​

Imbalances of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system can be affected primarily in four distinct ways.

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that encompasses several respiratory illnesses that cause breathlessness or the inability to exhale normally. Symptoms include; shortness of breath. Those affected will normally cough up sputum from the lungs. Examples of COPD are chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It is also a major risk factor for developing Lung Cancer.
  • Inflammatory conditions, Asthma, hay fever. 
  • Infectious Diseases caused by pathogens.
  • Inherited conditions, e.g., Cystic Fibrosis, which is caused by a defective gene, and creates a sticky mucus that clogs up tubes and passageways. The mucus causes repeated lung infections as well as obstructions in the pancreas, preventing important enzymes from breaking down nutrients. 

Asthma

Picture


Symptoms; chest tightness and shortness of breath, wheezing when breathing out. Rapid shallow breathing that is easier when sitting up, difficulty breathing, neck muscles tighten, coughing (especially at night), occasionally with thick clear or yellow sputum. It can also produce a great deal of anxiety.

Bronchial asthma is a hypersensitivity disorder, resulting in spasm of bronchi, swelling of the bronchial mucosa, and excessive excretion of viscous mucus. There are two types; extrinsic atopic asthma which is an immunologically mediated condition, with an increase in IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and responds to allergens such as dust mites, pollen and mould. This can also be referred to as allergic asthma. 

Intrinsic (non-allergic asthma) a reaction to chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection, or possibly an emotional upset.




Medical practitioners rank Asthma into 4 types, dependent upon its severity. 
  • Mild intermittent asthma treated as needed with an inhaled beta agonist (bronchodilator) Blue pump.  
  • Mild persistent, daily inhalation of corticosteroid, along with a short-acting beta agonist, Blue or Brown pump.
  • Moderate persistent asthma, inhaled corticosteroid and/or the addition of long acting beta agonist or leukotriene antagonist-drugs that inhibit leukotrienes. Brown pump.  
  • Severe asthma requires high dose of inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids along with other controller medicines. Nebuliser with high dose steroid which requires the breath to be monitored while taking.

A number of theories have ben postulated as regards to the possible causes of the onset of Asthma. 

  • Food additives and preservatives, largest group are sulphites which are used in preparing salads, salad dips, or wine and beer.   
  • Early weaning, that of replacing breast milk with infant formulas. Breastfeeding should be for first 6 to 9 months. 
  • Food allergy related to gut permeability, resulting in increased load on immune system, thereby increasing likelihood of developing additional allergies.  
  • Candida albicans overgrowth and the from the acid protease which is produced.
  • Obesity a possible factor due to; increased leptin levels which may alter functioning of immune system and cause pro-inflammatory changes. Breathing position may be more shallow and frequent which may be predisposing factor. Higher oestrogen levels due to excess adipose tissue.  
  • Hygiene; excessive use of detergents/cleaning agents at home. Less time spent in natural surroundings, resulting in the immune system deprived of its  learning tools, i.e., dealing with antigens. Natural antigens stimulate TH1 which is thought to be protective against asthma. Therefore the individual becomes TH2 dominant. Asthma and atopic conditions reflect an increased response of TH2 helper cells. 
  • Greater chemical pollutants in the air  
  • Increased antibiotic use in children; for example, Pertussis (whooping cough vaccine) 

Treatment
  • Fruit consumption is inversely related to incidents of asthma. This is due to decrease In phlegm and better pulmonary function. Possibly also related to increase in antioxidants. Fresh fruit related to lower prevalence of asthma. Fish consumption also related to lower airway hypersensitivity. Mother’s diet during pregnancy also an important factor.

  • Vitamin B6, blood levels have shown to be lower in those suffering from asthma.

  • Magnesium is a natural bronchodilator, magnesium stabilises mast cells and relaxes muscles, dilating bronchioles and quickly opening up the airways. Many fruits are high in magnesium content. 
 
  • Increasing fruit and vegetable content in diet would be beneficial as it increases the amount of antioxidants, Antioxidants inhibit Leukotriene formation and histamine release from mast cells. Increases the integrity of the epithelial lining of respiratory tract. Protects the lungs against free radicals and other oxidising agents that stimulate bronchial constriction. Antioxidants work in synergy. Carotenes, vitamins A,C,E, zinc, selenium, copper, and flavonoids, particularly quercetin, help in reducing hypersensitivity.  
 
  • Decreasing food sources of arachidonic acid (meat and dairy). Increasing Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet, eliminating food additives and reduce salt. 
 
  • The dietary protocols should include; determining and rectifying the underlying defects that facilitated the development of hypersensitivity. Determining and balancing the underlying metabolic defect that causes an excessive inflammatory response. Finding allergens and developing a lifestyle diet and environment that allows the allergens to be avoided. Eliminate the food allergens. The adverse reactions may be immediate or delayed. Immediate; (eggs, Fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts). Delayed (Milk, chocolate, wheat, Citrus and food colouring).
​
  • Modulating the Inflammatory process to limit the severity of the response.
Halogen identification diet put on one week of hypo-allergic diet ( Rice, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes). Then introduce a new food for three days and monitor adverse reactions. A vegan diet has fewer allergens. However look at Soya, Green peas, and grain. Hypoallergenic diet

Puteyko breathing  is also be worth considering https://www.buteyko.co.uk

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Imbalances of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system can be affected primarily in four distinct ways.

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that encompasses several respiratory illnesses that cause breathlessness or the inability to exhale normally. Symptoms include; shortness of breath. Those affected will normally cough up sputum from the lungs. Examples of COPD are chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It is also a major risk factor for developing Lung Cancer.
  • Inflammatory conditions, Asthma, hay fever. 
  • Infectious Diseases caused by pathogens.
  • Inherited conditions, e.g., Cystic Fibrosis, which is caused by a defective gene, and creates a sticky mucus that clogs up tubes and passageways. The mucus causes repeated lung infections as well as obstructions in the pancreas, preventing important enzymes from breaking down nutrients. 

Asthma

Picture


Symptoms; chest tightness and shortness of breath, wheezing when breathing out. Rapid shallow breathing that is easier when sitting up, difficulty breathing, neck muscles tighten, coughing (especially at night), occasionally with thick clear or yellow sputum. It can also produce a great deal of anxiety.

Bronchial asthma is a hypersensitivity disorder, resulting in spasm of bronchi, swelling of the bronchial mucosa, and excessive excretion of viscous mucus. There are two types; extrinsic atopic asthma which is an immunologically mediated condition, with an increase in IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and responds to allergens such as dust mites, pollen and mould. This can also be referred to as allergic asthma. 

Intrinsic (non-allergic asthma) a reaction to chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection, or possibly an emotional upset.




Medical practitioners rank Asthma into 4 types, dependent upon its severity. 
  • Mild intermittent asthma treated as needed with an inhaled beta agonist (bronchodilator) Blue pump.  
  • Mild persistent, daily inhalation of corticosteroid, along with a short-acting beta agonist, Blue or Brown pump.
  • Moderate persistent asthma, inhaled corticosteroid and/or the addition of long acting beta agonist or leukotriene antagonist-drugs that inhibit leukotrienes. Brown pump.  
  • Severe asthma requires high dose of inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids along with other controller medicines. Nebuliser with high dose steroid which requires the breath to be monitored while taking.

A number of theories have ben postulated as regards to the possible causes of the onset of Asthma. 

  • Food additives and preservatives, largest group are sulphites which are used in preparing salads, salad dips, or wine and beer.   
  • Early weaning, that of replacing breast milk with infant formulas. Breastfeeding should be for first 6 to 9 months. 
  • Food allergy related to gut permeability, resulting in increased load on immune system, thereby increasing likelihood of developing additional allergies.  
  • Candida albicans overgrowth and the from the acid protease which is produced.
  • Obesity a possible factor due to; increased leptin levels which may alter functioning of immune system and cause pro-inflammatory changes. Breathing position may be more shallow and frequent which may be predisposing factor. Higher oestrogen levels due to excess adipose tissue.  
  • Hygiene; excessive use of detergents/cleaning agents at home. Less time spent in natural surroundings, resulting in the immune system deprived of its  learning tools, i.e., dealing with antigens. Natural antigens stimulate TH1 which is thought to be protective against asthma. Therefore the individual becomes TH2 dominant. Asthma and atopic conditions reflect an increased response of TH2 helper cells. 
  • Greater chemical pollutants in the air  
  • Increased antibiotic use in children; for example, Pertussis (whooping cough vaccine) 

Treatment
  • Fruit consumption is inversely related to incidents of asthma. This is due to decrease In phlegm and better pulmonary function. Possibly also related to increase in antioxidants. Fresh fruit related to lower prevalence of asthma. Fish consumption also related to lower airway hypersensitivity. Mother’s diet during pregnancy also an important factor.

  • Vitamin B6, blood levels have shown to be lower in those suffering from asthma.

  • Magnesium is a natural bronchodilator, magnesium stabilises mast cells and relaxes muscles, dilating bronchioles and quickly opening up the airways. Many fruits are high in magnesium content. 
 
  • Increasing fruit and vegetable content in diet would be beneficial as it increases the amount of antioxidants, Antioxidants inhibit Leukotriene formation and histamine release from mast cells. Increases the integrity of the epithelial lining of respiratory tract. Protects the lungs against free radicals and other oxidising agents that stimulate bronchial constriction. Antioxidants work in synergy. Carotenes, vitamins A,C,E, zinc, selenium, copper, and flavonoids, particularly quercetin, help in reducing hypersensitivity.  
 
  • Decreasing food sources of arachidonic acid (meat and dairy). Increasing Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet, eliminating food additives and reduce salt. 
 
  • The dietary protocols should include; determining and rectifying the underlying defects that facilitated the development of hypersensitivity. Determining and balancing the underlying metabolic defect that causes an excessive inflammatory response. Finding allergens and developing a lifestyle diet and environment that allows the allergens to be avoided. Eliminate the food allergens. The adverse reactions may be immediate or delayed. Immediate; (eggs, Fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts). Delayed (Milk, chocolate, wheat, Citrus and food colouring).
​
  • Modulating the Inflammatory process to limit the severity of the response.
Halogen identification diet put on one week of hypo-allergic diet ( Rice, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes). Then introduce a new food for three days and monitor adverse reactions. A vegan diet has fewer allergens. However look at Soya, Green peas, and grain. Hypoallergenic diet

Puteyko breathing  is also be worth considering https://www.buteyko.co.uk