A comparison in asthma patients of the difference between high antioxidant intake vs low found better breathing and less episodes of symptoms requiring use of inhalers. Breathing improvements were measured by a higher predicted forced expiratory volume and percentage predicted forced vital capacity in the high-antioxidant group while the low-antioxidant diet group showed an increased level of inflammation, measured as plasma C-reactive protein elevation.
The high antioxidant group averaged 5 servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily while the low antioxidant group ate only two servings of vegetables and one serving of fruit.
"Manipulating antioxidant intake in asthma: a randomized controlled trial," Wood LG, Garg ML, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2012 Sep
There is little doubt that diet and lifestyle, along with herbal and nutritional methods can have an influence on asthma symptoms and severity. However, research is still too early to make any firm recommendations. In the meantime, I want to share with you some of the preliminary research I have come across. This information is not meant to replace your doctor's advice, however, you could inform your doctor about these natural asthma treatment options and he or she could learn more about them to see if they would be helpful to you.
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