The function of the gastrointestinal system or gut is to allow necessary nutrients into the body while preventing toxic substances from entering the bloodstream through the gut. Malabsorption problems relate to a reduced ability to get nutrients into the body. Leaky gut problems relate to the intestines allowing toxic substances, such as large molecules into the bloodstream. The latter may encourage allergic inflammatory responses, which can aggravate asthma. The leaky gut may be caused by Candida, parasites or other organisms. Other causes of the leaky gut are damage from toxic substances, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and nutritional deficiencies. Repair can be carried out by eliminating the toxic offenders and supplying the repair nutrients. Among the most important nutrients for repair are L-glutamine, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, GLA and gamma oryzanol. These may be given as capsules or as part of a specially designed therapeutic food powder, like Ultra Clear Sustain. By repairing the leaky gut, allergic responses will be reduced and asthma should be improved.

The liver is the major organ of the body to carry out detoxification of toxic substances that are already in the body. These toxic substances may be from external sources or as a result of normal or abnormal metabolism within the body. The details of this process will be the subject of another Medical Update. Suffice to say at this point, that bolstering the liver’s abilitly to detoxify by supplying the necessary nutrients may result in significant improvement of asthmatic conditions. The types and amounts of nutrients to be supplied in an individual case will depend on the individual and can be determined by specialized testing.

The role of the kidneys in detoxification involves the elimination of water-soluble toxins from the body. Drinking sufficient amounts of pure water will be helpful. The skin eliminates toxins through sweat and other secretions. Applying a dry brush massage to the skin helps to stimulate circulation and improve this function. The elimination of toxins through the skin by sweating can be accomplished with aerobic exercise and saunas. To eliminate heavy metal toxicity from lead, aluminum, cadmium or mercury, chelating agents may be used. The removal of mercury amalgam dental fillings may be recommended to eliminate a source of mercury contamination.

Recall that the major medications that are used to treat asthma are bronchodilators to dilate the constricted bronchi, anti-inflammatory agents to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics when infection is playing a role.

Building Immunity to Reduce Need for Antibiotics
To reduce the need for antibiotics to treat infections, a complementary physician will use nutrients to bolster the person’s own immune system. These may include liberal use of vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, copper, thymus extracts and herbs like Lomatium and Echinacea. These may be given orally. In addition, a course of intravenous infusions of vitamin C and other nutrients, or low dose hydrogen peroxide will generally bolster the immune system and help the patient to feel better.

The mineral magnesium, which has been covered in a previous medical update, is possibly the single most important nutrient for managing asthma because of its multiple effects on the asthmatic condition. It is extremely effective in the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle tissue, resulting in a reduction of bronchospasm and increased airways diameter. It may do this in part by stimulating production of cyclic AMP and ATP, two important mediators that bring about relaxation of bronchospasm.