Asthma Control: Tips on How to Cure your Asthma Naturally

With over 17 million people in the United States alone suffering from Asthma and consequently seeking some form of asthma control, this respiratory disease has proven to be a very debilitating hindrance to optimal health. Breathing is the very essence of life and for this disease to hinder its natural process, an effective Asthma control will be essential.

Characterized by wheezing sounds, tightness in the chest, difficulties breathing and at times cough spells and sore throats, I had my first asthma attack as a kid and up until about 6 years ago had these attacks rather frequently. This made for many sleepless nights (why with reaching for my ventolin inhaler) and boring days locked in doors. This was simply because I didn't have the cardio-vascular endurance to withstand play coupled with the added fear of allergic reactions to grass, dust or even a friendly pat on the back which could trigger an asthma attack at any time landing me right back in the bed for a week minimum.

This (with acne and lethargy) was my state of health for years till I started to take up Yoga, considering its mild, yet very effective abilities to exercise the body without any vigorous demands. I was introduced to Pranayama, the Sanskrit name for Breathing Exercises and was told of the benefits of such techniques as the Bellows Breath for asthma control and was also shown how such simpler Square breathing exercises
could be beneficial for curing and preventing asthma along with improving my overall health. 

The author of the Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, Swami Vishnu Devananda attested to curing many patients with asthma symptoms by correcting their breathing habits and with the introduction of a proper diet and exercise. Based on my experiences, I will now provide you with similar and up to date information on the tried-and true techniques and methods of attaining successful and permanent asthma control techniques. 

The first step to keep in mind whenever you are breathing is to make the conscious effort to ensure that it is done deeply. This can only be attained initially by conscious efforts but, with time and practice it becomes a natural process, like it was always intended to be. 

To gain the most amount of air with minimal effort, ensure that when inhaling, you allow for the dome of the abdomen to have an outward curve. Contrary to popular belief and instructions given by vocal coaches and even some doctors, do not raise the shoulders or stiffen the diaphragm when inhaling as this constricts the inflow of air for the lungs.

For a good illustration of natural breathing as described above, simply observe an infant.
You would notice a baby always breathes deeply from the abdomen although it is with a seemingly effortless approach. (I guess that is another reason why the great seers and prophets say "to learn from little children eh?"<


A simple test to establish proper breathing habits will be the following exercises. When executing them, ensure that they are done on an empty stomach and in a place with plenty of fresh air. Also, make sure that you breathe through the nose as often as possible.

Asthma Control: Breathing Exercises to Use

1. Inhalation and Exhalation:
-Either laying flat on a bed or sitting erect commence to breathing deeply, using a stop-watch or metronome to keep track of the time. The desired ratio here is 1:2. Minimum time for inhalation should be 4 seconds gradually building up to 16. (With the time for exhalation now being 8 seconds gradually building up to 32) consciously perform this exhilarating exercise for several weeks.

2. Inhalation-Retention-Exhalation
-When you are properly established in exercise #1 the next stage included is retention. In ancient yogic texts, the required ratio would be 1:4:2 (inhalation, retention and exhalation) The minimum schedule again for this exercise is 4 seconds, gradually building up to a maximum of 16 seconds (inhalation that is) Practice this for several days or weeks till you master it and it becomes second nature.

Although, from the indications above, you'd notice that more emphasis is laid on proper breathing over diet as a step for a natural asthma control, do keep in mind that it is advised that you avoid Mucus-Forming foods such as Animal flesh and products, Most Grains, Junk and Processed Foods and even some so-called health-food products like Soy, Yeast, Bragg's Liquid Aminos and Vinegar.

Abstinence from the products above is a must and a fact that has been in effect in several programs aimed at correcting respiratory health such as the "Breath Retaining Program For Asthmatics" developed by the Russian, Dr. Buteyko. Within weeks of adhering to this advice, many chronic asthmatics have been able to give up the use of ventolin inhalers.

Replace these items with Fruits, Leafy and Root Vegetables and if desired less harmful whole grains like Brown rice, Quinoa, Amaranth and Millet occasionally.

Also make sure to combine your meals properly and not to consume liquids of any kinds while eating so as not to constrict proper movement of the visceral organs that lie underneath the all important diaphragm. In addition, make the effort to avoid the use of microwaves, conventionally grown produce and polluted tap water for your optimal health.

Asthma need not be a part of your life anymore; you too can effectively apply these natural asthma control methods with the steps outlined above. So empower yourself for a successful asthma control today with proper breathing and dietetic habits. 

The Secret Between Sugar Intake and Diabetes - What You Need to Know

Did you know that certain apparently harmless habits can have devastating effects on your health? I'll bet right now you are thinking that I am about to fear monger you into yet another guilt trip about how everything in the world is bad for you. But this is far from the case, what I am about to tell you is absolutely invaluable information, the kind of stuff that should be common knowledge but for some reason is not. Are you ready for it? Here goes- Sugar is Bad for You.

Hahaha I know everyone is thinking, should be common knowledge but isn't? This is common knowledge. But not so fast, here's where it gets interesting, for real. To be healthy for life we need to eat a diet that stabilizes our blood sugar (this goes for everyone not just diabetics), and does not spike it.

This means that the best food for us is the stuff that our ancestors ate as they evolved into us (about 80% organic greens and 20% meat). Our current average diet is completely out of whack with our metabolisms; we eat on average an enormous amount of over processed food and get no where near the amount of nutrients we need to keep healthy.

The biggest culprit in our bad diets is sugar, just 2 tsps of sugar in our morning coffee/ tea serve to spike our blood sugar and destabilize our hormones, this leads in the short term to all sorts of problems such as fatigue, abnormal hunger and eating patterns, sugar highs and lows, weight gain, and acne (yes acne, I don't care what dermatologists say, their degrees are paid for by the pharmaceutical industry, do your own experiments with food and you'll see my point).

Now so I've identified the problem, you probably want a solution, right? Well the only quick solution is to cut out sugar, but that can be tricky at times as sugar tends to be hiding as an added ingredient in most foods, so label reading must become a habit.

The next question I can predict coming is, what can we use as a substitute to sugar just to keep things sweet. Well my recommendation is to avoid all chemical artificial sweeteners, (they are poison) as not having calories does not mean they don't have adverse effects. I personally use Stevia, which is an organic natural sweetener with no chemicals or adverse effects. Generally it is difficult to find Stevia in grocery stores but natural health stores always carry it, about a months supply costs $10.00.

Now if you are wanting more information on the details of sugar and how it relates to diabetes, raised blood sugar and general overall bad health, I strongly recommend that you visit the site below as it provides in depth information on all these questions.

http://www.thesugardiabetesconnection.com/stable-blood-sugar-part-1.html

How does just a small teaspoon of sugar daily affect your overall health and contribute to the chances of getting adult onset diabetes? No fear mongering or nonsense, just clear common sense, facts and compassion, visit my site today for more information on this and other subjects.

adult onset diabetes

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Obesity Versus Overweight - What Is The Difference?

What's the difference of obesity versus overweight? These expressions are commonly used alike. Even though these terms are both associated to excess body fat, they also associate the distinctive lengths of this condition. To check someones excess body weight correctly, the doctors use a Body Mass Index, also known as BMI. This is a way to measure weight that takes a person's height into account.

BMI is used by doctors and trainers to evaluate overweight or obese individuals. It is very effective in figuring out the weight for any height, and measures your overall body fat. But it does not make the distinction between people with too much fat, or muscular body class. You should use BMI in combination with other body assessments. Someone with the BMI of 25 to 29.9 is acknowledged to be overweight. Someone with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. Your doctor or trainer can help you to decide your BMI and put you on a healthy diet to help lose that extra weight.

The reasons for obesity in some individuals include environmental, genetic, and psychological factors. Anyone can be at risk for being overweight, men and women of any age and race. The Center for Disease Control often refers to the problem of obesity in the United States as a wide spread public health problem. They also say that the situation will continue to get larger. In the late 90's, the National Health & Nutrition Survey said that an estimated 63% of US adults are overweight or obese.

Between the 80's and 90's, the population of overweight United States citizens from ages 25 to 73 increased about 2%, rising from 35% to 37%. During the same time, obesity has multiplied from around 16% to 28%. Being overweight or obese is very unhealthy, and will lead to other illnesses, and diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure, just to name a few.

To figure out your BMI follow these steps.

1. Take your weight pounds & multiply by 704

2. Divide that number by your height inches

3. Divide that number by your height inches again

4. 19-24.9 You Are Fit

5. 25-29.9 You Are Overweight - You need to start finding ways to fix the problem, because health issues may start to develope.

6. 30+ Obesity - You are at high risk of health issues, and should see your doctor for safe, and healthy diet programs.

In a nutshell that is the difference in obesity versus overweight. Learning about your health condition is the first start to a healthy life. Then, you need to decide what to do from there. I would recommend starting some kind of activity. I suggest walking, or even just walking the dog. This is very effective, and a good healthy start.

Understanding the Glycemic Index and the Glycemic Load

Are you interested in maintaining a healthy weight and a high energy level? Do you want to avoid feelings of hunger and fatigue? Have you noticed that you become lethargic after eating certain foods?

Eating healthy... can be confusing and a frustrating task. Many people know the difference between a simple (sugar, honey and fruit) and complex carbohydrate (whole grain bread, oats and brown rice). They may even try to consume plenty of complex carbohydrates and smaller amounts of simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are broken down into glucose at a slower rate than simple carbohydrates - thus providing a gradual stream of energy throughout the day.

Creating a healthy eating program is not as simple as just knowing the difference between a simple and complex carbohydrate. It's understanding how quickly a specific carbohydrate becomes metabolized into sugar (the body's source of energy for most activities) and how it impacts blood sugar (glucose) levels.

The glycemic index and glycemic load provide information about how foods affect blood sugar and insulin. The glycemic index is a numerical scale to specify how quickly and how high a specific food can raise our blood glucose level. A food that raises blood sugar levels moderately - is considered to have a low glycemic index, while a food that raises blood sugar levels above the optimal level, will have a high glycemic index.

Utilizing the glycemic index, foods are based on pure table sugar (glucose) with an index of 100, and then categorized by their ability to raise insulin levels - high (70 and above), medium (56 - 69) and low (55 or less). Interestingly, certain cereals can have index values above 100 (pure sugar) due to processing, which requires very little digestion.

The glycemic load - a ranking system for carbohydrate content in food based on their glycemic index and portion size, combines quality and quantity of a carbohydrate in one number. The glycemic load is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index by the weight of the food in grams and dividing the total by 100. A food with a glycemic index over 20 is considered high, between 11 - 20 is considered medium and if under 11, is considered low.

After consuming carbohydrate-rich foods, digestion begins - breaking down and turning food into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream - triggering the production of insulin (hormone that helps glucose get into cells) to be used for energy. Once energy needs are complete, remaining glucose can be stored in the muscles and liver for later use. However, if these areas are full, insulin helps the body store excess sugar as fat! That is why... you are what you eat!

Eating healthy - consuming foods that have a low to medium glycemic index, have the potential to help prevent and treat chronic diseases - heart disease, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes, certain cancers, as well as improve cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight. Foods with a high glycemic index include white bread, watermelon, corn chips and donuts. Foods with a medium glycemic index include raisins, rye flour bread and wild rice. Foods with a low GI include whole wheat pasta, sour dough rye, chickpeas, broccoli and apples.

At the AIMS Clinic, our Board Certified, Clinical Nutritionist - together with our Medical Team can customize a healthy, glycemic index diet for you.

Matthew Speesler, MD treats patients as a whole - mind, body and spirit, with a holistic approach to uncover root causes for many medical conditions. The focus is to build health from the inside out, giving the body what it needs to heal, recover and restore itself. Our Team of Experts and friendly staff at your local East Brunswick, NJ AIMS Clinic will help you reduce or eliminate pain and improve function.

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