Asthma and diet
I am asthmatic and use an inhaler. I’ve had acupuncture, which has substantially reduced the lung congestion but I’ve been left with a blocked nose and still produce phlegm. I suspect the solution may now lie in my diet and a more holistic approach to my life. What can you suggest?
There is some evidence that asthma drugs can themselves exacerbate the problem by interfering with normal lung functioning and actually increasing sensitivity to the allergens which cause an attack.
Dr Deborah McManners is a medical doctor and registered homeopath and naturopath. She says you will need to look at hereditary, environmental and emotional factors to identify all the allergens that trigger your asthma and warns that there is likely to be more the one cause.
The more common inhaled allergens include house dust mites, mould spores, animal detritus, DIY chemicals and other household or workplace irritants. Additives and colourings in food can trigger an attack as can an underlying sensitivity to specific foods.
McManners suggests you eliminate wheat, milk, eggs and all colouring from your diet to see if your asthma improves. Eat healthy wholefoods and avoid refined sugar. Installing an ioniser in your home may help, as will relaxation therapies such as yoga or autogenic training.
*Dr Deborah McManners practises at The Hale Clinic (0171-631 0156). Contact Action Against Allergy at PO Box 278, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 4QB.