Breathe Easy

Happy World Asthma Day!  What are you doing to celebrate?  I bought balloons, cake and inhalers for everyone! 

But really, most of us know someone afflicted with this pesky disease.  Asthma is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing restricted breathing, wheezing, etc.  It affects both children and adults and can occur as small 'flare ups' or hardcore can't-catch-my-breath-i-think-i-might-die attacks.  It can result in death in extreme cases.  Treatment varies but acute attacks are generally treated by using inhalers, which have proven to be quite effective but have also been under scrutiny for potential safety hazards.  These inhalers, often steroids have shown to have dramatic effects on the personality and have shown to often be addictive.  Both of these side effects, obviously could be potentially harmful to the brain.  For long term preventative control, conventional Western medicine would often prescribe patients suffering from asthma oral steroids.  Oral steroids pose a much bigger threat due to addictiveness and the toxicity that can result after long-term use. 

Here's the deal - au naturale.
I am not a doctor.  I am an avid researcher of health and disease.  I have seen natural remedies work miracles for people.  Don't take my word for it but rather than throw the typical disclaimer in about consulting your doctor; I am going to forego that because your doctors are the ones prescribing this shit!  Instead, consult a naturopath or holistic doctor.

Dairy does TERRIBLE things to your body.  If you have a child who suffers from asthma, even acutely, would you prefer to deal with your poor baby's attacks or would you rather cut out a food that is potentially the cause of it anyhow?  AND, from what I have observed, my guess is that if your child suffers from asthma, he or she is likely suffering from allergies too.  Cutting dairy can be a miracle.  Others allergies have disappeared in people who have cut dairy.  It does NOT do a body good.  There is a reason mom told you to avoid it when you were sick.  Why in the hell should you eat it again when you're better??  It creates mucus, inflammation, allergies, etc.  I think we owe it to our children to at least give it a shot.  Aren't they worth it??

Dr. Andrew Weil also recommends limiting your animal sourced protein, drinking plenty of water to keep respiratory fluids, well....fluid, eating mostly organic fruits and vegetables and "osteopathic manipulation, especially from a practitioner of cranial therapy, and Rolfing, a form of deep-tissue massage."

Natural News also has some ideas for herbal remedies here: http://www.naturalnews.com/035139_asthma_bronchial_tubes_lobelia.html

Ginger and turmeric are also anti-inflammatory and could prove to be beneficial in long-term prevention. 

But by all means, the healthier the immune system, the less likely your child is going to suffer from allergies, asthma, skin disorders, etc.  These have all become too common and there is something we can do about it!  Quit dairy and follow the damn rules already!  Go forth and breathe easy....  ;)