Differentiate between the causes and triggersIt is important to differentiation between the causes of asthma, which injure the mucous membranes of the lungs, and the triggers that set off an asthma attack. Understanding the difference will help reduce the incidence of asthma. Dairy products can irritate the mucous membranes, contributing to asthma, yet many asthmatics will mysteriously not have a positive allergy skin test for dairy products, and eating these foods may not immediately set off or trigger asthma. But avoiding dairy foods will offer asthmatics relief.

Poor Digestion: Research has proven that there is a high incidence of hypochlorhydria in asthmatic patients. People who have hypochlorhydria are unable to secrete sufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCl). HCl is critical for proper protein digestion not only because it breaks down food but also because it adjusts the pH of the stomach so that digestion can occur. The best way to correct hypochlorhydria is to maintain the proper pH balance in the blood while simultaneously reducing the demand for hydrochloric acid in the stomach. A full spectrum vegetarian digestive enzyme formula, taken before a meal or with the first bit of food, can help the body accomplish both tasks.

Breastfeeding and Diet: If an infant has not been breastfed or was breastfed for less than three months, this increases the risk of developing asthma.

Increased consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids causes a rise in the linoleic content of body fat. This is directly related to inflammation. Ingesting sufficient fish oils, either in supplement form or in fish such as salmon and orange roughy, has anti-inflammatory effects.

Drinking coffee was also found to be inversely related to bronchial asthma. And low magnesium intake increased asthma. Apple consumption, five per week, improves the function of the respiratory system.

Salt Intake and Dehyration: Using too much salt has been associated with increased asthma in men and children.

Diet can be a factor in increasing catarrh in the respiratory system. Excessive protein, refined carbohydrates, and salt consumption can lead to excessive and unhealthy mucus production. And for many, dairy and/or wheat products can also add to excess mucus.

Hormonal Factors: Hypoadrenal function leading to low glucocorticoids has been associated with asthma. Premenstrual asthma has been observed as well as post menopausal asthma. Changes in hormonal levels has been associated with acute cases of asthma.

Low selenium and other antioxidants have been associated with increased severity of asthma. Considerable evidence suggests that oxidative stress or free radical damage in the respiratory system increase the risk of developing asthma. Lowered dietary intakes of antioxidants such as vitamin C or E increase the risk of asthma. High body iron stores increase free radical production and may also elevate asthma risk. Dietary and environmental changes can reduce oxidative stress and prevent or minimize the development of asthmatic symptoms.

Aspirin-Sensitive Asthmatics are intolerant to aspirin and other chemicals such as sulfites, tatrazine (yellow dye), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Stress has been known to contibute to muscular tension in the diaphragm and disturb normal breathing.