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"We have the same physiology as prehistoric humans.
Because food was not as available as it is today, the prehistoric human
physiology adapted to the feast-and-famine environment by evolving an
insulin directed fat-storage system.... (for storing) nutrients and
fats in the cells... as insurance against future times of need." (Schwarzbein
Principle, p 152)
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Lifestyle Factors in Asthma and Atopy:
Creating a Database
Shifting Emphasis
In the past decade, several factors (apart from already accepted airborne environmental agents) relating lifestyle to asthma causes and symptoms have found general acceptance within the professional community, or are considered promising. These include:
- gastroesphageal reflux (GER)
- obesity or overweight
- breast feeding for infants
- physical conditioning
- antibiotic use
- diaphragmatic breathing
- probiotics / healthy gut flora
- exposure to:
certain bacteria or vaccines
siblings
daycare centers
rural living
A final element, a general recommendation to "eat a healthy diet," has long begged the question of what exactly is an asthma-healthy diet.
Only GER is currently mentioned in guidelines for doctors and patients.
Critical Factors
The following elements comprise the basis of human health: it is nearly certain that some of them have a direct influence on the health of asthmatics.
Lifestyle factors, the things we do every day as part of human living, are distinct from "remedies" such as herbs, homeopathy or alternative medicines. They include:
- breathing
- hydration
- sleep
- gastrointestinal issues—absorption, intestinal permeability, gut microflora, elimination stress, psychological and physiological
- exercise/physical conditioning
- diet (beyond protein/calorie adequacy) including:
- calorie intake vs. expenditure
- balance of dietary protein, fat and carbohydrate; insulin-glucagon balance
- stimulant intake including caffeine, colas, aspartame, and other drugs
- rhythms and time of eating
- intake of fruits, vegetables, and others (e.g. fish, for many)
- intake of salt, animal products, sugars/simple starches
- nutritional deficiencies and imbalances
Building a Database
A considerable body of evidence concerning these factors already exists in accepted physiology, biochemistry and peer reviewed studies. Practical Asthma Review is building a database relating the data to asthma health.
Evaluation of Data
A comprehensive evaluation of data is needed. From this, guidelines for asthma-healthy living may be developed.
The high standard of proof required in medicine is well justified by fear of harming the patient through improper treatment. In addition, pharmaceutical companies must be assured of probable efficacy and safety before committing the hundreds of millions of dollars required to bring a new drug into the market.
But a lower, "prudent" standard is sufficient for many lifestyle considerations. For example, the development of a diaphragmatic breathing habit has no downside apart from taking a little more time. The maintenance of optimal hydration has the potential side effect of increased urination.
Practical principles for basic asthma health may be formulated even if the pathophysiology of asthma is not completely understood. Modification of lifestyle factors may offer great potential benefits relative to costs and possible harm.
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