Top 5 Natural Asthma Treatment Methods

According to a survey by the Asthma Society of Ireland and Allen & Hanburys, asthma impacts one’s quality of life significantly. Asthma symptoms caused 55% patients to wake up at night, while 73% experienced some limitation in activities due to the condition.

A respiratory problem, asthma cases have been rapidly increasing due to increasing levels of environmental toxins and pollution. While traditional medicine helps reduce symptoms and provides relief temporarily, it is not without side effects. So, experts have been developing natural asthma treatment methods that result in long-term elimination of symptoms, and the frequency and progression of the condition.

Top 5 Natural Asthma Treatment Methods
Here are some effective natural asthma treatment methods:

• Diet: Diet plays an important role in preventing and curing asthma; as they say, "we are what we eat". So, some foods may alleviate asthma symptoms, while others aggravate them. Food allergies also have a big role in triggering asthma attacks. So, it is important to determine the foods that you are allergic to and eliminate them from the diet. Some foods that aggravate asthma include those containing preservatives, high salt and saturated fat and dairy products (it is important to replace dairy products with other calcium supplements). These cause inflammation in the body, aggravating asthma symptoms. Hence, asthmatics should preferably avoid red meats, egg yolks, milk, cheese, butter, shellfish, artificial sweeteners and food colors.

Foods that alleviate asthma symptoms include omega-3 fatty acids, fruit and vegetables. These foods reduce inflammation, enhance lung function and relieve symptoms. At least three to five servings of fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, apples, pineapples and green leafy vegetables, are recommended every day to alleviate asthma symptoms. Some sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids include nut oils, krill oil, algae, flaxseed and fish such as tuna, salmon and halibut. Hence, diet forms the first step in natural asthma treatment.

• Homeopathy: An alternative medicine that stimulates the body’s self-healing capabilities, homeopathy uses small doses of natural substances (from plants and animals). It boosts the immune system, thus avoiding disease recurrence. Homeopathic remedy for asthma, for instance, includes the use of pollen and weeds that help asthmatics develop resistance to the allergen.
• Yoga: A natural asthma treatment approach, yoga is based on the principle of pranayama. Pranayama teaches slow, steady breathing that not only improves fitness, but also reduces stress that is a major asthma trigger.
• Massage therapy: Professional massage focused on specific points on the arm, neck and chest helps relieve stress and enhance lung function. Massage therapy also eliminates phlegm and congestion and reduces inflammation. Children suffering from asthma are also known to experience increased peak airflow and enhanced pulmonary capabilities with 20-minute massage every night before sleep.
• Exercises: Light, aerobic exercises help in strengthening the lungs and stretching the bronchial tubes, which facilitate easy breathing. Exercise also helps reduce obesity, which is a major risk factor in developing asthma.

Natural asthma treatment focuses on adopting the right lifestyle and eating habits which help cure asthma effectively in the long-term. You can consult a qualified natural medicine expert to get help with treating asthma naturally, effectively and without side effects.