Asthma is one of the most common respiratory disorders known to mankind. It is described as a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that is marked by recurring airflow obstruction and bronchospasms. Some of the most common symptoms of Asthma are:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

Doctors in America have stated that there has been a rise in the number of cases of Asthma in the last few years, with a cases almost doubling in the last decade. Besides the genetic link, this is attributed to many factors with some of the most important causes being increasing air pollution, intake of packed food, low immunity and sedentary lifestyle. As a result of this, an increased number of people are becoming dependent on the inhalers. But inhalers can only control the condition and not cure it. But as always, nature has an answer to this too. There are various natural substances that can decrease the dependency on inhalers and at the same time it can help them build their immunity. The only important thing to note in this will be the fact that people should not completely stop using their inhalers or the result can be dangerous.

Try these simple remedies and see the difference-

1. Salt-

Not many of us know that the common salt can have a strong influence on our heath.  People who are prone to asthmatic attacks should decrease the level of their salt intake. A study conducted on people who were on low sodium diet found that they had better breathing post exercises than people who followed a high-sodium diet. Scientifically sodium infiltrates smooth muscle cells such as the one that are present in the lungs and can upset their calcium levels. As a result of this imbalance, the cells tend to contract resulting in labored breathing.

However, there are many who believe that this theory may not be true at all. But at the same time, decreasing ones sodium intake will not hurt a person. The best way to do this would be to avoid outside food.

2. Antioxidants-

A study of asthma patients has shown that they generate more free radicals than healthy people. Free Radicals are chemicals that increase the production of mucous due to which the diameter of the lungs and airways decreases. Another fact associated with asthmatics is that they are deficient in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to decrease the damaging effects of these molecules.

A study conducted on asthma patients revealed that people who took doses of beta-carotene for 7 days had a 5 % increase in their lung function as compared to those who did not. A person can have the required dose of beta-carotene (64 mg/day) by having just 6 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables. Another fact attached to this is that those who took 30 mg of lycopene for a week observed a decrease in the severity of asthma attack.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to increase the immunity of a person. A study conducted on people who took 500 mg of vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid for 2 days showed that they have less incidences of wheezing and shortness of breath after working out. One can ensure that they have lemon and other forms of citrus fruit on a daily basis.

4. Fish

It was found that people who had omega 3 fatty acids for three weeks had better lung functioning that those who did not. This was observed after studying their lung functioning capacity post exercises. Fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids as a result of which asthma patients are encouraged to have fish as form of their staple diet. One of the best ways to have this would be to consume 3 to 1 ratio of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. For omega 6, one can choose to have corn, soybean products.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most natural muscle relaxants. It is known to effectively dilate your airways and can also control the spasms of the lungs which tend to happen after working out.

People who read above article also read the following...