The scary link between asthma and dementia (and how to break it)

As if these two conditions weren’t each terrifying enough on their own, a new study suggests there’s a link between asthma and dementia.

The study looked at 55,000 people over 45. Around 1/5 of them had asthma. Researchers monitored them for up to 13 years. The results were stunning—and not in a good way.

Asthma was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. More studies must be done to determine exactly why. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait around to do something about it.

If you have asthma, there are a number of things you can do to alleviate it—and protect yourself from Alzheimer’s in the process.

The first is green-lipped mussel extract. One study published last year showed it can significantly boost lung function in asthmatics.

Another smart choice is vitamin C, which has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. (I recommend 2,000 mg just before exercising.)

It’s also important to eat well. Ditch the processed, packaged, carb-laden foods. And increase good fats, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. Asthma, like so many other diseases, is the result of inflammation in the body. Salmon, macadamia nut oil, avocado, and nuts are all great sources of healthy fats.

And last but not least, if I haven’t driven this point home by now this week, it’s absolutely critical to eliminate sugar.

In my experience, asthma is often triggered or made worse by overproduction of yeast in the body. And sugar fuels the production of yeast like an oily rag in a fire. Eliminate it, and the overgrowth of yeast will die off.

The bottom line: Eat well, breathe better. End of story.

Sources

“Risk of Dementia Among Patients With Asthma: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study,” Journal of the American Medical Directors Association 2014; 15(10): 763-767

“Marine lipid fraction PCSO-524(tm) (lyprinol(r)/omega XL(r)) of the New Zealand green lipped mussel attenuates hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma. “Respir Med 2013; 107(8): 1,152-1,163.