Asthma medicine is the foundation of an asthma treatment plan, as well as your asthma action plan. But some people like to supplement the medicine they take with more "natural" methods of asthma control. More study is needed in this area, but some of the following treatments appear to have promise in treating asthma.
Omega Fatty Acids. According to a study done in Germany, children who had high levels of arachidonic acid in their bodies tended to be more prone to asthma. Arachidonic acid is a fat that is known to cause inflammation in the body. It is found in foods such as egg yolks, shellfish, and meat. So, the study suggests that reducing the amount of arachidonic acid in the body might prevent asthma or lessen symptoms.
One way to reduce this fatty acid is by eating less eggs, shellfish, and meat. Another is to increase our intake of beneficial fatty acids. This can be done by taking fish oil capsules, borage, or evening primrose oil.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Some studies suggest that eating fresh fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and apples, may protect against asthma.
Three Herbal "Bs". Butterbur, a perennial shrub found in Europe, Asia and North America, contains certain chemicals that are thought to reduce smooth muscle spasms and to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Bromelain is a chemical found in pineapple that is also believed to have an anti-inflammatory action. Boswellia is an herb that interferes with the chemicals called leukotrienes, which aid in the inflammatory process. These effects of all three of these herbs would be beneficial in asthma, since its hallmark symptoms arise from inflammation and tightening of smooth muscle in the airways.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies, sometimes called "alternative" treatments, are treatments that work with your traditional medical care to aid in your health. Examples of complementary therapies that may help with controlling asthma are:
- Yoga
- Biofeedback
- Buteyko "Shallow Breathing" Method
Remember, always consult with your doctor before adding any treatments, including those considered "natural," to your asthma management plan.
References
Asthma. Merck Manual. Available at: <http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec04/ch044/ch044a.html>. Accessed September 26, 2006.
Bolte G, Kompauer I, Fobker M, Cullen P, Keil U, Mutius E, Weiland SK.Fatty acids in serum cholesteryl esters in relation to asthma and lung function in children. Clin Exp Allergy. 2006 Mar;36(3):293-302.
Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Ludtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4.
Jackson CM, Lee DK, Lipworth BJ. The effects of butterbur on the histamine and allergen cutaneous response. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004 Feb;92(2):250-4.
Leukotriene Modifiers. Drug Digest. Available at: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Comparison/NewComparison/0,10621,42-5,00.html. Accessed September 26, 2006.
Mickleborough TD, Lindley MR, Ionescu AA, Fly AD. Protective effect of fish oil supplementation on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma. Chest. 2006 Jan;129(1):39-49.
National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. NIH Publication No. 97-4051, July 1997, p. 86.
Romieu I, Varraso R, Avenel V, Leynaert B, Kauffmann F, Clavel-Chapelon F. Fruit and vegetable intakes and asthma in the E3N study. Thorax. 2006 Mar;61(3):209-15.
Secor ER Jr, Carson WF 4th, Cloutier MM, Guernsey LA, Schramm CM, Wu CA, Thrall RS. Bromelain exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway disease. Cell Immunol. 2005 Sep;237(1):68-75.
