Asthma may be one of two types: extrinsic or intrinsic.  Extrinsic is generally considered an allergy-related condition.  Intrinsic asthma is associated with such factors as chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection, and emotional upset.  The muscular spasms, together with increased mucus, are brought on by histamine produced by the body's immune system during an allergic response.  Therefore, any kind of allergen can precipitate an asthma attack.  Other common asthma triggers include pollution or smog, a drastic change in weather, a cold or an infection in the airways.

Many researchers now believe that lower magnesium uptake or a magnesium deficiency may play a role in certain types of asthma.

Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment

1.     If you smoke, stop (See “Smoking Addiction”.)  Reduce your consumption of red meat.  Avoid white flour, white sugar, table salt, processed foods, cola drinks, cold beverages, and dairy products.  Increase the fiber, such as raw fruits and vegetables, in your diet.  In general, a vegetarian diet, to which fish may be added, is best and should be emphasized.  Unless allergic to them, garlic and onions may be used liberally.

2.      Use beta-blocker and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and aspirin with caution.  Cromolyn Sodium, a histamine blocker, can help to prevent asthma attacks and is available as an oral medication or inhaler.

3.     Avoid sulfites used to preserve salads, frozen foods, baked goods, sausages beer and wines.  Sulfites such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sulfur dioxide, and MSG can all trigger a severe asthma attack in sensitive people. 

4.     Get your allergies checked.  Asthmatic patients are often particularly sensitive to animal danders, food additives and dyes, and smoke.  Once food allergies have been identified, a four-day rotation diet should be implemented for a period of not less than 4-6 weeks (See “Allergy--Foods”.)

5.     If you're and adult asthmatic, have your doctor check your hormone levels such as DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen levels.  Keeping hormone levels as near mid-range as possible helps the body to function at its optimum.  Natural hormone supplements from plants are available.  Supplementing with DHEA, an adrenal hormone precursor, may be of particular benefit. 

6.     Consider an evaluation for free radical damage from environmental pollutants such as lead, aluminum, and cadmium (See “Chelation Therapy”.)  Mercury should also be evaluated if you have amalgam fillings in your teeth.  If elevated, heavy metal detoxification therapy is indicated.

7.     Meditation, stretching, auto-suggestion tapes, and breathing exercises can help you to feel more relaxed and peaceful.  You can stop and deep breath anywhere. Do this by closing your eyes and slowly inhaling for 10 to 20 seconds.  Use your diaphragm by allowing your stomach to expand outward with each inhalation.  Hold your breath for 10 to 20 seconds.  Then, exhale by forcing your stomach inward for 10 to 20 seconds.  With each breath, allow your shoulder to droop, you jaw to drop and your body to relax.  Repeat this three times or whenever you begin to feel stress building (See “Stress”.)

8.     Heart rate variability testing, an assessment of heart rate variations, can reveal if an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system exists.  This is particularly important if an heart attack has already occurred.  The autonomic nervous system regulates our subconscious bodily functions such as breathing.  An imbalance in the ANS can now be treated with non-cognitive biofeedback (i.e., recycling of heart rate variations).

9.     Supplement with antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E to enhance immunity and neutralize the effect of free radical damage to the lungs.  B-vitamins are essential.  B12 injections have been noted to be of particular benefit in the treatment of asthma in children and the elderly.  Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seed oils are sources of prostaglandins that help to reduce inflammation.  Fish oils also have vitamin D, which can enhance calcium absorption.  The mineral Magnesium acts as a relaxant on bronchial smooth muscle and can help to stop an acute attack when given intravenously.  Green tea is useful due to its theophylline content which acts to dilate bronchial smooth muscles.

10. Herbs known to be of benefit in asthma include capsicum, ginkgo, licorice root, lobelia, ma huang, skullcap and slippery elm.  Lobelia, ma huang, or ephedra, and capsicum can all be helpful in helping to break an acute asthma attack.

11. Homeopathic remedies to consider include: Aconite (for feeling of anxiety), Arsenicum Album (for intense restlessness), Belladonna (when loud coughing and perspiration occur), Carbo Vegetabilis (if fresh air is needed), Convallaria (when marked respiratory distress and stabbing pain in the chest are present), Drosera (if asthma is severe and vomiting occurs), Ephedra (for shortness of breath), Kali Phosphoricum (for nervous exhaustion), Lobelia (if spasmodic cough is present), Natrum Sulphuricum (if worse in damp weather), Stramonium (for wheezing respirations), Yerba Santa (for asthmatic bronchitis with cough and expectoration).

12. Gentle skin detoxification through a medical spa with steam sauna, infrared sauna, and/or contrast shower.