Improve your respiratory health

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathing deeply to fill our lungs with fresh, vital oxygen is something we generally take for granted. It is only when a respiratory problem impairs our breathing that we fully appreciate the ability to do so freely and easily. Having to fight for breath due to inflammation, coughing, excessive mucus production, or an autoimmune response to allergies or toxins is certainly one of life's most unpleasant experiences. Breathing is not only essential for life, but when done correctly, it contributes to overall better health. As Andrew Weil, the well-known natural medicine educator, says, “Regularly practicing conscious breathing can calm and energize and even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”1 Obviously, we cannot achieve these high levels of breathing until we can breathe easily. Respiratory Conditions There are many respiratory conditions that can impair human lung capacity. Three of the main conditions are chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD): bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. Bronchitis – Bronchitis is a condition of the lungs where the bronchi become inflamed and obstructed. The inflammation associated with the bronchi can lead to respiratory complications due to excess mucus, coughing, fever, sore throat, chills, and shivering. Bronchitis can occur in two forms: acute and chronic. Infections, colds, or flu are common causes of acute bronchitis. Generally, acute bronchitis resolves within a few weeks but can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia. Chronic or recurrent bronchitis is most common in people with allergies, those working in jobs with unhealthy respiratory conditions, and smokers. Chronic bronchitis also makes it more difficult for oxygen exchange in the lungs, which can cause stress on the heart. Asthma – Asthma is a lung disease that affects the airways, often in the form of a sudden "attack." Usually, asthma means that the body's immune system reacts to an allergen as a threat, causing inflammation and hypersensitivity of the airways. When the bronchi become inflamed and filled with mucus, an asthma attack can occur, which worsens the inflammation. People with asthma often experience difficulty breathing, in addition to coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest during an asthma episode. These symptoms occur when the muscles around the bronchi tighten, restricting oxygen flow. There are two types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic. Allergic asthma can be caused by an allergen, including mold, food allergens (e.g., dairy and wheat products), animal dander, chemicals, or pollutants. Non-allergic asthma can be triggered by bronchitis, temperature changes, stress, and low blood sugar, or it can be genetic, passed down from a previous generation. The increase in air pollution on Earth has been associated with a recent rise in the incidence of asthma.2An asthma attack can develop into a form of emphysema if left untreated, and it can also be life-threatening due to its obstruction of breathing. It is important to have asthma diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional to receive appropriate treatment. Other respiratory conditions include: The common cold – The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually occurs in autumn or winter. The most common virus that causes the common cold is the rhinovirus. Symptoms of a common cold often include congestion, a sore throat, coughing, and sneezing. A prolonged cold can turn into bronchitis or a sinus infection. Type A flu – Type A flu, or simply "the flu," is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. The flu is extremely contagious, spreading through sneezing and coughing, entering the body through the respiratory tract. Its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold – a dry throat and cough, congestion, muscle aches, fatigue, hot and cold sweats – but they usually last longer, sometimes up to 2 weeks. Allergies – Allergic reactions can occur when the immune system overreacts to a normally non-toxic substance, thereby damaging the body. There are many substances that can cause an allergic reaction in humans: molds, dust, pollen, metals, animal hair and dander, insect bites, certain foods (e.g., nuts, dairy products, wheat), and chemicals. Side effects of allergies include congestion, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and swallowing, rashes, itchy eyes and skin, and fatigue. Some allergies are seasonal, the most well-known being hay fever. Hay fever symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold but tend to last longer. Pneumonia – Pneumonia is another inflammatory condition of the lungs, primarily affecting the alveoli. Pneumonia is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections (or a combination of both), especially by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The influenza virus and rhinovirus are also common causes of pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia can include coughing, fever, chills, chest pain, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Respir-First is helpful in alleviating a number of respiratory-related conditions: Relieve bronchitis Relieve cold and flu Relieve dry cough Help contain coughing Relieve seasonal allergies Relieve excess mucus Tonify (stimulate) weak lungs Relieve irritation of oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes Relieve throat irritation Strengthen the immune system References: 1. drweil.com “Three breathing exercises”2. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” 4th P 224.3. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Marshmallow Root.4. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 98.5. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Nettle Root.6. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 142.7. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Ginger.8. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Astragalus.9. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 28.10. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Thyme.11. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 144.12. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Linden flower.13. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Fenugreek.14. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 67.15. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 50.16. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 65.17. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd” Avery. 2012. p. 49.

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