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The incidence of atopic disease, including asthma, is increasing rapidly throughout the world. What is causing this epidemic? While environmental pollutants, such as second hand smoke and chemicals found in common scented household products may be playing a role in the increased occurrence of asthma, diet seems to have an effect on the risk of developing asthma. The changes in the Western diet over the last few decades away from fresh produce towards processed foods and animal products may also help explain the dramatic rise in the prevalence of asthma. Increased intake of seafood, meat, cod liver oil, poultry and dairy have been correlated with an increased risk for asthma, while the consumption of fresh fruits, green vegetables and soy products has been shown to be protective. In fact, switching to a plant-based diet can successfully treat symptoms of the disease (unlike homeopathy or even some medications specifically designed for this purpose).
Babies born via caesarean section or naturally to mothers with disturbances in vaginal flora are at increased risk for developing asthma.
Some individual plant foods may be used to treat asthma, and could be added generously to the diet for side-effect free symptom management. Tomatoes, oatmeal, adhatoda and black pepper, and turmeric may have positive therapeutic effects on asthma patients.
Topic summary contributed by Paul
There is a food that offers the best of both worlds—significantly improving our ability to detox carcinogens, like diesel fumes, and decreasing inflammation in our airways, all the while improving our respiratory defenses against infections.
Two ways in which salt may drive autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, type I diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cutting 2 teaspoons of salt’s worth of sodium from one’s daily diet can significantly improve lung function in asthmatics.
Slow-paced breathing at the right frequency can result in a vagal nerve activation, which may have a variety of beneficial effects.
Vitamin D supplements were put to the test for Crohn’s disease.
Vitamin D supplements are put to the test in childhood asthma.
How many cola cancer cases are estimated to be caused by Coke and Pepsi in New York versus California, where a carcinogen labeling law (Prop 65) exists?
If depression can be induced with pro-inflammatory drugs, might an anti-inflammatory diet be effective in preventing and treating mood disorders?
Is whole grain consumption just a marker for healthier behaviors, or do whole grains have direct health benefits?
A study of 13 over-the-counter children’s fish oil supplements found that all were contaminated with PCB pollutants.
For more than 30 years, the medical profession has debated the existence of an intolerance to the wheat protein, gluten, unrelated to allergy or celiac disease. What is the evidence pro and con?
The elimination of all dairy products was found to cure constipation in up to 100% of kids tested, leading to a resolution of rectal inflammation and complications such as anal fissures.