Search Results for: asthma

December 22, 2020 By Aesha Mehta 1 Comment

7 Foods To Avoid If You Have Asthma

Asthma is an ancient Greek word which means “Short drawn breath”. It can be quite troublesome as it causes chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Patients suffering from asthma have more trouble exhaling carbon-dioxide than inhaling oxygen because the air passages of the small bronchi become clogged, making it difficult to breathe. Most asthma patients face more difficulty breathing during the night time.

Modern medicine has not been able to find a cure for this troublesome respiratory disease. Drugs and vaccines help in reducing symptoms and provide temporary relief. Allergy is a major cause of asthma but it can be managed with proper diet and lifestyle such as eating foods which are easy to digest and adapting lifestyle methods such as yogic kriya – which helps in proper assimilation of food, strengthening of lungs, digestive and circulatory system.

Which Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Asthma?

While there are foods which can help you alleviate the symptoms of Asthma, here are some which you must avoid at any cost.

Sugar: Sweet carbonated drinks, candies, cakes, biscuits and all the foods which are rich in sugar increase coughing and wheezing in children. Sugar attacks the immune system of the airway which causes narrowing of airways and mucous production. Instead of sweets, Include jaggery and coconut sugar
Junk Foods: like burgers, pizza, red meats, fries, etc. which are loved by a large part of the population, worsens asthma symptoms. These foods make one overweight and the lungs have to work harder, making it difficult to breathe. Include simple, homemade foods instead of junk foods
Alcohol: Sulphites is one of the allergens which is present in many alcoholic beverages which worsens asthma symptoms. It increases wheezing and breathing difficulty. Include more natural beverages like lemon water and coconut water instead of beer and wine.
Beans: cause gas in our body and puts pressure on diaphragm and increases acid reflux. It is better to avoid beans and other foods like cabbage, onion and garlic which are gas forming.
Tea and coffee: Another allergen, Salicylates, is found in tea and coffee. Though it is rare, some asthmatic patients are allergic to salicylates and find difficulty in breathing. As an alternative, you can include herbal teas like chamomile tea and passionflower tea instead of regular tea and coffee.
Shrimp: contains sulphites which is an allergen. Yes SULPHITE again! It can worsen asthma symptoms.
Salt: is one of the worst foods for asthma. It can tighten the airways, cause inflammation and fluid retention, making it a very serious lung complication. Include natural flavouring ingredients like cumin, turmeric and chilli flakes instead of salt.

We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on Asthma, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play.

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December 17, 2019 By Saba Mirza Leave a Comment

Tips to Help You Manage Asthma During Winter

Winter is a little tough for most of us to deal with but for people suffering from asthma, it can be more challenging. When out, the cold air irritates the respiratory mucosa and exacerbates the symptoms. On the other hand, when you’re indoors, asthma triggers are present in the form of molds, pet dander and dust mites. When cold waves hit the airways or when asthma triggers enter the respiratory tract, the airways get into a spasm and produce more mucus which clogs the pathway and causes excessive coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath! So how exactly can one manage asthma during winter?

Tips to Manage Asthma During Winter

Apart from getting your flu vaccines before the onset of winters and being ready with all the prescribed medicines from your doctor, here are a few simple measures which will help you manage asthma during winter.

Limit Outdoor Activities: To prevent the flaring up of asthma because of cold air, limit your outdoor activities, especially walking or outdoor sports. Workout in a gym or at home, which will prevent any shortness of breath and will also help in boosting physical fitness.
Cover Your Face While Going Out: Drape a scarf over your mouth and nose or wear a winter mask covering the lower part of your face whenever you go out. It will warm the air up a bit before you breathe.
Prevent Mold Formation In The House: Keep the house dry and clean to prevent the formation of molds. We can prevent the growth of dust mites and molds by ventilating the house, especially the kitchen and bathroom, with exhaust fans. Prevent moisture formation on hidden areas and dry all the wet places. Be sure to repair any leaky pipes, roofs and windows.
Prevent the Spread of Infections: Cold and flu viruses are on the rise in winter and can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. Prevent catching these infections by washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, using hand sanitizer whenever you’re out and maintaining distance from people who are infected.
Keep Yourself Hydrated: Drinking good amount of liquids is helpful in thinning down the mucus in the lungs which can then be easily expelled. Lukewarm water, herbal teas, hot clear soups, etc. are quite effective in soothing sore respiratory mucosa. Avoid drinking cold water or cold beverages as cold irritates the respiratory mucosa and can exacerbate the attack.
Use Essential Oils: Eucalyptus oil has been used since ages for various infections, predominantly asthma and bronchitis. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and inhale the vapours for a few minutes. This will help you find relief from breathlessness! Lavender and Basil oils are quite effective as well.
Include Anti-inflammatory Food Daily: Include omega-3 fatty acids rich food like fish, flax seeds and nuts more regularly during winter. This will help reduce inflammation in the body. Antioxidant-rich foods like seasonal fruits, fresh and colourful vegetables also help in cleansing the body by destroying the toxins accumulated in the body cells. This helps in boosting the body’s immune response to various infections.
Practice Yoga: Gloomy days in winter also contribute in increasing stress levels. High-stress levels can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Deep breathing exercises, as done in pranayama, can be helpful in improving lung efficiency in people with asthma as well as relieving the stress!

We hope this article helps you manage asthma during winter! If your symptoms get too severe, visit your doctor immediately. For home remedies and more information on asthma, you can view LIVE videos by experts and interact with them on GOQii Play.

#BeTheForce

May 7, 2019 By Sonal Pradhan 2 Comments

All You Need to Know About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that transport air to and from the lungs. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swells and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled.

Types of Asthma

Many different aspects of a person’s environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma.

Extrinsic: This type is associated with and triggered by allergens. Sometimes known as allergic asthma, it is more common and typically develops in childhood. Your immune system reacts to what would normally be a harmless substance by increasing antibodies, increasing mucous and thereby, making airways narrow and inflamed. It can be associated with:

Pollens
Dust mites
Pet dander
Certain foods like Nuts

Intrinsic Asthma: This is a non-allergic, non-seasonal form. Usually, it first occurs during adulthood. Intrinsic asthma represents a small amount of all cases. It usually develops after the age of 30 and is not typically associated with allergies. Intrinsic asthma can be difficult to treat and symptoms are often chronic and year-round. Substances irritate the airways. It is associated with:

Chemicals such as cleaning products, aerosols, air fresheners
Exercise-induced
Environmental pollution or cigarette smoke
Extremes of cold or very hot weather
Emotional extremes – such as laughing, stress

Causes

Many different aspects of a person’s environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma.

Genetics: It is widely accepted that asthma is a disease that can be inherited. If there’s asthma, eczema, hay fever or other allergies in family, it makes asthma more likely.
Persons with allergies can develop asthma. A strong link exists between allergies and asthma.
Smoking increases the risk of developing asthma. It has a part to play in adult-onset asthma. Smoking during pregnancy or passive smoking may also increase the risk of developing asthma in children.
Exposure to triggers at work: Sometimes asthma triggers present at the workplace which is a reason for causing asthma.
Female hormones: Hormones can play a part in triggering late onset asthma and some women first develop asthma during or after the menopause.
Pollution plays a part in causing asthma. Environmental pollution, including traffic fumes and chemicals from power plants, can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing asthma.
Childhood Development: The early months and years of a child’s life are critical times during which a baby can develop or become susceptible to developing asthma. The abnormal development and growth of the lungs can increase a person’s risk for developing asthma.

Asthma Triggers

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens), can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma:

Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
Strong emotions and stress
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
Cold air
Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

Risk Factors

Having a family history with asthma
Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Being overweight
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke

Symptoms

The classic signs and symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, cough (often worse at night), and wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound produced by turbulent airflow through narrow airways, typically with exhalation). Many patients also report chest tightness. It is important to note that these symptoms are episodic, and individuals with asthma can go long periods of time without any symptoms.

It’s not necessary that every person with asthma shows all of these symptoms. For instance, some people may have disturbed sleep at night due to excessive coughing, while others may experience breathlessness while exercising.

Prevention

Avoidance of triggers is a key component of improving control and preventing attacks of Asthma. It’s vital to learn to identify your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them. If you have allergies and asthma, it’s important to minimize your exposure to allergens (substances to which you are allergic). Minimize exposure to all sources of smoke, including tobacco, incense, candles, fires, and fireworks.

Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu, because your asthma symptoms may worsen if you catch the infection from them. Early pet exposure may be useful. Coping with stress can help prevent and control your asthma. Meditation helps a person reduce stress.

Exercise is beneficial in people with stable asthma. Yoga could provide small improvements in quality of life and symptoms in people with asthma.

With proper management and prevention of asthma you can minimize your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

April 14, 2021 By Mubasheera Chaiwala Leave a Comment

Pranayama To Detoxify The Body, Mind And Vital Organs

Pranayama is the yogic practice of breath control. It means the ability to expand our health by controlling the breath. There are various ways and positions to practice yogic breathing.

The combination of pranayama and meditation has positive effects in curing various problems like acidity, stress, anxiety, skin diseases, improved blood circulation, and managing lifestyle disorders such as thyroid, PCOS, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure.

We breathe daily, right? So what is pranayama? Why Pranayama?

Pranayama is slow, deep breathing, in a rhythm. The breathing that we do normally is not in rhythm and is non-harmonic. It is in pranayama that gets our mind and organs in sync. There are various pranayama practices which you can do daily.

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama
This is a famous pranayama practice also known as The Skull Shining Breathing Technique. Kapalbhati has physiological effects on cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems.

Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayama:

It Generates heat in the system to help dissolve toxins and waste matter.
Daily practice helps in adding luster to your face and you get glowing skin
Improves digestion and can help alleviate gastrointestinal problems like acidity, indigestion and flatulence.
Improves the function of kidneys and liver as it provides a gentle massage to the organs.
If practiced daily helps in reducing belly fat.
Kapalbhati helps reduce stress in the eyes, thus reduces dark circles around the eyes.
It triggers your abdominal region, so it’s beneficial for diabetic patients.
It improves the blood circulation problem in whole body parts.

2. Anulom Vilom
Also known as Alternate nostril breathing, it has various benefits for the body internally and externally. Oxygen is pure and required by the body for every single process to take place and therefore, it is vital for us to breath right and Anulom Vilom serves the purpose. It is the best way of balancing the Tri Dosas (Tri means “three” and the meaning of dosas is impurities) in our body i.e. Vaat, Pitta and Kaffa. All three are the cause of all diseases. So, it is important to balance them. Our body gets ill when Tri Dosas are not in harmony.

Benefits of Anulom vilom Pranayama

It can provide some relief from mental health problems like Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Tension, etc.
Improves the working of the lungs, beneficial for most respiratory problems like (Bronchitis, Asthma), etc.
Best breathing technique for boosting your memory – makes your brain sharper, increases concentration and gathers focus.
Improves your immune system, so it can cure general issues like cough & cold.
Alternate nostril breathing is an ideal breathing technique for maintaining your heart healthy.

3. Sheetali Pranayama
The meaning of the word “Sheetali” is cooling down. This pranayama practice is a process to cool your body down. It gives the feeling of coldness by decreasing the body temperature, thereby having a positive impact on our nervous system and endocrine glands. Extremely helpful during the summer season.

Benefits of Sheetali Pranayama

It is useful in managing disorders related to tongue, mouth and throat.
It is very beneficial in treating diseases of the spleen.
Helpful in fever by cooling the system down.
Controls and manages high blood pressure.
It purifies the blood.
Improves sleep quality and is best for fighting Insomnia.
It calms the mind, as it is an effective stress buster. Once our mind is calm, we can easily deal with negative emotions like anger and anxiety.
Effective in hyperacidity. Excellent for people who have GERD and face issues with acidity and indigestion.

There is another breathing practice similar to Sheetali, known as Sheetkari pranayama.

Both are similar, the only difference is the way of breathing. In Sheetali, we breathe in by folding the tongue and breathe out from the nose. In Sheetkari, we inhale through the teeth and exhale from the nose.

Benefits of Sheetkari Pranayama

Effective against dental problems like bad breath, bleeding gums and pyorrhea.
Balances body temperature.
Calms the mind, reduces emotional excitation and mental tension.
Can help you manage depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

As a yoga instructor, I get these questions a lot of time: What is the best time to do pranayama? Generally, morning is the best time for a breathing exercise as it helps us activate our organs. Plus, on an empty stomach, we achieve optimum benefits. To know why morning yoga is beneficial, you can have a look at my previous article: https://goqii.com/blog/benefits-of-practicing-morning-yoga-at-home.

We hope this article helps you! For more on yoga, check out Healthy Reads or practice these techniques with our experts on GOQii Play. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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