Asthma occurs when the airways in the lungs become blocked to the passage of air, sometimes due to an over-production of phlegm. The muscles in the airways of the lungs can go into spasm. There may be a hereditary link that predisposes your child to developing asthma.

The Natural Approach

Natural therapies focus on strengthening the lungs, clearing phlegm, and increasing energy. There are several treatments for asthma. They should be monitored closely by a medical practitioner. I advise parents to continue use of conventional medical drugs when beginning natural therapies. Natural treatment can help to reduce the symptoms of asthma; eventually there may be a reduction in the use of drugs.

Read more about your natural medicine cabinet

Foods to Avoid

If mucous is present, limit or avoid the following foods, which can contribute to increased mucous production:

• Dairy, including cow’s milk, cream, butter, cheese
• Citrus fruits or juice
• Bananas
• Refined sugar

For general dietary guidelines, avoid processed foods, fried foods, pop, junk foods, and sugar in the diet. Children do not need these foods as they provide inadequate amounts of nutrients and can contribute to childhood obesity.

Foods to Enjoy

Are there foods that can reduce mucous? Yes! Therefore, if mucous is present, increase the following foods liberally into the diet:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Mustard
• Watercress
• Parsley
• Celery
• Lemon

For babies and toddlers, give foods that are easy to digest. Increase fruits and vegetables and avoid refined sugars! Sugar also decreases healthy immune functioning.

Supplements

Many parents are interested in the use of nutritional supplementation for their asthmatic child.There are several different types of therapies to consider, such as homeopathy or botanical medicine. Vitamin therapy is another option. These remedies are prescribed based on the symptoms of your child and presentation of other accompanying factors. Remember: it is best to seek the advice or a healthcare practitioner before trying any new supplementation with your child.

Lifestyle Factors

There may be other contributing factors that could increase the severity of asthma symptoms.

Remove from the household any items that may collect dust, especially in your child’s bedroom. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Remove stuffed animals, carpets/rugs, heavy drapery.
• Ensure weekly cleaning of bedding and pillows
• If you have a pet, do not allow the pet in the child’s bedroom.
• Put a HEPA filter in your child’s bedroom for air purification.
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and outdoor air pollution.

Read more about the health risks of air fresheners

Remember every little bit counts when it comes to the health for your child.

Image: KristyFaith

The post Asthma Treatment: How to Breathe Right Naturally appeared first on NaturallySavvy.com.

Due to the alarming rise in respiratory disease, air quality is a primary health concern. Indoor air quality can often be more hazardous than the outdoor air.

As a healthcare practitioner, it is important for me to discuss with families not only outdoor air quality but also the air quality in their home environment.

Increased Asthma

One of the greatest health impacts of air pollution is witnessed in the increased numbers of children diagnosed with asthma. Childhood asthma is the number one reason for school absenteeism.

Adults and children are being diagnosed at record numbers. Since the rates of asthma have increased exponentially worldwide, our greatest concern is now in taking measures to ensure greater air quality in the home and our environment.

What is Smog?

Smog consists of airborne particles and ground-level ozone. The particles are minute droplets (brown, white, or dark gray) that are suspended in the air.

These liquid particles of smog can remain in the air for days or weeks and pose serious health risks.

Ozone is a gas produced when air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides react and are naturally heated by the sun.

Tips for Keeping Our Air Clean

• Carpool or move closer to your workplace.
• Ride a bike to work. Or work from home at least one day per week if possible.
• Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house to provide shade in the summer and decrease use of air conditioning.
• Unplug any electronic devices that are not in use. (They still use electricity when they’re not on!)
• An electronic air filtration such as a HEPA filter in the home can help improve air quality.
• Avoid carpeting in the home and stuffed animals in the bedroom. These can be sources of dander, dust mites, and fireplace smoke.
• Practice proper breathing techniques, which can improve tissue oxygenation and lymphatic flow.
• Yoga and Qi Gong are practices that can teach about the importance of proper breathing.
• Increasing dietary antioxidants in the diet and/or by supplementation may help benefit lung function. Talk to your healthcare provider before adding any nutritional supplements to your diet.
• Avoid pets in the bedroom.
• Use environmentally-friendly household cleaners to avoid toxic fumes at home.
• Consider hiring an eco-friendly home cleaning service to assist with thorough maintenance of the home.

The key is to remember that all of these changes do not have to be made overnight. Sit down with your family and come up with a plan that works for all you.

It is our responsibility to be conscious and informed. Spread the message about clean air to others. Get involved and have fun!

Photo Credit: Kevin Dooley

The post Keeping the Air Clean for Our Health appeared first on NaturallySavvy.com.