Skip to content

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways leading to attacks of breathlessness, coughing, wheezing. May be an indication for supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (vitamin C, D, magnesium, omega-3) as an adjunct to primary therapy under medical supervision.

What may help
14
What to avoid
67

What may help (14)

  • Boswellia Supplements MediumClinical

    By influencing specific inflammatory pathways, Boswellia may help support healthy respiratory function and ease symptoms associated with certain lung conditions.

  • Coherent Breathing Practices MediumClinical

    Regular coherent breathing can aid in asthma management by improving respiratory control and efficiency, reducing airway hyperreactivity. By promoting calm and reducing stress, it helps mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life, with studies showing moderate improvements in symptom scores.

  • Cordyceps Supplements MediumClinical

    Historically used for respiratory health, Cordyceps may offer support for lung function and help manage symptoms associated with asthma.

  • Kundalini Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    Kundalini Yoga, particularly through its specialized pranayama (breathwork) techniques, can help improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms. It enhances respiratory muscle strength and lung capacity while potentially reducing bronchoconstriction via vagal nerve stimulation (RCTs show improvements in lung function tests).

  • Molybdenum Supplements MediumClinical

    Molybdenum is crucial for sulfite oxidase, an enzyme that helps your body break down sulfites. For individuals with sulfite sensitivity, which can trigger asthma symptoms, adequate molybdenum levels may support natural detoxification and help manage respiratory reactions.

  • Naturopathy Practices MediumClinical

    Naturopathic support for asthma, as an adjunct to conventional care, involves anti-inflammatory and antioxidant strategies. Vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids can help modulate airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Clinical studies show a moderate, supportive effect on symptom management.

  • Pycnogenol Supplements MediumClinical

    Its anti-inflammatory action may help relax airways and reduce respiratory discomfort, supporting easier breathing.

  • Quercetin Supplements MediumClinical

    For asthma support, this enhanced quercetin form helps soothe inflamed airways and may reduce hypersensitivity reactions, working as an adjunct to improve respiratory comfort.

  • Breathwork Habits LowClinical

    Specific breathwork techniques, like Buteyko breathing, have demonstrated a capacity to improve asthma symptom control, reduce bronchodilator use, and enhance breathing patterns in some patients. This benefit is often observed as an adjunctive therapy.

  • Theobromine Supplements LowClinical

    As a bronchodilator, theobromine may offer mild support for respiratory function, potentially easing certain breathing discomforts.

  • Black Seed Oil Supplements HighTheoretical

    Black Seed Oil's compounds may help relax airways and reduce inflammation, offering supportive benefits for individuals with asthma.

  • Buteyko Method Breathing Practices HighTheoretical

    The Buteyko Method is strongly supported by scientific evidence for its role in the adjunctive management of asthma. By retraining breathing patterns to reduce chronic hyperventilation, it helps normalize carbon dioxide levels, leading to bronchodilation and decreased airway hyperresponsiveness. Multiple meta-analyses report significant reductions in bronchodilator use (e.g., 25-50%) and improved symptom scores, enhancing quality of life for individuals with asthma.

  • CrossFit Practices MediumTheoretical

    When properly managed and progressively introduced, consistent CrossFit training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lung capacity. This can lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms by enhancing airway stability and reducing inflammation.

  • Integral Yoga Practices MediumTheoretical

    Pranayama, a core component of Integral Yoga, has been shown to improve lung function, increase respiratory muscle strength, and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms by calming the nervous system and reducing airway hyper-reactivity.

What to avoid (67)

  • Ballet Fitness Practices HighClinical

    If you have severe or uncontrolled asthma, intense physical activity from ballet fitness can trigger a dangerous asthma attack. Ensure your condition is well-managed and use pre-exercise medication if advised by your doctor.

  • Cold Exposure Habits HighClinical

    Cold and dry air, especially during cold exposure, can trigger severe bronchospasm and breathing difficulties in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • Contrast Shower Practices HighClinical

    Cold water or air exposure can trigger bronchospasm and acute asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. If you have asthma, use with extreme caution or avoid.

  • CrossFit Practices HighClinical

    High-intensity workouts, especially with rapid breathing, can trigger or worsen exercise-induced asthma symptoms and bronchospasm.

  • Cycling Practices HighClinical

    Uncontrolled or severe exercise-induced asthma can lead to significant breathing difficulties during cycling. Ensure your asthma is well-managed with your doctor before engaging in strenuous activity.

  • Ecstatic Dance Practices HighClinical

    Vigorous and sustained physical activity in ecstatic dance can trigger exercise-induced bronchospasm, posing a high risk for individuals with asthma. Ensure your asthma is well-controlled and consult your doctor.

  • Huperzine A Supplements HighClinical

    If you have asthma, Huperzine A could potentially constrict your airways and worsen breathing difficulties due to its effects on the nervous system.

  • Ice Bath / Cold Plunge Practices HighClinical

    Sudden cold exposure can trigger severe bronchospasm and breathing difficulties in asthmatic individuals. Cold plunges are generally contraindicated.

  • Indoor Rowing Practices HighClinical

    If you have asthma, especially exercise-induced, indoor rowing can trigger breathing difficulties and bronchospasm due to high ventilation rates. Consult your doctor to ensure proper management.

  • Kriya Yoga Practices HighClinical

    Rapid breathing exercises (e.g., Kapalabhati, Bhastrika) and breath retention in Kriya Yoga can trigger bronchospasm and severe asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for safe modifications.

  • Nature Walks Habits HighClinical

    If you have severe or poorly controlled asthma, nature walks expose you to potential triggers like pollen, dust, or cold air, which, combined with exertion, can lead to significant breathing difficulties. Ensure you carry your rescue inhaler and discuss with your doctor.

  • Recreational Sports Habits HighClinical

    Individuals with asthma, particularly exercise-induced asthma, may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing during or after recreational sports. Always have your rescue inhaler readily available and discuss a pre-exercise medication plan with your doctor.

  • Social Dancing Practices HighClinical

    Uncontrolled asthma can lead to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, causing severe shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing during dancing. Ensure your asthma is well-managed before participating.

  • Active Music Making Practices MediumClinical

    Strenuous breath control required for singing or wind instruments, or physical exertion, can trigger asthma attacks. Ensure your condition is well-managed and consult your doctor.

  • Aromatherapy Practices MediumClinical

    Inhalation of certain essential oils may trigger bronchospasm or worsen respiratory symptoms in individuals with asthma or other chronic lung diseases; medical consultation is required before use.

  • Belly Dance Practices MediumClinical

    Intense physical activity can trigger or worsen exercise-induced asthma. Ensure your asthma is well-controlled and consult your doctor.

  • Bhastrika Pranayama Practices MediumClinical

    Rapid, forceful breathing can irritate airways and trigger bronchospasm in individuals with asthma. Consult your physician, especially if you have reactive airways.

  • Brisk Walking Practices MediumClinical

    If your asthma is not well-controlled, brisk walking can trigger exercise-induced bronchospasm, causing wheezing and shortness of breath. Ensure your asthma is managed before engaging in brisk walking.

  • Calisthenics Practices MediumClinical

    Uncontrolled asthma or severe exercise-induced asthma can lead to dangerous breathlessness and bronchospasm during calisthenics. Ensure your condition is well-managed and consult your doctor.

  • Cardiovascular Exercise Habits MediumClinical

    For individuals with uncontrolled or severe asthma, cardiovascular exercise can trigger significant bronchoconstriction, leading to severe shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Ensure your asthma is well-managed with medication before strenuous activity.

  • Cold Shower Practices MediumClinical

    Cold water exposure can trigger bronchospasm and an asthma attack in individuals with reactive airways. Avoid if you have asthma to prevent breathing difficulties.

  • Contemporary Dance Practices MediumClinical

    Contemporary dance, involving vigorous and sustained exertion, can trigger exercise-induced asthma attacks. Ensure proper management and consult a doctor before participating.

  • Dance/Movement Therapy Practices MediumClinical

    Individuals with uncontrolled or severe asthma may experience exercise-induced bronchospasm during Dance/Movement Therapy, leading to breathing difficulties. Consult your doctor.

  • Functional Training Practices MediumClinical

    If you have uncontrolled asthma or severe exercise-induced bronchospasm, functional training may trigger breathing difficulties. Consult your doctor for clearance and management strategies.

  • Get Fresh Air Habits MediumClinical

    For individuals with asthma or certain cardiovascular conditions, exposure to very cold air can trigger bronchospasm or increase cardiac strain. Consult your doctor if planning outdoor activity in cold weather, and consider protective measures like scarves or masks.

  • High-intensity exercise can trigger or worsen exercise-induced asthma, leading to significant shortness of breath and wheezing. Ensure your asthma is well-controlled and consult your doctor.

  • Hiking Practices MediumClinical

    Uncontrolled asthma, especially exercise-induced, can lead to severe shortness of breath during hiking, particularly in challenging environments like cold weather or with high pollen counts. Always carry your rescue inhaler and ensure your asthma is well-managed before hiking.

  • Hops Supplements MediumClinical

    If you have asthma, use caution with dried hops as its sedative effects might affect your breathing, especially during an exacerbation.

  • Integral Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    Severe or uncontrolled asthma can be triggered by intense breathing exercises or rapid movements. Always have your inhaler accessible and modify practice if symptoms arise.

  • Iyengar Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    If you have severe uncontrolled asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm, intense Iyengar Yoga postures and some pranayama can trigger respiratory distress. Consult your doctor before practice.

  • Jivamukti Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    Jivamukti Yoga's vigorous physical activity and intense breathwork may cause severe breathing difficulties or bronchospasm in individuals with asthma or COPD. Ensure medical clearance before engaging.

  • Mindful Photography Practices MediumClinical

    Outdoor mindful photography may expose you to cold air, allergens (pollen, mold), or pollutants that can trigger an asthma attack. Discuss with your doctor if these triggers are a concern for your asthma management, and consider practicing indoors or in controlled environments.

  • Moxibustion Practices MediumClinical

    Moxibustion smoke can irritate airways and trigger asthma attacks. Individuals with asthma should avoid moxibustion to prevent worsening breathing difficulties.

  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Supplements MediumClinical

    If you have asthma, particularly severe asthma, consult your doctor. In rare cases, NAC may trigger or worsen breathing difficulties.

  • Professional Art Therapy Practices MediumClinical

    Certain art materials like paints, glues, or aerosols can release fumes or dust that may trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Ensure good ventilation and discuss material sensitivities with your therapist.

  • Smart Posture Correctors Practices MediumClinical

    If you have asthma, a restrictive posture corrector may trigger breathing difficulties or worsen an attack. Discuss use with your healthcare provider.

  • Steam Room / Hammam Practices MediumClinical

    The hot, humid air may trigger bronchospasm or worsen breathing difficulties in individuals with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions. Use with extreme caution.

  • Swimming Practices MediumClinical

    Exercise-induced asthma or sensitivity to chlorine in pools can trigger severe breathing difficulties; consult your doctor before swimming.

  • Tai Chi Practices MediumClinical

    If you have severe, uncontrolled asthma, Tai Chi may exacerbate breathing difficulties or trigger bronchospasm, especially during deep breathing exercises.

  • Walking Meditation Practices MediumClinical

    Exercise-induced asthma can be triggered by physical activity, leading to shortness of breath or bronchospasm. Ensure your asthma is well-controlled.

  • Wim Hof Method Breathing Practices MediumClinical

    Rapid, deep breathing and cold air can trigger bronchospasm in asthmatics. Consult your doctor if you have asthma, especially cold-induced, before trying.

  • Anusara Yoga Practices LowClinical

    Vigorous yoga or certain breathing exercises can sometimes trigger bronchospasm in individuals with uncontrolled asthma. Keep your rescue inhaler nearby and consult your doctor.

  • Arginine Supplements LowClinical

    Some people with asthma might find that L-Arginine exacerbates their respiratory symptoms or triggers bronchospasm.

  • Bedtime Ritual Practices LowClinical

    Certain breathing techniques, particularly rapid or forceful patterns, may trigger bronchospasm in individuals with asthma. Always use caution and consult your doctor.

  • Cold Water Face Plunge Practices LowClinical

    The gasp reflex and rapid breathing of cold air can trigger bronchospasm and an asthma attack in susceptible individuals.

  • Diaphragmatic Breathing Practices LowClinical

    Overly deep or rapid diaphragmatic breathing that leads to hyperventilation can cause a drop in carbon dioxide, which may paradoxically trigger bronchospasm and worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals. Always practice with controlled, gentle breaths.

  • Intense emotional responses during EMDR can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, including bronchospasm, in individuals with uncontrolled asthma. Requires careful assessment and medical clearance.

  • Herbalism / Phytotherapy Practices LowClinical

    Certain herbal remedies or plant components can trigger bronchospasm or interact with asthma medications, potentially worsening symptoms. Consult a doctor before use if you have asthma.

  • Picamilon Supplements LowClinical

    If you have asthma, consult your doctor before taking Picamilon, as the niacin component may trigger a histamine release that could worsen your symptoms.

  • Rebirthing Breathwork Practices LowClinical

    Rapid, deep breathing may induce bronchospasm in individuals with asthma, leading to severe difficulty breathing. Requires medical clearance before practice.

  • Tantra Yoga Practices LowClinical

    Rapid or forceful breathing practices can trigger bronchospasm or worsen symptoms in individuals with asthma. Always consult your doctor and practice with extreme caution.

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation Habits LowClinical

    Vagus nerve stimulation may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms by increasing airway constriction. Consult your doctor if you have asthma.

  • Vinyasa Yoga Practices LowClinical

    Intense breathing exercises and physical exertion in Vinyasa Yoga can trigger asthma symptoms or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Always have your inhaler accessible and modify breathing practices if you experience any difficulty.

  • Yoga Practice Habits LowClinical

    If you have severe or poorly controlled asthma, intense or rapid breathing techniques (pranayama) can trigger bronchospasm. Practice gentle, slow breathing and avoid environmental triggers in studios. Consult your pulmonologist for safe breathwork.

  • Breathwork Habits Very highTheoretical

    Hyperventilation, a common component of some breathwork techniques, can lead to hypocapnia-induced bronchoconstriction, triggering or worsening asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Avoid these techniques if you have asthma.

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Habits Very highTheoretical

    High-intensity exertion during HIIT can severely exacerbate symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, leading to acute bronchospasm, severe shortness of breath, or respiratory distress.

  • Propranolol Supplements Very highTheoretical

    If you have asthma, avoid Propranolol as it can dangerously constrict your airways, making breathing very difficult.

  • Walking Habits HighTheoretical

    For individuals with severe or poorly controlled asthma, physical exertion like walking can trigger bronchospasm, leading to breathlessness and acute attacks. Consult your doctor for safe exercise guidelines.

  • 5Rhythms Dance Practices MediumTheoretical

    Vigorous movement and deep breathing can trigger exercise-induced asthma. Always have your inhaler accessible and consult your doctor to manage your condition safely.

  • Free / Intuitive Dance Practices MediumTheoretical

    Uncontrolled asthma can be triggered by the intense physical exertion and rapid breathing involved in free dance, potentially leading to a severe asthma attack. Carry your rescue inhaler and consult your doctor.

  • Power Yoga Practices MediumTheoretical

    Power Yoga's intense physical demands and forceful breathing can trigger exercise-induced asthma attacks or bronchospasm. Always have your inhaler ready and consult your doctor to manage your asthma before attempting this practice.

  • Running / Jogging Practices MediumTheoretical

    Running, especially in cold or dry air, can trigger exercise-induced asthma attacks or bronchospasm. Ensure your asthma is well-controlled and use pre-exercise medication as advised.

  • Singing / Choir Practices MediumTheoretical

    Intense breathing during singing can trigger bronchospasm in individuals with asthma, leading to shortness of breath or coughing. Consult your doctor for an exercise-induced asthma action plan.

  • Spend Time in Nature Habits MediumTheoretical

    Individuals with asthma should be aware that factors in nature, such as pollen, mold, or cold air, along with physical exertion, can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Always carry your rescue inhaler and check local allergen reports.

  • Trail Running Practices MediumTheoretical

    Vigorous trail running, especially in cold or dry air, can trigger or worsen exercise-induced asthma. Ensure your asthma is well-controlled and carry rescue medication.

  • Vaping or E-Cigarette Use Habits MediumTheoretical

    Vaping aerosols contain irritants that can trigger bronchospasm and severely worsen symptoms in individuals with asthma, leading to acute exacerbations and difficulty breathing. Avoid completely if you have asthma.

  • The intense heat and humidity of a sauna can irritate sensitive airways and potentially trigger bronchospasm in individuals with asthma. Exercise caution and consult your doctor, especially if you have severe or exercise-induced asthma.

Related conditions