Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in the world, and there's no cure for it. The condition causes chest tightness, wheezing, and severe difficulty breathing. Inhalers are the current go-to treatment in the face of an asthma attack, but people with asthma could reduce the likelihood of these attacks by reducing triggers and making dietary changes.
In addition to various breathing techniques, complementary therapy includes using natural products. These products should always be combined with bronchodilator meds and cleared with your doctor.
Ginger
Ginger's phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and relax airway smooth muscle (ASM). Ginger is bronchodilating, and its polysaccharides may reduce coughing time and the length of time a person needs to be on a mechanical ventilator. In a 2020 study, ginger's bioactive component reduced allergic lung inflammation in mice.
Brew a cup of tea with fresh ginger root, or experiment with incorporating the herb into cooking.
Mustard Oil
You can use mustard seeds as a spice in cooking or heat mustard oil for applying to the chest. Topical application with one tablespoon of warm oil may reduce inflammation and provide relief, but further studies are needed to prove the benefits. Doing a patch test is always a good idea. It's worth noting that some individuals may be allergic to mustard and that pure mustard oil is banned in North America and Europe.
Figs
Figs have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat respiratory issues and eliminate phlegm. Rinse three dried figs before soaking them overnight in a small covered bowl with a bit of water. Consume the softened fruit in the morning on an empty stomach, and drink the water too.
Be aware that the sulfites in dried fruits can cause adverse reactions, so you may want to opt for fresh figs.
Garlic
Asthma is an inflammatory condition. Garlic is anti-inflammatory and has antiasthmatic properties. In a 2019 study on allergen-induced airway inflammation in mice, garlic extracts lowered inflammatory cell counts, but more research is required. Incorporating fresh garlic while cooking may be of benefit, but bear in mind that garlic can cause gas, which might put pressure on the diaphragm and affect breathing.
Coffee
Good news for coffee drinkers. Caffeine can improve airway function for approximately two to four hours after consumption. The drug's similarity to theophylline, a bronchodilator, means that it has potential for people with asthma, even if a morning cup of joe isn't as potent or fast-acting as a rescue inhaler.
Try to avoid caffeine for four hours before a lung function test, or the benefits of this compound could make the test results inaccurate.
Probiotics
Evidence suggests a link between asthma and the gut microbiome. Eating foods that promote beneficial gut bacteria may ease some asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation. Probiotics include fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, as well as kefir and kombucha.
Wherever possible, aim to get probiotics from your diet rather than supplements.
Vitamins D
Low vitamin D levels are connected to an increased asthma attack risk. Getting enough vitamin D can mean better protection against acute respiratory infections and less reliance on systemic corticosteroids. You can get vitamin D from eggs, salmon, OJ, or exposure to the sun, or you can take a supplement in the short term.
Vitamin E
A compound called tocopherol in vitamin E can reduce asthma symptoms such as wheezing. Vitamin E may also result in lower levels of mucin, which makes mucus less sticky, so it becomes easier to expel from the body.
A vitamin E supplement to reduce ozone-induced bronchoconstriction may be helpful, but including foods like almonds, hazelnuts, Swiss chard, and kale in dishes and salads sounds more delicious.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the primary compound in turmeric, is another mainstay in Eastern medicine. This root herb has anti-inflammatory effects, and curcumin, specifically, becomes more bioavailable when the golden spice is accompanied by piperine in black pepper. Turmeric can lead to less obstruction of the airways and better airflow in the lungs.
Omega-3 Oils, not Omega-6
Including more omega-3 fatty acids in a diet leads to fewer indoor air pollution-related asthma symptoms. However, omega-6s can have the opposite effect. So, eating more salmon is valuable, as is cutting down on, for example, corn oil.
Disclaimer
This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.