How to Stay Healthy With Asthma
As we head into warmer months, while many of us are happy for the better weather others are dreading the inevitable humidity that accompanies it in Toronto. And this humidity can make those with breathing problems such as asthma, look for ways to find relief. Certainly quitting smoking and taking the medication your doctor prescribes are probably your best first steps, but what’s next? Here are some suggestions to stay healthy with asthma:
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet. It is recommended by many health care practitioners that you try to maintain a healthy weight if you have asthma, and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoiding processed foods and taking Vitamin D supplements may also help. Book a session with one of our naturopathic doctors to learn more about your asthma, i.e. what triggers it and how you might be able to control it with diet and supplementation. Plus, if you are overweight, even losing 5-10 pounds can help a great deal with asthma. Talk to your naturopathic doctor about healthy ways to lose weight.
2. Know Your Triggers. In addition to learning what foods contribute to your asthma, learn what environmental factors contribute and try to avoid these nuisances as well. Common environmental triggers include pollution, smoke, dust, pet dander, and mold. Removing carpeting in your home and going with hardwood may help a great deal too.
3. Use an Air Filter. Keeping a basic HEPA air filter in your bedroom at night can help immensely. Make sure you clean the filter regularly.
4. Avoid The Flu. Writing this in May 2020 makes it seem redundant to state something so obvious, but the warning will stand true even once there is a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. Just a simple flu can make your asthma worse, so doctors advise you to get your flu shot every year.
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health. Anxiety and depression can make asthma difficult to manage, and of course having asthma can take a toll on your mental health in turn. Maintaining an exercise routine (one that is appropriate) can go a long way to helping with your state of mind. Also, consider booking a session with one of our counsellors - we have psychotherapists and social workers available to help you find what you need. They may even be able to help you quit smoking, if that’s a concern for you.
If you’d like some more information, would like to book a free consultation or would like to go ahead and schedule an appointment at Yellow Gazebo, please give us a call at 416-909-2334, email us at info@yellowgazeboclinic.com, or use the online booking link below. We’ll be happy to help you get on your way to optimum health.
