Are you looking for natural ways to improve asthma symptoms? While asthma cannot be ‘cured’ naturally, here are some tips to mitigate bothersome symptoms.

The Numbers on Asthma

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nearly 26 million (or 1 in 13) Americans struggle with asthma. Of these, nearly 5 million are children and teens under the age of 18. While no one is inherently born with asthma, genetic makeup can be a factor in early development. For example, it is reported that children are 3x more likely to develop asthma if their mother or father also struggle with it.

Pertaining to triggers, airborne irritants like pollen or dust are the most common causes of asthma flair ups. Other situations like exercise, cold weather conditions, and infections are also common triggers, of which can also result in an asthma attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, an asthma attack (also called an asthma exacerbation), is caused by inflamed and swollen airways. The muscles around the airways contract producing extra mucus in the airways, making it extremely difficult to breathe.

How is Asthma Treated?

While there are natural ways to improve asthma and the lifestyle of those who struggle with it, there is unfortunately no “end-all-be-all” cure. However, proper treatment can be extremely effective for asthma patients, helping them live a normal and active life. Before we get into natural wellness tips pertaining to asthma, here are some common treatment avenues:

• Inhalers: These are the most common medicative method of controlling asthma flair ups, which can be reactive of preventative.
• Long-term medications: For serious conditions, extensive medications such as an inhaled corticosteroid may be prescribed.
• Rescue medications: Certain medications, such as a short-acting beta agonists, help to provide relief in minutes during an asthma attack.

Natural Ways to Improve Asthma

Explore a plant-based diet

Studies have shown that a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean meats have positively benefited people with asthma. This is due to reduced inflammation in the body by reduction of foods high in saturated fat.

Working out for weight loss

While keeping trigger symptoms in mind, an exercise program geared towards weight loss has been shown to directly reduce asthma symptoms in the long run, as doing so promotes lung volume, reduces high blood pressure, and prevents diabetes.

Practicing better breathing

There are certain breathing exercises that have been shown to reduce the risk of asthma attacks and promote overall fuller breathing. Belly breathing is one of these techniques, performed by focusing on one’s own stomach through imagining an inflation/deflation of a balloon during deep breaths.

Herbs and natural supplements

Especially in the realm of asthma, it’s important to consult your doctor before making any drastic dietary changes. However, research has shown that certain herbs, as well as supplements like omega 3 fish oil and magnesium, may reduce asthma symptoms.

Improved nutrition

Overall healthy nutrition can improve asthma symptoms in the long run. Foods/nutrients like garlic, ginger, honey, natural caffeine, and vitamin C and D have been shown to reduce bodily inflammation, which triggers asthma.