subject: Latest Findings On Asthma [print this page] Do you or a loved one struggle with asthma? Then you need to know the latest findings on nutrition and asthma. These revealing studies provide important insights into simple things that can be done to combat this debilitating disease.
Most people with asthma have attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some people have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Either wheezing or a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last for minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow is severely restricted.
Asthma symptoms include:
Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing
Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
Wheezing, which:
Comes in episodes with symptom-free periods in between
May be worse at night or in early morning
May go away on its own
Gets better when using drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators)
Gets worse when breathing in cold air
Gets worse with exercise
Gets worse with heartburn (reflux)
Usually begins suddenly
Emergency symptoms:
Bluish color to the lips and face
Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
Extreme difficulty breathing
Rapid pulse
Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
Sweating
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in
Breathing temporarily stops
Chest pain
Tightness in the chest
Recent research has shown that the many people who suffer from asthma also have a very specific diet deficiency. In fact, this link is so strong that it directly relates to the fact an asthma attack is a combined reaction between the respiratory and immune systems.
An astonishing number of persons with asthma are also lacking in Vitamin D levels. This may be true for a variety of reasons. It's difficult to know which came first: asthma or the deficiency. Regardless, a strong connection has been identified.
One reason for this problem may be that many people are aware dairy products can increase mucus production. For those who have asthma reactions related to allergy-type triggers, staying away from dairy can be an important part of managing the disease. Unfortunately, modern diets rely heavily on the extra Vitamin D added to milk. Dairy is not the only potential culprit when it comes to reduced levels of Vitamin D. Many asthma patients have triggers for attacks due to things in the outdoor world. Pollens, dust, mold, and many more dangers often lead to asthma patients spending less time outdoors. Even for someone who really enjoys being outside, during different seasons it can literally be a life-threatening situation.
Individuals need around twenty minutes per day of exposure to sunlight. This allows the body to manufacture Vitamin D. The nutrient is difficult to get from other sources, and even if it is present many supplemental forms are hard to absorb. If you have fair skin and use a lot of sunscreen you actually want to extend the time to make sure you get enough Vitamin D.
So what can you do if you simply can't spend time in the sun due to asthma? You do have other options. One of the most important things you can do is greatly increase the presence of mushrooms in your diet. This is one of the few kinds of food you can eat that is fairly dense in Vitamin D, along with many other beneficial components.
Mushroom supplements abound if you don't actually like eating mushrooms. Highly recommended for those with asthma is Cordyceps. Use this mushroom as a supplement to increase Vitamin D. When looking for ways to address asthma beyond drugs and inhalers, be sure to work with a health care professional you trust. Even with foods and herbs, interactions are possible.
