Asthma

ASTHMA

Asthma is a difficulty to breathe due to inflamation and narrowing in the airways.

Narrowed airways often have increased mucous production. This can look like wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. It has been on the increase over the years for a number of reasons;

Environmental toxins – including air pollution, pesticides, herbicides, disinfectants, air fresheners, cleaning products
Food sensitivities – including additives and colourings
Gut problems – good bacteria help to regulate inﬂammation and the immune system to protect against allergy
Medications – especially antibiotics
C-section births – affecting the gut microbiome

Conventional approach

Asthma is diagnosed by the GP using a breath test to measure how much air your lungs can hold. You will be then prescribed an inhaler to either help alleviate symptoms as they occur or as a preventative. Some contain steroids that suppress the body’s immune response.

Things you can do:

Do an elimination diet to get rid of the most common food allergens. Gluten and dairy are the biggest culprits
Look for other causes that could trigger your asthma like pesticides, chemicals in your environment like air fresheners and mold.
Take probiotics.
Address nutritional deﬁciencies like selenium, magnesium vitamin C and vitamin D and Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Support your immune system regulation with plenty of green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow foods.

What can Functional Medicine do to support?

Use functional testing to identify trigger foods that may be causing your asthma.
Supporting your gut microbiome health to regulate your immune system.
Supporting lifestyle changes that help with managing asthma symptoms.
Using the diet and supplementation to reduce inflammation.