Robert Filice, M.D. - Dr. Bob's Newsletter
The Natural Medicine Approach to Bronchial Asthma:
The next breath is something that my patients with asthma don’t take for granted. Both the frequency and the death rate from asthma have been increasing lately, and it’s possible that the medications used to treat this disease may be making the problem worse. Many asthmatics have allergy problems, but not all of them. At least 75% of childhood asthma, and 40% of adult asthma involves a certain degree of reactivity to food allergens. In most of these cases the sensitivity is hidden, and the patient is unaware of any food connection until blood tests are done and elimination diets reduce asthma symptoms. Be aware that skin test results are generally of no diagnostic value in determining food sensitivities. I usually have my asthma patients eliminate dairy products whether they test allergic to them or not. The mucous producing effect of dairy is so common that it makes sense for these patients to steer clear of them, at least for a few months trial. The yellow food dye tartrazine, and sulfites used as salad bar preservatives and found in some wines are also common sensitizers and can be tested for in the office. Nutritional and hormonal problems are also very common in asthmatics. Across the board, adrenal function is found to be compromised, and asthma responds nicely to nutritional adrenal support, or identical-to-natural low dose cortisol therapy.

Many asthmatics, especially children, are low in B6 and magnesium and several studies have documented that asthma responds to B6 and magnesium supplementation. Intravenous magnesium can quickly end an acute asthma attack, making it a very nice alternative to an emergency room visit. This treatment is safer and even works faster than the usual adrenalin/bronchodilator regimens. Oral magnesium can help keep the bronchial tubes open, reducing asthma attacks. Low magnesium also tends to exaggerate histamine release, making allergic reactivity even worse than usual. There is also literature that suggests B12 injections (or sublingual, which is how I often prescribe it now) can relieve asthma. Apparently it helps the body detoxify sulfites, some of which are produced by the internal metabolism of amino acids. I also usually suggest Vitamin C for its antihistaminic and antioxidant effects. Anecdotally I have had heard from patients who found that heavy doses of cayenne pepper capsules have brought up copious material from their lungs, and actually cured their asthma. In another case, three visits to a Thai restaurant and eating hot spicey food till they started sweating did the trick! It literally stopped their asthma attacks permanently. Dilute intravenous peroxide can do a great job of clearing mucous and settling down the bronchial hyper-reactivity of asthmatics, and so does IV glutathione, a premiere cellular anti-oxidant/protectant. Here’s a recent case that illustrates the phenomenal results that natural medicine can produce for these patients:

I saw a 60 year old woman who had multiple health problems, among which was a very severe case of bronchial asthma. She had numerous hospitalizations throughout her life, 6 episodes of pneumonia, recent worsening in her breathing, and she was stuck on increasing doses of 3 different inhalers including Combivent, Flovent (a steroid containing spray), and Singulair. She had read the book “The Enzyme Cure” and had found Caring Medical in the referral section. A careful history suggested the need to check food and environmental allergies, and look at hormone balance so after the first consultation these tests were taken. However, as I often do, I wanted to start her on a few things that I thought might help her immediately, so I prescribed magnesium which is a natural bronchodilator, respiratory enzymes (RSP) which are discussed in the book she had read and which contain herbs that aid in expectoration and reduce airway inflammation, and finally N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which is a precursor to the important cellular antioxidant glutathione and which also reduces airway secretions, thus clearing the way for easier breathing. One month later she came back to review her test results and report on her progress. She was utterly amazed at the results that she had achieved. She had discontinued each and every one of her prescription inhalers! She said that the supplements had seemingly lifted a weight off of her chest, and she was able to breathe normally for the first time in years. I expect further improvements in her condition now that I have taken her off of her allergic foods (egg white and milk), and supported her weak adrenal. The latter is an almost constant feature of bronchial asthma. As far as the allergens are concerned she told me that she started every day with a little coffee and eggs are her favorite food! This case illustrates the amazing power of natural medicine to help the body heal itself and solve its problems when given the needed natural remedies, and when relieved of the suppressive effects of prescription medications.
 

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