Breathing Difficulty

 Asthma and Breathing Difficulty

Studies suggest that salt intake can worsen asthma symptoms in men and children. This is not as true with women. Reducing salt consumption may be worth a try in cases of breathing difficulty which is helped by little else.

One of the most common factors that promotes breathing difficulty is particulate matter in the air. This can be anything from dust mites to deodorizers within the home to industrial pollution in the outdoor air. Most researchers agree that the air pollution within a home is often worse than outdoor pollution.

Reference:

Link to article on salt and asthma.

Link to breathing and particulate pollution.

Technical article on indoor air pollution.

Products to Aid Breathing

Herbal Respiratory Formula- Lower Respiratory Tract

A comprehensive formula which provides broad, synergistic effects of the herbal constituents, which optimize their ability to support a healthy respiratory tract. Contains Elecampane Root, which has been shown to support lung function, help relieve coughing, stimulate bronchial secretions, and help ward off infections of the lower respiratory tract. Contains Nettle Leaf and Elder Flower, which have been shown to help fight minor symptoms of allergies and hay fever and help reduce congestion. Contains Thyme and Aniseed that both assist clear and uncongested airflow, especially in the bronchial area and lungs. Guaranteed purity, potency, and consistency. Natural herbal formula contains no chemical or animal products.

Resp-X- Upper Respiratory Tract

Leading edge science to support sinus decongestion and free, comfortable breathing. Contains Horseradish root which supports normal airflow in the sinuses and lungs and promotes a healthy immune response. Contains Thyme and Hyssop to promote clear, open airways. Guaranteed purity, potency, and consistency. Contains no chemical or animal products.

 Lung Inflammation and Smoke Exposure

A number of years ago while I was lecturing in Los Angeles I became acquainted with an attorney. He shared with me that he was involved in a case in which he learned that children were experiencing severe lung damage from breathing the polluted air in the city at that time.

The West Coast is experiencing some of the worst fires in history and the lungs can not help but be affected. Where there is fire there is often smoke and the smoke has been unusually bad this year. Research indicates that certain nutrients can protect the lungs from smoke and the serious lung inflammation which can result from exposure.

Vitamins C and E

In one study mice were exposed to different levels of cigarette smoke (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15 cigarettes a day). Some of the mice were supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E, or both. Inflammatory markers indicating oxidation of fats increased in all the mice exposed to the smoke. Vitamin C or vitamin E reduced lung inflammation. The combination of vitamins C and E was most protective against lung inflammation and oxidative damage. In this study the vitamins were administered 12 hours prior to exposure to the smoke. Smoke inhalation tends to be very suppressive of vitamin E levels. In animal studies vitamin E is moved into lung tissue when the animals are exposed to smoke.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids have been shown to reduce risk of lung cancer. In one study of 207 cases the third with the highest levels of carotenoids had a 55-76% reduced risk of lung cancer. One study suggested an inverse relationship between intake of vitamins C, E, and carotenoids.

Herbal Formulas

NeoLife has developed specific herbal formulas to promote easy breathing. Herbal Respiratory Formula is specifically targeted to aid breathing in the lower respiratory tract. It contains elecampane root which can help relieve coughing, stimulate bronchial secretions, and help ward off infections of the lower respiratory tract. Nettle leaf and elder flower have been added to help fight symptoms of allergies and hay fever and reduce congestion. The product also contains thyme and aniseed which assist and clear uncongested airflow, especially in the bronchial area and lungs.

NeoLife has also developed Resp-X. This is a comprehensive, broad spectrum, synergistic combination of ten herbs targeted to the upper part of the respiratory tract. It supports sinus decongestion and comfortable breathing. Horseradish supports normal airflow in the sinuses and lungs and a healthy immune response to air pollutants. Thyme and hyssop promote clear, open airways. Cayenne stimulates respiratory tissues and promotes healthy circulation in lung tissues.

Summary

For best protection against smoke supplementation of these nutrients morning and evening would seem to be a prudent protective measure while exposed to smoke or other air pollution. The intake of omega-3 fatty acids would also tend to release the inflammatory response in the lungs.

References:

Silva Bezerra F, Valenca SS, et al, "Alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid supplementation reduced acute lung inflammatory response by cigarette smoke in mouse," Nutrition, 2006; 22(11-12): 1192-1201.

Epplein M, Le Marchand L, et al, "Association of plasma micronutrient levels and urinary isoprostane with risk of lung cancer: the multiethnic cohort study," Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2009; 18(7): 1962-70. 

Shekelle, R.B., et al, "Dietary Factors and the Risk of Lung Cancer: Total Body of Evidence", American Journal of Epidemiology, September 1, 1991;134:471-479.

Naoki Morita, et al., "Vitamin E attenuates acute lung injury in sheep with burn and smoke inhalation injury," Redox Report, 2006;11:2, 61-70, DOI: 10.1179/135100006X101020

Asthma and Carotenoids

Those with asthma often have reduced levels of carotenoids when compared to controls. Epidemiological evidence indicates that carotenoids and carotenoid-rich foods are protective against asthma. Supplementation has also been shown to improve some of the problems associated with asthma. Asthmatics tend to be low in carotenoids in general and particularly low in lycopene, the red carotenoid that colors tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

The intake of omega-3 fats appears to be inversely associated with the development of asthma in one fairly recent study.

References:

Wood, Lisa, "Lycopene-Rich Treatments Modify Noneosinophilic Airway Inflammation in Asthma: Proof of Concept," Free Radic Res, 2008; 42(1): 94-102. 

Li J, Xun P, et al, "Intakes of long-chain omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs and fish in relation to incidence of asthma among American young adults: the CARDIA study," Am J Clin Nutr, 2013 Jan; 97(1): 173-8. 

 

The Cell Danger Response The cell danger response is the response of the cells to potential harm and was a topic of the 2019 Clinical Nutrition Conference. This relatively new concept helps us better understand how exposure to toxins including those in vaccines may contribute to a wide variety of degenerative diseases. The cell danger response is triggered by chemical, physical, or biological threats which exceed the coping ability of cells. It has its roots in the ability to deal with viral and bacterial invasion but the cells use the same strategy to deal with toxin exposure. When the body moves into a cell danger response, the body can have difficulty resolving the response. Disorders which have been associated with the response include autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, asthma, atopy, gluten and other food intolerances, emphysema, Tourette's syndrome, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, epilepsy, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. With this understanding it becomes clear that a single vaccination or infection is not likely to create a problem for most individuals. The process is like filling a barrel with water. Only when the water overflows the top of the barrel does flooding take place. By the same token, Constant exposure to environmental toxins overwhelms the cells triggering the cell danger response and making recovery difficult. What interested me as I have studied this concept is the potential role for nutrition in this process. A key feature of the cell danger response is the hardening of the cell membrane which is particularly damaging to nerve cells and brain functioning. Quality lipids like Tre-en-en and Salmon Oil Plus promote membrane fluidity and also aid detox at the cellular levels and play a role in resolution of inflammatory conditions. Sulfur containing compounds including a complete protein, cruciferous vegetables, and garlic are essential detox compounds. The general population needs to make an effort to avoid toxic exposures of all kinds and also needs to incorporate into lifestyles diets and supplements that provide protection from toxins and help resolve the cell danger response. References: Metabolic Features of the Cell Danger Response Aging and the Cell Danger Response

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Iron, Allergic Asthma, & Hair Loss

     Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma accounting for 60% of the 20 million asthma sufferers. This condition is characterized by inflammatio an airway obstruction caused by exposure to an allergen.
      Scientists used a clsic model of IgE-mediated allergy in mice to test the effect of low or high iron levels on the severity of the allergic response. They found that iron supplementation markedly decreased allergen-induced airway hyper-reactivity and the underlying immune mediated mechnisms involved in creating the hyper-reactivity.
      The researchers concluded, "Taken together, these studies show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of allergic inflammation in the lung, potentially via multiple mechanisms that affect mast cell activity. Further studies are indicated to determine the potential of iron supplementation to modulate the clinical severity of allergic diseases in humans."
      Why did the researchers decide to try iron? Iron is well-known to affect the ability to oxygenate tissues and generate energy. A study conducted in 2010 found that iron deficiency acted as a trigger increasing mast cell activation. Mast cells are the key players in IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
     The consequence of the iron deficiency and immune activation in the original study resulted in hair loss. This little study was of interest to me because in my book Your Body's Sign Language (page 31) I reported that Dr. Janet Roberts found iron deficiency to be the main determinant of hair loss in 72% of premenopausal women. Premenopausal women are susceptible to iron deficiency due to the blood loss associated with the menstrual period.
     The level of iron deficiency in the asthma study was mild. Tissue stores of iron were low but blood levels of iron and red blood cell formation were not abnormal. The researchers note, "Our in vivo studies also clearly show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of inflammation in an in vivo model of allergic asthma in mice with mild iron deficiency." Human beings with a similar degree of iron deficiency to these mice would not typically be classified as iron deficient. Detection of this degree of deficiency would require expensive and invasive testing.
References:
     Hale LP, Kant EP, Greer PK, Foster WM (2012) Iron Supplementation Decreases Severity of Allergic Inflammation in Murine Lung. PLoS ONE 7(9): e45667. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045667
     Vanderford DA, Greer PK, Sharp JM, Finberg KA, Chichlowski M, et al. (2010) Alopecia in IL-10-deficient mouse pups is c-Kit-dependent and can be triggered by iron deficiency. Exp Dermatol 19: 518-526.

Junk Food, Asthma, and Eczema

    A research study recently found that eating junk food just three times a week increased risk of developing asthma and eczema. The study involving more than 50 countries found that teenagers consuming junk food three or more times a week were 39% more likely to develop asthma. Younger children had a 27% increased risk. There was also increased risk of inflammation of the sinuses and eyes and eczema.
     By contrast, the researchers found that three servings of fruit and vegetables reduced risk of asthma in the younger group by 14% and in teens by 11%.
References:
Junk Food Linked to Asthma
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9799864/Junk-food-linked-to-asthma-and-eczema-in-children.html

Carotenoids and Asthma

Lycopene is a red carotenoid which gives the characteristic color to tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. It is at the very top of the list as far as nutrients capable of neurtralizing free radical oxygen.

A recent study using a mouse model of allergic airwarys disease found that lycopene reduced allergic inflammation in both the lungs and throughout the body and shifted the whole biochemistry away from an allergic tendency. The researchers concluded, "...lycopene supplementation may have a protective effect against asthma."

One bottle of GNLD Carotenoid Complex provides the same amount of carotenoids one would obtain from consuming 250 pounds of raw fruits and vegetables. In addition, the product provides an ideal profile of all of the carotenoids rather than just one or two. This is important because research indicates a competitive absorption of carotenoid between carotenoids. Different carotenoids perform different functions in the body so ideally we will have a well rounded intake of the entire family or complex of carotenoids.

Reference:

Hazlewood LC, Wood LG, et al, "Dietary lycopene supplementation suppresses Th2 responses and lung eosinophilia in a mouse model of allergic asthma," J Nutr Biochem, 2010 April 12; [Epub ahead of print].