Any asthma sufferer knows how difficult it is to function sometimes, especially when asthma symptoms make even the simplest of chores and functions difficult. In addition to regular asthma medication, your doctor may also prescribe various vitamin and mineral supplements in conjunction with basic asthma treatment procedures.
Asthma is a common respiratory disease that is found in adults and children of all ages, socioeconomic areas and races. It causes airways and the tubes leading to the lungs to become irritated, inflamed, and clogged with mucous that makes it difficult to breathe. While the condition can occur in anyone, children and teenagers are most susceptible to the coughing, wheezing and tight chests that characterize asthma symptoms.
There are several factors that may contribute to asthma, including:
1. Increased air pollution, especially in large cities
2. Genetics and Heredity Factors
3. Allergies to Food additives
4. Toxins
Despite the advancements in medicine, there is very little doctors can do to ease asthma symptoms in children or young adults, and most prescribed drugs are limited in both their scope and their long-term asthma treatment benefits.
Studies performed in the past two decades have shown that natural herbs and vitamin and mineral supplements may provide some relief from asthma symptoms and enhance currently practiced methods of asthma treatment.
For example, several vitamins and minerals are known to produce anti-inflammatory effects in the body as well as addressing the special chemical needs of asthma patients. Some of the more common supplements used in asthma treatment are:
- Vitamin C
- Ginseng
- Licorice
- Magnesium
Licorice has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory properties. Keep in mind however, that wild licorice can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, as well as other unwanted side effects, so take only as directed, whether picking it fresh and preparing it or in already bottled form. Make sure you know the difference between the concentrated extract forms and capsules, and use under the direction of your physician.
No one can dispute the benefits of Vitamin C for a multitude of purposes, and for use in asthma treatment or the relief of asthma symptoms it serves as an anti-inflammatory, as well as antioxidant. Studies have shown that children who ingest fruits high in Vitamin C and supplements have less wheezing, a primary, and quite unpleasant, asthma symptom.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body needs to create adequate nerve and muscle function. Since magnesium levels are rather low in asthmatics, taking magnesium supplements aids lung function and helps to prevent asthma attacks by suppressing bronchial passage spasms.
Many natural vitamins and supplements help the body to function properly and maintain optimal working conditions, and ginseng is another natural product that does just that. Ginseng has been used in Japan for centuries for the relief of asthma symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Whether suffering from asthma symptoms or are seeking additional methods for asthma treatment, don't overlook the bounty of nature. Always read and research any product, even those found in nature, before putting them into your body. Asthma treatment is a constantly growing field, and when suffering from asthma symptoms, it's best to take advantage of any relief that can be found, both at your doctor's office, and your natural vitamins and minerals store.
