Can Cod Liver Oil Help Asthma?

It's been shown that there is an association between cod liver oil and asthma. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is believed by many experts to be one of the causes of asthma. Babies who were bottle fed and children who don't eat a sufficiently nutritional diet appear to be at higher risk for this ailment.

Studies show that cod liver oil can prevent dry skin, help individuals who have arthritis and aid in increasing vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cardiovascular health. But the question some have raised is: can cod liver oil help asthma?

Because cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, research suggests that asthma can be reduced as a result of consuming an appropriate amount of essential fatty acids a day. Scientists also state that among the fatty acids most consumers ingest, omega-6 is the highest while omega-3 fatty acid lags behind.

Asthma is considered to be an inflammatory condition and since we know that omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammatory conditions, then it is reasonable to assume that cod liver oil can be an effective alternative in the treatment of this condition.

Moreover, other studies have indicated that children who are deficient in nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, B12, beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are also prone to develop asthma. Thus, a diet regimen composed of these nutrients as well as cod liver oil has been considered an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.

It has been found that there is a need to supplement the diet with cod liver oil in order to maintain sufficient levels of the vitamins and fatty acids in the body. Research has shown that it's hard to get enough omega-3 fatty acids through diet alone.

Anecdotal evidence shows that one individual experiencing an asthma attack took cod liver oil and the symptoms stopped. After some time, she stopped using the oil, and the wheezing started up again. It seems, then, that cod liver oil can help to eliminate asthma attacks.

If you or your child has asthma, the first suggestion would be to consult with your physician to determine if cod liver oil is appropriate for you. There may be certain conditions under which you cannot use this oil, especially if you or your child have a pre-existing illness or have been taking medications which can interact with the oil.

Based on the research, it appears that cod liver oil can offer some relief to those who suffer from asthma, and could be an effective supplemental treatment.

Article Source: http://www.rent-car.infositehome.com

Kim Archer writes for Asthma Treatment Today, a great source of information on causes and treatments of asthma.

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