Asthma and Hay Fever Tune-Up Tips

Asthma is an allergic disorder characterized by spasm of the bronchi, which is branched air passageways that connect the trachea to the lungs, swelling of the mucous lining of the lungs, and excessive production of a thick, viscous mucus. The major concern with asthma is that it can lead to respiratory failure - the inability to breathe. Hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction of the nasal passages characterized by a watery nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose. It shares many common features with asthma. Here are some tune-up tips for asthma and hay fever.

1. Increase The Intake Of Flavonoids

Flavonoids appear to be key antioxidants in the treatment of asthma. To increase flavonoid consumption, take quercetin or flavoured-rich extracts such as grape seed, pine bark, green tea, or Ginkgo biloba.

2. Take extra Vitamin C

The major antioxidant for the lungs is vitamin C. The rate of asthma is high if vitamin C intake is low. It is recommended to supplement your diet with 1,000 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day and you would be able to see significant improvements in respiratory measures and asthma symptoms.

3. Take Multiple Vitamin And Mineral

Take a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula. Higher intakes of vitamin B6, selenium, magnesium, and possibly other nutrients are associated with improvements in asthma and allergies.

4. Reduce Exposure To Airborne Allergens

Airborne allergens that can trigger asthma, such as pollen, dander, and dust mites, are often difficult to avoid entirely, but measures can be taken to reduce exposure. A great first step is keeping pets outside and removing carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and other surfaces where allergens can collect. If this can't be done entirely, make sure at least the bedroom is as allergy-proof as possible. Encase the mattress in an allergen-proof plastic; wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and mattress pads every week in hot water with additive- and fragrance-free detergent.

5. Eat More Fish If It Is Not An Allergen

Children who eat fish more than once a week have one-third the risk of getting asthma as children who do not eat fish regularly. Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids offers significant benefits in treating asthma. In particular, improvements in airway responsiveness to allergens as well as improvements in respiratory function.

6. Identify And Eliminate Food Allergies And Synthetic Food Additives

Food allergies and food additives play an important role in asthma. Adverse reactions to food or food additives may be immediate or delayed. Double-blind food challenges in children have shown that immediate-onset allergies are usually due to eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, and peanuts. Foods most commonly associated with delayed-onset sensitivities include milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus, and food colorings. Elimination diets have been successful in identifying allergens and treating asthma and are a particularly valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in infants. Elimination of common allergens during infancy has been shown to reduce allergic tendencies in children with a strong familial history of asthma.

7. Eliminate Or Reduce The Intake Of Animal Products

A long-term trial of a vegan diet provided significant improvement in 92 percent of subjects in one study. Improvement was noted in lung capacity, the maximum amount of air expired in one second, physical working capacity, and laboratory assessments. People with asthma conditions were significantly improved or entirely relieved within four months.

Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.