Asthma

Question 1

Definition of Asthma

Answer 1

Hypersensitivity disorder associated with bronchial spasm, excess mucous secretion, breathing distress

Question 2

Intrinsic Asthma

Answer 2

Bronchial reaction not due to allergy
Linked to toxic chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection, emotional upset
caused by deranged autonomic response (ANS)

Question 3

Extrinsic Asthma

Answer 3

Considered an allergic reaction mediated by IgE antibodies
Upon trigger:
release of chemicals from mast cells (histamine + leukotrienes)
Results in inflammation and symptoms

Question 4

Digestive Causes of Asthma

Answer 4

Low stomach acid
Candida overgrowth - increases antigen load on immune system - which leads to decreased clearance of immune complexes and undigested protein fragments
Antibiotic use - promotes negative intestinal bacteria

Question 5

Dietary Causes of Asthma

Answer 5

Food additives - yellow die increase leukotriene levels
Benzoate - may cause asthma attacks
Sulfur dioxide, sulfite food additives - may cause attacks with some people
Food allergens - eliminating these lowers threshold for asthma

Question 6

Asthma & Dehydration

Answer 6

lungs are a major site of water loss

Histamine released as drought management role to constrict airways and preserve water

Question 7

Nutrient Deficiencies Associated with Asthma

Answer 7

Molybdenum - detoxifies sulfites
Vitamin B6 - shown to decrease episodes of wheezing, may be depleted by asthma meds
Vitamin C - major antioxidant in fluid protecting airway surfaces
Lowers histamine levels, increase histamine detoxification

Question 8

Other Causes of Asthma

Answer 8

environmental toxins, adrenal insufficiency, TH2 immune dominance, early weaning, excessive hygiene, vaccinations, aspirin, NSAIDs

Question 9

Nutrients to Treat Asthma

Answer 9

Flavonoids
quercetin, grapeseed, pine bark, green tea, ginkgo biloba
Prevents release of pro-inflammatory compounds
Carotenes
may increase integrity of epithelial lining of lungs, decrease leukotriene production
Selenium
required for production of glutathione peroxidase, this inhibits leukotriene production
B12
decreases asthma incidence, especially in sulphite-sensitive people
Magnesium
releases smooth muscle (in bronchials)
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
helps decrease airway reactivity
Levels inversely related to upper respiratory tract infections
Vitamin E
important antioxidant, deficiency associated with poor asthma control