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 James McNabb, M.D., C.N. |
Asthma, Allergies and Natural Preventatives
(Part II)
If you have ever seen someone in status asthmaticus, you know what a frightening thing it is. Indeed it is. It is not that uncommon for asthmatics to die while in the emergency department, surrounded by all of our medical marvels. Our current treatments obviously need backup support.
Recommendations for Treating Asthma
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has long been known for helping arthritis and its associated pain. What is less well known is how well it helps allergies. A recent study showed that it will even help in status asthmaticus given in the range of 6 grams three times a day. MSM by itself does not taste good. I recommend MSM Raspberry Powder, three tablespoons as a better tasting alternative. It is sweetened with xylitol, a reduced calorie sugar. Once the asthma crisis is past, a maintenance dose of 1 to 2 teaspoons daily is recommended.
It is important for allergic patients to take Vitamin C with all the bioflavanoids in addition. A major consideration in asthmatics is the prevalence of infections in the lung due to the constricted bronchioles. Vitamin C acts in two important ways here. First, Vitamin C is a central part of the cells antioxidant chain, keeping free radicals from harming the cell. Secondly, Vitamin C helps white blood cells kill viruses and bacteria. Aller-C twice daily is recommended.
Quercetin, a natural antihistamine found naturally in apples, onions, and garlic is very effective against allergic disease. Nettles reduce inflammation by suppressing the release inflammatory cytokines. Quercetin with Nettles 1 capsule daily is thus helpful in allergic disease.
Curcumin or tumeric, the spice of curry, is another very good natural anti-inflammatory compound. In addition, it has the property of reducing mucus, especially important in asthmatics. A German study on 40 asthmatics showed that those treated with Boswellia improved markedly over the control group (Gupta et al., 1998). Bromelain, derived from pineapples, not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but also has the ability to dissolve mucus. I used to recommend quercetin, curcumin, boswellia and bromelain separately. I now recommend a product called BCQ,which contains all four. I usually tell patients that supplements do not act like pharmaceuticals in that they typically take time to exert their effects. BCQ is an exception. Its effect is just as fast as most antihistamines, both prescribed or over the counter and without the sleepy side effects. You can take as many as 10 capsules a day (3+3+4) when the pollens are high and so is your response. In between time, perhaps 1 or 2 a day will help for maintenance.
It is much better to keep allergies in check with good nutrition and supplements than to ever have to manage status asthmaticus.
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