Using Vitamins and Supplements to Treat Your Asthma

There are more than 10 milllion people who have been diagnosed with asthma, and that's just in the United States. Some medical experts actually believe that asthma has reached epidemic proportions due to it's pervasiveness.

Toxic chemicals and pollution in the environment are the primary contributors to the development of this disease. There is an increase in the number of people dying from asthma, mostly because the warning signs are being ignored.

During an asthma attack, the airways in the lungs will begin to swell and develop mucus secretions. They will eventually begin to spasm. It becomes harder to breathe as the airways become narrower. The most common symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, congestion, fever, pain and dry mouth.

An attack can be caused by almost anything. The most common trigger of an attack are allergies, and other causes include stress, a poor diet, overexertion, or a respiratory infection.

Many attacks are a result of contact with irritants like pollen, gas odors, smoke, and exhaust fumes. An attack can also be brought on by certain foods such as peanuts, corn, dairy or chocolate. They can also be induced when you take antibiotics, tranquilizers or hormone therapy.

There are a number of herbal, mineral and vitamin supplements that can be used as treatments for asthma. The most important of these is Vitamin B. Not only can it decrease the severity of an attack but it preserves the biochemical equilibrium in your body.

Vitamins A and E used together are particularly effective at protecting your lungs from the effects of environmental pollutants. As well, big dosages of Vitamin C are highly successful in combating asthma.

Gingko biloba is also a useful treatment to improve breathing and ease bronchial responses. Odorless garlic is also a good alternative. The anti-inflammatory properties of this supplement decrease the risk of an asthma attack.

If you think you might have asthma, see your doctor right away to get tested. Until then, eat a diet high in protein with lots of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits. And steer clear of known triggers.

An asthma attack can be a stressful experience, however there are always ways to defend against it and keep it from negatively impacting your life. If your doctor diagnoses you with asthma, ask questions and seek advice on what you ought to be doing.

You can sometimes help to avoid an asthma attack by using natural products like vitamins and nutritional supplements. There's no reason to avoid enjoying your usual activities. It can often be managed successfully although it might slow you down somewhat.