LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

asthmatics

Perilla Seed Oil Supplement May Be Helpful in Some Asthmatics – (09-29-00)

by

Perilla Seed Oil Supplement May Be Helpful in Some Asthmatics

Perilla seed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid which can help shift the balance of leukotriene production (an intercellular messenger) away from inflammation. In addition, diets high in plant products and low in animal fats can also shift the balance away from the inflammation associated with asthma. Food allergies can be an important contributor to asthmatic symptoms as well. When all of these factors are used to help manage symptoms, the dependence upon medications and inhalers is greatly reduced.

Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2000;122:137-142 Dietary supplementation with perilla seed oil may be helpful in reducing levels of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in certain asthmatics, Japanese researchers report. Dr. Makoto Okamoto and colleagues from Okayama University Medical School, Tottori, note that “dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid, such as perilla seed oil, may have the capacity to inhibit the generation of leukotrienes” in asthmatics. To investigate, the researchers studied 26 asthmatics who were given 10 g to 20 g of perilla seed oil a day as a dietary supplement for 4 weeks. A total of 15 subjects showed a significant reduction in LTC4 generation by peripheral leukocytes at 2 and 4 weeks, and were deemed responders. In the remaining 11 subjects, LTC4 production increased significantly after 4 weeks. In addition, in responders, there was a significant improvement in lung function (FEV1) and other ventilatory parameters. The responders also showed a significant reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and phospholipid after 4 weeks.

Pulmonary Function, Waist Circumference And Antioxidants – (02-15-01)

by

Pulmonary Function, Waist Circumference And Antioxidants

With several studies now pointing to the benefit of antioxidants on lung function, why are they not standard recommendations for asthmatics? vitamin C is known to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, possibly effecting the level of bronchoconstriction in response to an allergen. This article also identifies an association with waist circumference and lung function. Greater circumference equals poorer function. The authors theorize that this may be due to a direct mechanical effect on the diaphragm and chest well. I would rather look as increased waist circumference as a marker for other lifestyle habits (increased stress, poor glycemic control) that would also have an effect of lung function.

Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:157-163 Waist circumference is inversely associated with lung function, according to the results of a new study. The findings also suggest that vitamin C intake is directly associated with pulmonary function in men. The researchers also determined that when waist circumference and other factors were taken into account, “vitamin C and beta-carotene were significantly positively associated with lung function in men and that beta-carotene also seemed to be positively associated with FVC in women.” But Dr. Chen’s team did not detect a significant association between pulmonary function and retinol or vitamin E in either sex. The investigators found that “the odds ratio of airway obstruction increased significantly with waist circumference but decreased with vitamin C intake” in both sexes. The researchers also detected an association between lung function and beta-carotene, but not between lung function and retinol or vitamin E. The cause of the inverse association between girth and pulmonary function is uncertain, but one possible explanation, according to the researchers, is that a large waist circumference may affect the movement of the diaphragm and chest wall.