Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Terry, “I have asthma and I was wondering if there was anything I could take to help with the breathing? Kim F. Pierre, SD A. Dear Kim, There are some very helpful natural products that can be quite useful in facilitating breathing and reducing lung inflammation. One product is a blend of highly-bioavailable curcumin (an extract of the spice, turmeric) and boswellia. These two herbs reduce some of the inflammation triggers inside the body. Reducing inflammation in your lungs reduces lung irritation and swelling, and lets the air go in and out more easily. This special curcumin and the boswellia are also heart and brain healthy as well, so it is a good product to use ongoing. The second recommendation would be for something that helps improve how your body gets rid of the stuff that accumulates in your lungs, especially mucous. I like a combination of Thyme and English Ivy extract. Both are very effective in helping keep the lungs clear, which promotes more effective air exchange. While these products may help tremendously with reducing asthma attacks, it is important that you always maintain emergency rescue medication like inhalers, because you don’t want to run into a situation with an attack and have nothing with you. Dietary supplements are useful in prevention and long-term maintenance, but they cannot replace the effects of emergency asthma medication that works quickly in the event of a serious attack. Hopefully, you will never need to use this emergency medication, but it is better to have it with you.