The gestational development of the lungs relies heavily on the presence of two major vitamins. One of which is water soluble and one that is fat soluble. These are vitamin C and vitamin A. To focus on just these would be rather short sighted as all of the nutrients are critical in development of healthy tissue.
Vitamin A is required to create squamous cells. These make up the outer lining of our skin. When I say this, most would think of that we can see. These cells line the mucous membranes of our mouth, sinuses, throat, intestines, stomach, and our lungs.
It’s a known fact that children deprived of vitamin A suffer more sinus and ear infections. This critical vitamin is also required for your eyesight. When animals were deprived of foods rich in vitamin A, they developed ear infections, sinus infections, and visual impairments.
During the development of the fetus, this nutrient is required to lay down the foundation for proper creation of healthy mucous membranes. When deprived, children become more prone to upper respiratory infections and asthma.
Naturally occurring vitamin C as found in food, with all the components of vitamin C (not just ascorbic acid), provides the foundation of collagen which makes up the backing of these squamous cells. Collagen is the glue which holds our cells together. Deprivation of these nutrients during pregnancy can lead to way too many weaknesses in our children. Spending a little more on nutrition during pregnancy can save a tremendous amount of money and headaches in the future.
Another aspect of asthma which is often ignored is the mental/emotional component. During an asthma attack, there’s a stiffening of the alveolar cell walls, causing entrapment of carbon dioxide and exclusion of oxygen. Inhalers contain neurological blockers which short circuit this process allowing relaxation of these cell walls. This allows CO2 to be released and oxygen to be absorbed.
We’re told the rigidity of these cell walls comes from exposure to dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminates. When these aren’t present, we have to consider other elements which begin this process.
Most asthmatic events occur during times of increased stress. The findings of a Johns Hopkins University Research Team in 1996 showed the root of most asthma attacks to be fear, stress, and anxiety. Asthma has been one of the fastest growing childhood diseases in America, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
During times of stress, fear, and anxiety the hypothalamus initiates release of a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone). This stress hormone docks at receptors in the alveoli, resulting in these tissues stiffening.
When the person is dealing with uncertainty, fear, and insecurity, there can be over stimulation of the hypothalamus resulting in elevation of ACTH and then asthma.
With a growing number of fatherless homes, divorce, financial challenges, and the elements of questioning one’s identity, the number of asthma cases are only going to increase. Even in the womb, the person is aware of being wanted or rejected. This can then show up later in life.
Nutrition is one foundational approach where the support of vital nutrients for the health of the lungs and nervous system must be considered. Healthy adrenal glands should be maintained. The use of herbs like Withania can help to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. It’s also is useful in calming the individual with the hopes of reducing ACTH release. Although this isn’t an herb listed in my herbal compendium for asthma, it’s metabolic function can be instrumental in preventing the neurological cascade resulting in this condition.
The most successful treatment of this condition involves getting involved with the person and dealing with their fears and anxiety. What one author concluded was that the greatest trigger is the fear of abandonment resulting in insecurities. This can be seen when the parents of a child argue and the child imagines them separating, leaving that child abandoned.
These fears, if not addressed, can follow the person for years, even after circumstances have been resolved. We’re dynamical affected by what we eat, but even greater by what’s eating at us.
When we can wrap our heads around how much God loves us and that He will never leave or abandon us, we can overcome those fears and insecurities. Even in a world gone crazy.