Before 1850, asthma was extremely rare. Since then, its incidence has remained low in underdeveloped countries but has gradually increased in industrialized countries (Vogel, 1997). Asthma has tripled in frequency since 1950 and has now become a frequent pathology affecting more than 3 million French people, many of whom are children.

Two kinds of asthma should be distinguished: extrinsic asthma (60%), which often begins in childhood and is triggered by allergens, and intrinsic asthma (40%), which often begins in adults, independent of any allergies. People with asthma-like allergies are often sensitive to more than one allergen and generally the number of allergens increases with age. The main allergens are: house dust which contains dust mites, animal hair: cat, dog, mouse, rat, tree pollens (end of January to end of April, or even end of June), grass pollens (mid-May to mid-July), herbaceous pollens (beginning of June to end of November), coniferous pollens (November to December), and let's not forget food allergens such as coloring agents, additives, pesticides...

This type of pathological manifestation is impressive and distressing both for the patient and for those around him. Indeed, the asthma attack is manifested by a dyspnea with difficulty to expel air from the lungs and a dyspnea due to bronchial obstruction. Exhalation is difficult, prolonged, wheezing, convulsive.

While some childhood asthma disappears at puberty, most asthma persists throughout life. Some forms are moderate; others are severe and can lead to respiratory failure. The prognosis is generally better in extrinsic asthma than in intrinsic asthma.

Regardless of its origin, asthma is a respiratory disease that is characterized by almost constant inflammation of the bronchi and bronchial submucosa, resulting in attacks during which the airway caliber narrows. These attacks are triggered mainly when the subject is in the presence of specific stimuli such as certain allergens (house dust, animal hair, pollen) or certain pollutants (air pollution, tobacco smoke).

Regardless of the trigger or variety of asthma, it should be considered an inflammatory disease since there is constant inflammation anyway. Once again, it is the bronchial wall that serves as an emunctory. The proposed standard treatment this time also combines bronchodilators and cortisone.

It is a polyfactorial disease, with on the one hand genetic baggage and on the other hand environmental factors (purity of the air breathed, pollutions, occupation, passive or active smoking, diet, lifestyle). Asthma can be triggered by fruit drinks, nuts, sodium benzoate, soft drinks, milk, eggs, wheat, cheese, yeast, fish, fried foods and I forget countless other trigger foods and so-called "allergens".

Asthma: among children with asthma, one in four cases is thought to be caused by food sensitivities

The results obtained by the application of diets are indisputable. However, the simple elimination of dairy products and refined sugars has been found to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, or even make them disappear. These dietary restrictions cause the inflammation to subside once contact with the allergen becomes safe.

Diet can prevent or relieve asthma attacks in four ways

• by helping to control the airway inflammation underlying the disease;
• by dilating the bronchioles;
• by thinning the pulmonary mucus;
• preventing reactions associated with food allergies, which are always likely to trigger an attack.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of natural anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators that should be included in the asthma diet.

• Fatty fish.

Fatty fish is an excellent long-term treatment for asthma attacks. Indeed, the fish oil contributes to stop the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the airways, the breathing is thus facilitated.

• Cautionary Note.

The potentially harmful action of fish oil in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics has already been reported. In this category of patients, a worsening of airway obstruction has been observed following treatment with fish oil.

• Vitamin C

People who eat a lot of foods rich in vitamin C are less likely to have asthma or bronchitis. The daily intake of

300 mg of vitamin C from food (three 225-ml glasses of orange juice or three cups of cooked broccoli, for example) would effectively reduce the risk of developing these respiratory disorders by 30%.

Asthma: what is the therapeutic value of vitamin C?

• It neutralizes the oxidizing action of oxygen free radicals, which stimulates inflammatory reactions;
• It accelerates the metabolism of histamine;
• It contributes to the contraction of the smooth muscles of the bronchial wall responsible for bronchospasm;
• It acts on prostaglandins, which help control inflammation;
• It exerts, in high doses (from 1000 to 3000 mg per day), a bronchodilator effect, i.e. relaxing and dilating the airways, thus facilitating breathing.

Asthma: food suppressions

It is indisputable that asthma can be caused or aggravated either by certain foods such as cow's milk, sweets, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts and peanuts, or by certain medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The elimination of all foods of animal origin (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products) is one of the most effective overall measures for relieving asthma. One study showed that after three months on a vegetarian diet, 71% of asthmatics improved; after twelve months, this rate was 92%!

• Condiments and spices.

Condiments and spices are also said to provide immediate relief from asthma symptoms. Chili peppers, hot mustard, garlic and onions can make breathing much easier for asthmatics by clearing the airways.

• The Coffee

It is also noted that coffee drinkers are less prone to this condition.

• Beware of seizure-triggering foods.

Some foods can suddenly cause acute asthma attacks, especially in children. The most frequently incriminated trigger foods are:

• • milk
  • eggs
  • fish
  • nuts
  • chocolate
  • cola-based soft drinks
  • foods with added monosodium glutamate.

This type of allergic reactions developed in relation to these different substances is not rare at all but the connection is not always made.

In summary: nutritional measures

Eat foods that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties: they should help prevent and relieve inflammation of the mucosa of the airways. With these foods, we will be able to better resist new aggressions, heal inflammation more quickly and restore breathing.

Foods that should be regularly included in the daily menu are: garlic and onions, fatty fish, fruits and vegetables with a high vitamin C content.

Avoid vegetable oils such as corn oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil, which are very rich in omega-6 fatty acids. These acids promote inflammation, thereby negating the beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory food substances, including fish oil.

Reduce your consumption of meat and animal fats: they also promote inflammation.

Add hot peppers and other hot substances or foods to the menu: by clearing the airways, they make breathing easier and prevent or relieve asthma.

Try coffee, two to three cups a day if, of course, coffee does not cause any adverse effects. Caffeine helps prevent asthma symptoms and can be a great help during a sudden asthma attack.

Avoid refined sugars, dyes, additives, food pesticides...

Avoid any food that seems to make breathing problems worse and trigger asthma attacks.

Asthma: natural medicine to follow, boswellia

A very promising plant that seems to be able to bring real results in serious lung diseases is Boswellia Serrata. The resin of boswellia, used in Ayurvedic medicine, was studied in the 1980s by Western researchers. A recent clinical study conducted at the Los Angeles School of Medicine demonstrated a clear improvement in asthma symptoms in patients treated with Boswellia Serrata (disappearance of the "ronchus", improved respiratory volume, fewer attacks).