4 Shocking Causes of Asthma

Breathing is something that most of us take for granted. But for folks with asthma, the simple act of inhaling is a constant struggle. And the ranks of those who wage this battle are on the rise — over the past 25 years, asthma rates have quadrupled and the number of deaths from asthma attacks has doubled.

About three-fifths of all asthma cases are hereditary. And while no one knows for sure what triggers attacks in folks whose genes do not predispose them to the condition, natural health practitioners point their fingers at these four factors:

The modern American diet (MAD) and its two ugly offspring: chronic inflammation, which causes your airways to swell up and become clogged with mucus, and nutritional deficiencies, which make you more prone to diseases of all kinds, including asthma.

An overload of chemicals in our food, water, and air — indoors and out — that both weaken your immune system and throw your hormones out of balance.

Increasing levels of allergens, such as mold, mildew, and toxin-bearing dust mites in homes and offices.

A tidal wave of tension, anxiety, and stress, all of which contribute to or worsen every health problem under the sun.

Studies have found that a chemical called limonene, which is found in the rinds of all citrus fruits, can provide potent protection against obstructions in your bronchial tubes. Here’s how to put this a-peeling healer to use:

1. Sniff it. Fold a piece of peel between your fingers, and squeeze it. Then slowly inhale the refreshing aroma.
2. Eat it. Add freshly grated lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, or tangerine peels to stir-fries, salad dressings, baked good, and rice. Or top your toast, bagels, and muffins with marmalade.

Bathe in it. Stuff cheesecloth bags or panty hose feet with crushed citrus peels, and toss them into your bathwater. Whatever you do, though, never put loose rinds — or any other solid material — in the tub, or your cleared up wind pipes will come at the expense of clogged-up drain pipes!