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Priming the pipes
natural respiratory care
BY BRYCE WYLDE, BSC, RNC, DHMHS |
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f you’re a globetrotting alternative health expert like me, you tend not to take the air bags in your chest for granted. I like the idea of keeping mine clean, pink and optimal for as long as possible. They’ve been especially useful when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa), as I travelled across North America on the istorical ‘Prevent the Flu Naturally Tour’ recently, and as I begin training for my cross-Canada bicycle ride. My focus is on developing and maintaining my lungs. I’m priming the pipes.
Add years to your life
Many factors, including genetics, pollutants,irritants
+ infectious diseases, may affect respiratory health. But implementing a natural, complementary, preventive and integrative approach to respiratory health when required can add years to your life.
There are many safe, effective natural integrative treatments available that complement conventional respiratory care to improve lung health, often far less expensive than conventional measures.
An integrative philosophy
Using a puffer or inhaling steroids are conventional medicine approaches to asthma, where an alternative may be homeopathy. Any therapy typically excluded by conventional medicine is known as ‘alternative medicine,’ a catch-all term that includes hundreds of ancient and new, global practices ranging from acupuncture to iridology. Generally, alternative therapies are closer to nature, more economical and less invasive than conventional therapies, although there are exceptions. Many alternative therapies are scientifically validated and evidence-based, but many are not.
The most effective way to use alternative treatments is within an integrative setting – used in conjunction with conventional treatments – known as ‘complementary’ medicine. An example: nebulizing (inhaling the fine mist of) glutathione in conjunction with oral steroids to treat COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
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| Bryce’s top 10 natural remedies |
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HIMALAYAN SALT INHALER
• May help flush away impurities from your
respiratory system
• Inhale deeply through your mouth and exhale
through your nose. The tiny particles of salt
will move deep into your respiratory system
• A neti pot for sinuses. It will reduce infection
in nasal passageways. |
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EUCALYPTUS FOR ASTHMA
• Licensed in Germany as a medicinal tea for
bronchitis; for ‘catarrh’ (mucous membrane
inflammation) of the respiratory tract
• The ‘oil of respiration’ in holistic aromatherapy
practice, due to its suggested anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, expectorant + antispasmodic properties
• Has anti-inflammatory + mucous-thinning activity. |
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PROBIOTICS FOR ALLERGIES + ASTHMA
• Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain
a healthy intestine, aid digestion + help keep
harmful bacteria and yeasts in the gut under
control; also serve to regulate the immune system.
As much as 80% of your immune system resides in
your gut
• Lactobacillus acidophilus has been suggested as a
possible treatment for asthma
• There is promising evidence that probiotics may
help treat allergic conditions. |
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GLUTATHIONE (GSH) FOR COPD
• GSH is concentrated in the epithelial lining fluid
(ELF) of the lower respiratory tract, which is
thought to be the first line of defense against
oxidative stress
• Inhalation is the only known method that increases
GSH’s levels in the ELF.
The absorption of oral glutathione remains
controversial
• Applications of inhaled GSH conditions are affected
by deficient antioxidant status, over-production of
oxidants, poor oxygenation + impaired host
defenses. |
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BIOFEEDBACK FOR ASTHMA
• Research demonstrates that different patterns of
heart activity (which accompany different
emotional states) have distinct effects on cognitive
and emotional function
• Managing your response to stress, optimizing
O2 exchange, and rebalancing your mind, body
and emotions is key in managing respiratory health
• An effective way to shift into an optimal state during
stressful times is to focus on inhaling and exhaling
deeply. |
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OMEGA 3 ESSENTIAL FATS FOR COPD + ASTHMA
• EPA and DHA are used to treat pulmonary diseases:
asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD
• Studies have shown there is a significant inverse
relationship between omega 3 fatty acid
consumption + risk of these pulmonary diseases
• In 2,349 smokers, there was a significant inverse
relationship between plasma DHA and COPD.
Also: a significant lower one year risk and
prevalence of COPD (6% vs 14%) in those taking
fish oil. |
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CHOLINE FOR ASTHMA
• Choline is likely effective when taken by mouth
for asthma
• Supplemental choline seems to decrease the
severity of symptoms, number of symptomatic
days + the need to use bronchodilators in asthma
patients
• Choline is an essential nutrient related to the
water-soluble B-complex vitamins. The largest
dietary source of choline is egg yolk. |
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BOSWELLIA FOR ASTHMA
• Resin extracts from the tree have been found to
have anti-inflammatory effects
• Human evidence suggests this as a chronic therapy
for asthma (not for acute asthma)
• As opposed to NSAIDs, long-term use of boswellia
has not been shown to cause gastrointestinal
irritation or ulceration. |
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HOMEOPATHY FOR UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION
• The flu is a highly infectious disease caused by
viruses. Other than treatments for complications
(such as pneumonia), conventional medical
treatment is bed rest
• Oscillococcinum (or similar homeopathic medicines)
claims that it can be taken regularly over the winter
months to prevent flu or as a treatment; does not
prevent flu, but probably shortens the length of
the illness. |
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DIET FOR RESPIRATORY HEALTH
• Understanding the immune connection to upper
respiratory illness, COPD + asthma can guide
targeted nutrition regimens designed to reduce
inflammation and create balance
• The anti-inflammatory diet is likely the best overall
natural approach to supporting respiratory illness
and maintaining good respiratory health
• Some examples of foods that support lung health
are: algae/chlorella, maitake mushrooms, and oils
such as coconut, fish and flax seed + most nuts and
seeds (with the exception of allergies). |
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While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I stopped at one of the first peaks, a good place to pause, look back + a good place to examine the terrain ahead and change our plans if needed. But most importantly it was the best place to take a deep breath to begin climbing again. Thank goodness for strong lungs! H&L
Bryce Wylde is one of the world’s leading experts on
natural medicine. He is the author of The Antioxidant
Prescription and host of Wylde On Health on CP24.
Please visit wyldeabouthealth.com |
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