If you’ve tried everything to get your asthma under control with no success, you could have a common vitamin deficiency. A new study published in the journal Allergy confirms the long-held suspicion that vitamin D might play a role in asthma.
The study found that among 21,237 asthmatic patients, those people with lower levels of vitamin D had more symptom flare-ups, while those with sufficient levels of vitamin D had fewer. People who were deficient in vitamin D (less than 25nmol/l) were 22 percent more likely to have an exacerbation of asthma symptoms. These results are similar to previous findings that the severity and frequency of asthma flare-ups and rates of uncontrolled asthma were worse for people deficient in vitamin D.[2,3] Why might vitamin D help asthma?
There are many vitamin-D uses in the body, including immune system regulation. As dysfunction of the immune system causes asthma symptoms in the first place, vitamin D likely helps by modulating the activity of the immune system to keep asthma under control.
Although further studies are needed to determine the role of vitamin-D supplementation in asthma attack treatment and prevention, researchers believe that “vitamin-D replacement therapy could be an inexpensive way to decrease severe asthma exacerbations . . . improving the quality of life for asthmatic patients.”
Correcting a Vitamin-D Deficiency
If you suspect that you might be deficient in vitamin D, it’s time to take a blood test and find out. Vitamin-D levels in the blood should be no lower than 30 nmol/l, but ideally they should be higher, at least 40 to 60 nmol/l. Read more about managing your vitamin D levels at the Natural Health Advisory website. Correcting a vitamin-D deficiency, either through safe sun exposure or a supplement, might help to get your asthma under control and decrease your symptoms. It will also help with blood pressure control, osteoporosis treatment, cancer survival, and more. It might even help you live longer, too.
Share Your Experience
Do you have asthma? What are your favorite home remedies for asthma? Have you ever tried vitamin D to treat your asthma, and did it help? Share your tips in the comments section below.
Chelsea Clarkis a writer with a passion for science, human biology, and natural health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology with an emphasis in neuroscience from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Her research on the relationship between chronic headache pain and daily stress levels has been presented at various regional, national, and international conferences. Chelsea’s interest in natural health has been fueled by her own personal experience with chronic medical issues. Her many profound experiences with natural health practitioners and remedies have motivated Chelsea to contribute to the world of natural health as a researcher and writer for Natural Health Advisory Institute.
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