Holistic Treatment for Asthma in NYC

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with asthma, you may be familiar with interactions like these at your medical doctor’s visits:

Patient: I am having wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and discomfort, anxiety, and trouble sleeping caused by my shortness of breath.

Doctor: These are symptoms of asthma, and you will need medications to control your symptoms. These medications will include albuterol, and corticosteroids when you are having acute symptoms. 

Patient: I am taking the medications as prescribed but I am experiencing several side effects from these medications, such as rapid heartbeat, shakiness, and increased anxiety. I don’t believe these medications are addressing the underlying causes of my asthma. 

Doctor: If these drugs are not relieving your symptoms, we will use other drugs. However, none of them are guaranteed to work, and they all have potential side effects. We may need to continue to change your medications and dosages. 

Experiencing the symptoms of asthma can be extremely difficult and scary. Also, depending on its severity, asthma could change one’s quality of life. Unfortunately, these types of interactions with your doctor can leave you feeling discouraged, frustrated, and even desperate. It is important to know that you have additional choices regarding your treatment plan. 

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a condition that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways, as well as excess production of mucus, which can clog airways. With this, many individuals experience wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing (1). Understandably, these symptoms are often accompanied by anxiety. For some people, asthma may just be bothersome, while for others, it can cause a severe disruption in their quality of life. The underlying causes of asthma are generally not well understood by conventional medicine, but is suggested that asthma may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors (1). Some environmental factors that can trigger asthma include airborne allergens (such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander), respiratory infections, physical activity, and air pollutants. 

The standard medical treatment for asthma often includes the use of medical drugs. The goal of conventional asthma treatments is to relax the muscles that tighten around the airways, as well as reduce the swelling and mucus inside the airways (2). Unfortunately, the major underlying causes of asthma are not often identified and addressed by many conventional practitioners. Their treatments are often designed to alleviate symptoms without addressing the underlying causes. According to the principles of holistic medicine, only the treatments that address the underlying causes of disease will have lasting health results. For example, when inflammatory foods are identified and removed from the body, the inflammation begins to lessen and that is when the body begins to heal. The same holds true when any other underlying root cause is identified and addressed.

Major Underlying Causes of Asthma

• Food sensitivities

• Mold toxicity

• Viruses (especially the Epstein-Barr Virus)

• Pathogenic bacteria 

• Candida overgrowth 

• Environmental toxins that accumulate in the airways(such as those from air pollution, pesticides and herbicides and VOCs)  

• Diet and lifestyle

• Poor Sleep

• Epigenetics

• Emotional trauma and stress

• Heavy metal toxicity 
• Leaky Gut

Common Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

• Wheezing (especially with exhaling)
• Coughing, especially at night
• Feeling like you can’t take a full breath in
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness and pressure
• Disrupted sleep due to trouble breathing 
• Signs of cold and allergies (sneezing, runny nose, sore throat)
• Anxiety

Holistic Programs for Asthma

As a holistic doctor, I offer holistic programs that are designed to identify and address the underlying causes of your Asthma symptoms. These programs are designed to meet your individual needs and health goals. All programs are clearly written out and explained. They let you know exactly what you need to do, including:

• What lifestyle changes will help you heal
• What foods will help you heal
• What foods to stay away from
• What supplements or homeopathic remedies are recommended
• What practices will help to reduce your stress
• What detoxification practices are recommended
• What specific tests are recommended
• What educational materials are helpful to watch or read
• Recommend practices to keep you inspired and motivated during your healing process

Studies Supporting Holistic Treatments for Asthma 

There have been studies that suggest certain foods and nutritional supplements can be helpful in preventing asthma flares and symptoms. 

• Taking probiotics and consuming foods rich in probiotics (coconut kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, etc.) has been suggested to help reduce inflammation which may trigger asthma (3). 
• Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties which have been suggested to decrease bronchial inflammation (4). 
• Mullein leaf- certain phytochemicals found in mullein may have the potential to relieve inflammation in the airways and loosen mucus (5). 
• Omega-3 oils and supplements, which can be found in fish and flaxseeds, also have an anti-inflammatory effect (6)

Benefits of Holistic Asthma Treatment

• Healing at the deepest levels
• Normal breathing
• Marked reduction or resolution of inflammation

• Decreased anxiety
• Return to an unconstrained lifestyle 
• Improved quality of sleep
• Lasting health results

How to Get Started with Your Holistic Program for Asthma

At my practice in Manhattan, New York City, I use the principles of homeopathy, holistic medicine, and functional medicine to focus on finding and addressing the underlying causes of your asthma. All my personalized programs are clearly written and designed to be easy to follow. Plus, the day you start following your personal treatment program, you are truly starting your healing journey!

To schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions, please call us at (212) 475-2222 or email us at drsalzarulo@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!