Natural Remedies for Asthma

More than 300 million people worldwide live with asthma. While there is no cure for this chronic lung disease, it is possible to live a perfectly regular lifestyle provided you take a few precautions. While there is no permanent cure for asthma because of it being a chronic disease, there are a few asthma home remedies you can use to better manage your asthma symptoms.

These remedies work best when taken alongside your regular prescription. The best way for you to manage your asthma is to know and understand what triggers it. Once you understand this, you can better avoid any triggers or allergens. Take your medicines as prescribed. It is important you continue to take your medicines as prescribed, even when you are not feeling the symptoms. Remember, asthma is a chronic disease – you have it all the time irrespective of whether you feel the symptoms.

Use your asthma inhaler properly. There are several types of inhalers available in the market which can make finding the right one for you a difficult task. Consult your doctor to find the one that will best work for you. Remember that any inhaler you choose should be able to effectively get the medicine into your airway to reduce your symptoms.

Dietary changes. Although there is no specific diet for people with asthma, there are a few dietary changes you implement. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great source of vitamin C and E that are helpful in reducing inflammation around the airways. Also, be aware of any kind of food that triggers your symptoms to prevent any food allergy that could worsen your symptoms.

Go for annual reviews. Annual reviews are a great way to update your asthma action plan. It will help you confirm your inhaler techniques and ensure you’re consuming the right dosage to control your symptoms. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will boost your immune system and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity will help you build lung capacity, increase blood flow and keep you centered. Even 30 mins of brisk walking can do wonders for your asthma levels.

Yoga and mindfulness. Stress can trigger your asthma symptoms too. The best way to de-stress and keep those symptoms at bay is to practice yoga and mindfulness. With stretching and breathing exercises, yoga can boost your immune system and increase your overall fitness levels. Practicing mindfulness through meditation will help keep you centred and de-stressed.

Stay away from smoking. Smoking makes your asthma symptoms worse and increases the probability of an asthma attack. More so, smoking reduces the effect your asthma medication has, leaving you more prone to enhanced symptoms. Get annual flu shots. A cold or the flu can make your symptoms worse and harder to control. So, make sure you get your annual shots to reduce the risk of a severe asthma attack.

Ginger and honey. Both ginger and honey help with severe asthma by soothing the throat and reducing cough. You can mix both ginger and honey in a hot drink like tea for some instant relief. While there are no studies that prove that they help tackle symptoms of asthma, they do help in curing a cold or cough that can often lead to an asthma attack.

Omega fatty acids. Omega-3 oils come with several health benefits. Found in fish and flax seeds, they may help decrease airway inflammation and improve lung function. Since there’s quite a lot we don’t know about how omega-3 oils can help reduce symptoms of asthma, it’s best to consult your doctor before you begin the dose.