How to Take Charge of Your Asthma

Eight ways to find hope and healing to replace fear and struggle.

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Getting asthma for my 50th birthday was no picnic, but I find that the more information I have about a health condition the better able I am to navigate it. I like to dissect things and find out every possible angle. Once I know the medical aspects I can make decisions to complement medical care with holistic and spiritual support. In the course my journey I was reminded that I do have the power to turn my health issues around; maybe not completely, but at least I learned how to enhance my health and manage my condition so that it was no longer managing me! I encourage everyone to find his or her own path but want to share lifestyle and spirituality enhancers that helped. Looking at asthma holistically allowed me to raise it up from a threatening medical condition to an opportunity to grow.

Use Food as an Ally, not an Enemy

You may not have -- or not know you have -- food allergies and sensitivities, but 75 per cent of people with asthma are believed to also have acid reflux. Issues with the GI system can go hand-in-hand with breathing problems. Needless to say, extra weight and unhealthy foods can make symptoms worse. In general, asthma thrives with foods that congest you or upset you. Food that is not fitting for your body weakens your immune system and fogs your head. If you remove dairy, creams, buttery sauces, and sugary stuff, you have won half the battle. Modify coffee intake and ditch fried food and you will feel so much better. By removing these foods I dropped 25 pounds. That in itself made breathing easier!