Thursday, Dec 20 2007

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Asthma - the causes and the home remedies (part 2)

By Mumtaz Khalid Ismail

More Links Preventive measures for Asthma Dietary management for Asthma Home remedies for Asthma Points to note

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition resulting from inflammation caused by allergy. An asthma attack can last for minutes or days, makes breathing difficult and may cause wheezing and coughing along with a sense of tightness over the chest to the patient. This is one of the commonest and troubles some disease seen in all age groups and races. Thanks to the increase in atmospheric pollution, incidence of this disease is on a rise.

Do

1. Encase mattress and pillow in airtight covers.
2. Sun dry bedding weekly.
3. Cockroach control measures.
4. Wet moping

Avoid

1. Big groups.
2. Using carpet at home.
3. Upholstered furniture.
4. Tobacco smoke or any other smoke.
5. Perfumes and cologne or any other strong smell.
6. Suspected food.
7. Pets of any kind.
8. Going out during mid day and evening when pollen counts are high.
9. Dusting

The meals should be small. The food should be chewed properly and eaten slowly. Foods containing vitamin B complex, antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E are good for asthmatics.

Antioxidant foods such as dark green leafy vegetable, carrots, apricots, papaya and spinach will be beneficial for asthmatics. Recent research suggest that fish like mackerel, herring, sardine and cod may help to protect asthma due to the omega 3 fatty acids which is present in the fish. It guards as an anti-inflammatory effect.

Magnesium rich foods like fish, pulses and legumes, mango, dried figs, sunflower seeds may help by relaxing the airways. People with low levels of magnesium were more prone to asthma attacks was found by a study at university of Nottingham in 1994. They should take liberal amount of fresh fruits, green vegetables and sprouted pulses.

Fried foods and high carbohydrate foods is best to be avoided. Breakfast and lunch are the best meals of the day as far as the calorie intake is concerned. Late evening meals are not advisable. Dinner should be at least two hours before going to bed. Liberal amount of water should be taken in a day. Too much spices, pickle, tea, coffee should be avoided.

1. Honey is very good for asthma. 1 tsp. of honey with water every day is helpful.
2. Mix 1-tsp. honeys with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder and have early morning or bedtime.
3. Warm 1tsp honey and add 1/4 tsp. pure turmeric powder and have twice daily.
4. 1tbsp of amla juice with 1/2 tsp. honey is also highly beneficial. It should be taken every morning during the season.
5. Steam inhalation with ajwain seeds two times daily.
6. 1tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp. asafoetida, 1tsp small onion juice, 1tbsp drumstick leaves juice. Mix all and have two times a day.
7. Drumstick leaves soup made of hand full of leaves, small onion2nos, salt, black pepper, lime juice and had steaming hot once daily is highly beneficial.
8. Crushed garlic in milk is a cure in early stages of asthma.
9. 4- 5 dry figs soaked in hot water for 8-9 hours and had in the morning. Chew properly and drink the soaked water. It gives relief by draining the phlegm.
10. Fresh ginger juice and honey can be taken 2 times daily.
11. Boil 1tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg powder in 1 glass of water and have hot.
12. Mustard oil mixed with a little camphor and turmeric powder should be massaged over the back and the chest to loosen up phlegm and ease breathing.

* Not many scientific studies are carried out on efficacy of these remedies.

1. Dinner should be light and two hours before bedtime.
2. Take plenty of green leafy vegetable, fresh fruit like papaya, figs.
3. Magnesium rich foods are helpful.
4. B complex and vitamin C rich sprouted pulses should be included in the diet.
5. Water intake should be 10 -12 glasses per day.
6. Avoid too much cold foods.
7. Avoid deep fried foods and high carbohydrates.
8. Foods containing sulphate and benzonates should be avoided.
9. Stay away from, dust, smoke, hairy pets, and pollution.
10. Avoid ground nuts, chocolates, eggs, wheat, prawns, cheese and individual allergy foods.
11. Avoid milk and milk products as they cause phlegm.
12. Include plenty of antioxidant rich food.

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