Asthma Update

Treatment

Probiotics
Probiotics significantly reduce the risk of developing asthma in young children. Gut dysbiosis, that is inappropriate levels of beneficial gut bacteria commonly occurs with formula feeding and antibiotic use. This can be corrected with the use of probiotics. Bifidobacteria is exclusively used for infants and young children, with the addition of Lactobacilli once the gastrointestinal tract matures.
Probiotic strains have been shown to reduce inflammatory antibodies, airway hyper-responsive and inflammatory infiltration of the lungs.

Antioxidants
The Western diet, low in antioxidants, may be responsible for an increase in asthma prevalence. Epidemiological studies suggest that deficiencies in selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D and E, plus a low fruit and vegetable intake may be associated with the development of asthma and allergic disorders. These nutrients also play individual roles in the immune system.
High vitamin A levels are associated with reduced risk of developing asthma. (Foods high in vitamin A include sweet potato, carrot, spinach and eggs.) Vitamin C deficiency is positively associated with elevated histamine levels, an important biomarker in allergy (look to citrus, strawberries, capsicum and broccoli). Vitamin D (oily fish) and vitamin E deficiency (nuts, avocado and olives) is also positively associated with increased asthma prevalence in young children.
High maternal vitamin D and E may decrease the risk of wheezing in early childhood.

Vitamin B6 – the anti-asthma vitamin?
Supplementation with vitamin B6 at 100–200 mg per day has positively shown to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. B6 significantly reduces the amount of wheezing, coughing, tightness of breath and breathing difficulties and also reduces the need for glucocorticoids. Indeed, vitamin B6 levels have been found to be 42–65% lower in patients with asthma compared to healthy controls. This may in fact be due to the use of theophylline, a common asthma medication, which has been shown to cause a decrease in available pyridoxine 5’-phosphate (PLP) (vitamin B6 active form) by inhibiting the conversion of pyridoxal (natural form of B6) to PLP. High dietary sources of vitamin B6 include meat, fish, grains and nuts.

Magnesium management
Magnesium supplementation is essential for the prevention and treatment of asthma.
Magnesium relaxes bronchial smooth muscle excitability, improves immune function, and decreases oxidative stress. In a recent study, 20 patients with asthma were assigned 400g per day or placebo for three weeks. Compared with baseline values, asthma symptoms were worse during the placebo period and improved during the magnesium period. Best dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, brown rice.

Fishy friends
The Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, have time and time again proved valuable in improving asthma control.
Dietary supplementation with Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin C significantly improved asthma symptoms, pulmonary function tests and pulmonary inflammatory markers in children.

Diet
Many studies have confirmed that a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and nuts is associated with a reduced prevalence of asthma in children. Obesity may also contribute to an increased prevalence of asthma. Obesity effects lung function and contributes to inflammation.