Holistic asthma treatment methods can be extremely beneficial in controlling many asthma symptoms, although this method of treatment should never replace the use of medications which are prescribed by a doctor. When choosing the best holistic asthma treatment options for an individual situation, it is important to find out what factors tend to trigger asthmatic attacks, as these factors may vary from person to person. Some of the most commonly used holistic asthma treatment methods include eliminating or reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, dietary modification, and treating any underlying conditions which contribute to the condition. A naturopath is a doctor who specializes in treating illness and disease naturally and should be consulted with any specific questions.
Environmental toxins and pollutants are a major contributing factor in causing or exacerbating the symptoms of asthma. For this reason, reducing these risk factors is a major part of holistic asthma treatment. Cigarette smoke, pet dander, and mold are among the most common toxins which can aggravate asthma. Dust, pesticides, and chemicals found in many household cleaning products are other potential culprits. Reducing the amount of these toxins in the home can cause symptoms to improve for many patients.
Holistic asthma treatment also takes food triggers into consideration. Food allergies often lead to the development of asthma. Some of the most common food allergens include dairy, wheat, soy, and peanuts. Blood tests can often detect a food allergy, although some people prefer to use an elimination diet. If the symptoms disappear when a certain food is eliminated, it should be completely removed from the diet.
Dietary supplements may be useful for some who seek a holistic asthma treatment approach. Omega 3 fish oil supplements can be particularly beneficial for many who suffer from asthma. Vitamin C and Vitamin B-12 have also shown promising results in the treatment of this condition. Ginger and turmeric have natural anti-inflammatory properties and may help to make breathing easier for those with asthma.
It is important to remember that a holistic asthma treatment approach is designed to work along with any prescription medications which are prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of this condition. A person should never discontinue prescription medications without the approval of a doctor. Some herbal or vitamin treatment options may not work well with certain other medications, so any new treatment program should be carefully discussed with a doctor to make sure the individual is making the best holistic asthma treatment decisions.
