Many people gasp for breath. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, over 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma. Unfortunately, it is a leading chronic disease in children. It’s a challenging condition but there are some commonsense natural strategies for breathing easier.
When asthma strikes, the airways in the lungs become inflamed. The muscles in the chest tighten, constricting airflow. Excess mucus further narrows the air passages, making it difficult to breathe. Shortness of breath and wheezing occur. Asthma attacks can be frighteningly acute, or symptoms may be more chronic and lie dormant between episodes. Fortunately, you can greatly reduce asthma symptoms naturally by addressing the root cause: inflammation.
Starting with the air we breathe it’s important to eliminate airborne toxins. Things like mold, dust mites, smoke, pet dander and pollen trigger mast cells in the airways to release histamine. Inflammation and mucus result. Indoor air purifiers are great tools for cleaning indoor air and removing these toxins.
Addressing systemic inflammation by improving gut health is one of the best ways to combat asthma. The digestive system and asthma are closely linked through the gut-lung axis, a bidirectional communication network involving the immune system, nervous system, and microbiome. Research shows that improving gut health can reduce asthma severity and improve overall respiratory function.
Acupuncture supports asthma care by addressing inflammation, supporting immune balance, and calming the nervous system, helping promote easier, more relaxed breathing.
Common food allergens like gluten, pasteurized dairy, and food chemicals irritate the body and provoke a heightened immune response. Eliminating food allergens from the diet may lower inflammation throughout the body, helping to calm the immune system.
An imbalanced microbiome – one that doesn’t have enough beneficial bacteria – can inhibit digestion and assimilation and burden the immune system. Antibiotic use, a poor diet, or birth by C-section can disrupt naturally occurring gut bacteria. You can support a healthy microbiome by eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. They contain live microorganisms (probiotics) that help populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and support healthy digestion.
A compromised intestinal barrier allows undigested proteins from food to enter the bloodstream. This is often referred to as “leaky gut”. When these particles cross from the digestive system into the blood, they trigger immune reactions and chronic inflammation. Adding bone broth to the diet may help support the gut lining and provide bioavailable minerals.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (like butter and coconut oil), and good quality meats – while avoiding sugar and processed foods – will help support and nourish the body. Ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric are all flavorful natural anti-inflammatories. To reduce asthma symptoms, eat nourishing foods and avoid those that compromise digestion.
In summary, asthma is primarily an inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system is out of balance. Reducing inflammation systemically, incorporating supportive therapies like acupuncture, and avoiding environmental triggers are natural strategies for breathing easier.
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