Total Health Guidance

Asthma is a very serious respiratory condition that can make it difficult and sometimes even impossible for a person to breathe. It is usually caused by a combination of problems in the lungs such as increased mucus production, inflammation, or muscle spasms. The rate of asthma has significantly increased over the past 10 years.  Latest reports indicate that about 10% of children in America suffer with this disease. Various factors such as: pollution, obesity, stress, and diet all play a part in the increase.  The most common symptoms include: Difficulty breathing, couching, tightness in the chest, elevated heart rate, additional mucus, constriction of the airways, and inflammation.

A severe asthma attack will require emergency medical treatment. However, many asthma symptoms can be eliminated with proper self-care and may be kept under control with simple changes to diet and lifestyle. Common triggers that may bring on an asthma attack include: environmental and food allergies, pollution, infections, cold air, exercise, stress, and poor digestion. Diet can play a major role in preventing asthma attacks. People with asthma should consume large amounts of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, and fish. It is important to get enough essential fatty acids.  If they do not get enough in their diet they should supplement with ground flax seeds or fish oil. It is equally important to eliminate certain foods that create additional mucus and inflammation such as dairy products, refined sugar, processed food, fried food, and foods containing additives and preservatives. Other opportunities to control asthma include homeopathy, stress reduction techniques like massage, acupuncture, and use of essential oils.

The team at Total Health Guidance can support people with asthma using an integrated, holistic approach. If you or someone you know is suffering from asthma and would like to get to the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms, give us a call. For more information, please call our office at 321-332-6984.