ASTHMA  

Asthma affects more than 5% of the population of the US, including children. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. A variety of 'triggers' may initiate or worsen an asthma attack, including viral respiratory infections, exercise and exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke. The physiological symptoms of asthma are a narrowing of the airways caused by edema (fluid in the intracellular tissue space) and the influx of inflammatory cells into the walls of the airways.
  Asthma is a what is known as a 'complex' heritable disease. This means that there are a number of genes that contribute towards a person's susceptibility to a disease, and in the case of asthma, chromosomes 5, 6, 11, 14, and 12 have all been implicated. The relative roles of these genes in asthma predisposition are not clear, but one of the most promising sites for investigation is on chromosome 5. Although a gene for asthma from this site has not yet been specifically identified, it is known that this region is rich in genes coding for key molecules in the inflammatory response seen in asthma, including cytokines, growth factors, and growth factor receptors.
  The search for specific asthma genes is ongoing. Assisting in this international human effort are model organisms such as mice, which have similar chromosomal architecture to our chromosome 5 site on their chromosomes 11, 13 an 18. Further study of the genes in these areas (and others) of the human genome will implicate specific genes involved in asthma and perhaps also suggest related biological pathways that play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Natural Treatments:

Most doctors use drugs, not vitamins and minerals, to treat asthma. Those who do provide nutritional therapy usually combine it with drugs and with avoiding exposure to substances that can trigger an asthma attack. These are the nutrients that some doctors recommend.

NUTRIENTS, DAILY AMOUNTS, and APPLICATIONS

• Beta-carotene or vitamin A: 25,000 international units
• Magnesium: 400 milligrams
• Niacin: 100 milligrams
• Selenium: 100 micrograms
• Vitamin B6: 50 milligrams
• Vitamin C: 500-1,000 milligrams
• Vitamin E: 800 international units
• Saw palmetto - alleviates coughs and congestion brought on by asthma, bronchitis and colds. - 160 mg

MEDICAL ALERT!

• If you have asthma, you should be under a doctor's care.
  If you're feeling well enough to reduce your dosage of asthma medication, do so only under medical supervision, experts warn. Stopping asthma drugs abruptly could lead to problems.
  If you have heart or kidney problems, you should check with your doctor before taking supplemental magnesium.
  It's a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking the amount of vitamin E recommended here. If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, you should not take vitamin E supplements.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only.   This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice.  All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.