenomenl rise include: increased stress on the immune system due to greater chemical pollution in the air, water and food; earlier weaning and earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; food additives; and genetic manipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenic tendencies. The latest findings link the chlorine in swimming pools with increased asthma.
It has been known for over 60 years that most asthmatics produce too little hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. In 1931, Bray showed that 80% of sufferers had below normal acid amounts and that asthma can be improved by supplementing acid intake: glutanic acid, betaine and pepsin, stomach bitters and other digestive enzyme supplements. Many asthmatics also have poor pancreatic function and inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes.
As a result, high protein food may not be digested completely and, when absorbed into the bloodstream, may evoke an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Aspirin and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs can induce asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
Following an asthma attack, drink a large amount of liquid as soon as you are able in order to encourage the coughing out of secretions. To prevent and reduce the severity of asthma attacks, make it a habit regularly throughout the day to help liquify mucus. A periodic juice fast, three days a month, helps rid the body of toxins and mucus.
A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables and free of animal products is recommended. Milk and dairy products tend to increase mucus production. Animal products produce leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammatory reactions.
Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/ is an important nutrient, as it helps to stabilise cell walls in all types of allergic response and has an anti-histamine effect. Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/further protects the body from the effects of toxins and increases resistance to infections. Taking 1g of timed release vitamin C each day can be a great help to a sufferer of asthma.
Taking the herb Astragalus in tablet http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11347/Solgar-SFP-Astragalus-Root-Extract-60-Vegicaps/ or tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ form will assist the immune system in such a way as to lessen the allergic reaction of the body. This herb is often used to treat hay fever, allergic sinusitis and asthma, as the basis of those diseases is the same as a dysfunction of the immune system.
A very useful combination of herbal juices to treat asthma is Plantain http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40314/Salus-Plantain-Plant-Juice-200ml/, Coltsfoot http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40307/Salus-Coltsfoot-Plant-Juice-200ml/ and Thymehttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40315/Salus-Thyme-Plant-Juice-200ml/ . This combination will often help the asthma sufferer by reducing the congestion of mucus in the lung as well as strengthening the lung tissue in order to ease the symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing, Prevention of chest infections in asthmatics is very important. To prevent infections, use Echinacea tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43317/Echinacea-Tincture-215ml/ at the first sign of a cold or sore throat: taking 5-10ml every couple of hours will often help to clear a cold in 12-24 hours.
The rate of asthma in the Western world is rising rapidly, especially among children. Reasons often given to explain this phenomenl rise include: increased stress on the immune system due to greater chemical pollution in the air, water and food; earlier weaning and earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; food additives; and genetic manipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenic tendencies. The latest findings link the chlorine in swimming pools with increased asthma.
It has been known for over 60 years that most asthmatics produce too little hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. In 1931, Bray showed that 80% of sufferers had below normal acid amounts and that asthma can be improved by supplementing acid intake: glutanic acid, betaine and pepsin, stomach bitters and other digestive enzyme supplements. Many asthmatics also have poor pancreatic function and inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes.
As a result, high protein food may not be digested completely and, when absorbed into the bloodstream, may evoke an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Aspirin and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs can induce asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
Following an asthma attack, drink a large amount of liquid as soon as you are able in order to encourage the coughing out of secretions. To prevent and reduce the severity of asthma attacks, make it a habit regularly throughout the day to help liquify mucus. A periodic juice fast, three days a month, helps rid the body of toxins and mucus.
A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables and free of animal products is recommended. Milk and dairy products tend to increase mucus production. Animal products produce leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammatory reactions.
Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/ is an important nutrient, as it helps to stabilise cell walls in all types of allergic response and has an anti-histamine effect. Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/further protects the body from the effects of toxins and increases resistance to infections. Taking 1g of timed release vitamin C each day can be a great help to a sufferer of asthma.
Taking the herb Astragalus in tablet http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11347/Solgar-SFP-Astragalus-Root-Extract-60-Vegicaps/ or tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ form will assist the immune system in such a way as to lessen the allergic reaction of the body. This herb is often used to treat hay fever, allergic sinusitis and asthma, as the basis of those diseases is the same as a dysfunction of the immune system.
A very useful combination of herbal juices to treat asthma is Plantain http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40314/Salus-Plantain-Plant-Juice-200ml/, Coltsfoot http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40307/Salus-Coltsfoot-Plant-Juice-200ml/ and Thymehttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40315/Salus-Thyme-Plant-Juice-200ml/ . This combination will often help the asthma sufferer by reducing the congestion of mucus in the lung as well as strengthening the lung tissue in order to ease the symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing, Prevention of chest infections in asthmatics is very important. To prevent infections, use Echinacea tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43317/Echinacea-Tincture-215ml/ at the first sign of a cold or sore throat: taking 5-10ml every couple of hours will often help to clear a cold in 12-24 hours.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Allergies
The level of allergies seems to be on the rise all the time. The levels of eczema, hay fever and asthma have risen dramatically in recent times. For example eczema now affects between 10 – 15 % of the population at some time during their lives.
Allergies are due to hyper – reactions of the body to some particular substance normally harmless to most people. The substance, which causes the allergy, is called an allergen. Some of the more common allergies to cause hay – fever or asthma are dust, pollen, animal hair and grasses. Milk, eggs, wheat and corn are frequent sources of food allergies. Metals found in costume jewellery and cosmetics are common sources of skin reactions, as well as household cleaning agents.
When an allergen comes in contact with the skin surface or a mucus membrane, such as the lining in the nose or bronchial tubes of the lungs, the immune system perceives it an enemy and triggers a series of reactions designed to fight this threat. The bodies over – reactions leading to inflammation, which tries to get rid of the allergen, but often the allergen, is very common, like dust mite dropping or pollen and the bodies immune system is put into a constant state of inflammation. Recognizing the allergic substance and eliminating it from the immediate environment is Paramount but often not practical.
Why do people get allergies? There are many reasons why a person develops an allergy. Genetic factors are high on the list, but also lifestyle can be a big factor in why a person develops an allergy. Stress, long-term illness, and poor diet can all pay a part. Allergies are becoming more common, I believe, due to the ever increasing number of chemicals in our air, water, food and clothing, which offers an extra load to our immune systems.
What can one do about allergies? A lot, I believe, can be gained by helping the immune system deal with the allergen. Optimising digestion is very important for alleviating allergies and food sensitivities. Simply removing the offending food will remove the symptom but often another substance then becomes another allergen. The only way to cure an allergy is by making the body able to digest the allergenic food (this is not true with severe allergic reactions to particular foods – anaphylactic shock type reactions). By eating lots of raw vegetables and fruits, taking digestive enzymes and chewing your food well, as well as taking a bitter before your meals can all help in improving the digestive function. Certain food combinations, such as vegetables and grain, minimize the strain on the digestive system. Incomplete digestion can reintroduce toxins into the bloodstream and cause allergic reactions.
The Omega – 3 essential fatty acids found in flax seed oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/45011/Emile-Noel-Flax-Seed-Oil-250ml/ are excellent to reduce inflammation.
Getting the immune system working well, will limit the bodies reaction to an allergen. Astragalus http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ and ginseng http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40296/Floradix-Siberian-Ginseng-Elixir-250ml/are herbs, which will arm the body against allergens. Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11208/Quest-Vitamin-C-1000mg-Timed-Release-30-Tablets/ is also very good at stabilizing cell walls and inhibiting the release of histamine after an allergic reaction. Now is the time for hay fever sufferers to start building up their immune system before the pollen starts to arrive. Late - onset asthma sufferers will help their immune systems deal with allergens by taking Cordyceps for a good number of months.
Allergies are due to hyper – reactions of the body to some particular substance normally harmless to most people. The substance, which causes the allergy, is called an allergen. Some of the more common allergies to cause hay – fever or asthma are dust, pollen, animal hair and grasses. Milk, eggs, wheat and corn are frequent sources of food allergies. Metals found in costume jewellery and cosmetics are common sources of skin reactions, as well as household cleaning agents.
When an allergen comes in contact with the skin surface or a mucus membrane, such as the lining in the nose or bronchial tubes of the lungs, the immune system perceives it an enemy and triggers a series of reactions designed to fight this threat. The bodies over – reactions leading to inflammation, which tries to get rid of the allergen, but often the allergen, is very common, like dust mite dropping or pollen and the bodies immune system is put into a constant state of inflammation. Recognizing the allergic substance and eliminating it from the immediate environment is Paramount but often not practical.
Why do people get allergies? There are many reasons why a person develops an allergy. Genetic factors are high on the list, but also lifestyle can be a big factor in why a person develops an allergy. Stress, long-term illness, and poor diet can all pay a part. Allergies are becoming more common, I believe, due to the ever increasing number of chemicals in our air, water, food and clothing, which offers an extra load to our immune systems.
What can one do about allergies? A lot, I believe, can be gained by helping the immune system deal with the allergen. Optimising digestion is very important for alleviating allergies and food sensitivities. Simply removing the offending food will remove the symptom but often another substance then becomes another allergen. The only way to cure an allergy is by making the body able to digest the allergenic food (this is not true with severe allergic reactions to particular foods – anaphylactic shock type reactions). By eating lots of raw vegetables and fruits, taking digestive enzymes and chewing your food well, as well as taking a bitter before your meals can all help in improving the digestive function. Certain food combinations, such as vegetables and grain, minimize the strain on the digestive system. Incomplete digestion can reintroduce toxins into the bloodstream and cause allergic reactions.
The Omega – 3 essential fatty acids found in flax seed oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/45011/Emile-Noel-Flax-Seed-Oil-250ml/ are excellent to reduce inflammation.
Getting the immune system working well, will limit the bodies reaction to an allergen. Astragalus http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ and ginseng http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40296/Floradix-Siberian-Ginseng-Elixir-250ml/are herbs, which will arm the body against allergens. Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11208/Quest-Vitamin-C-1000mg-Timed-Release-30-Tablets/ is also very good at stabilizing cell walls and inhibiting the release of histamine after an allergic reaction. Now is the time for hay fever sufferers to start building up their immune system before the pollen starts to arrive. Late - onset asthma sufferers will help their immune systems deal with allergens by taking Cordyceps for a good number of months.
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