When I was a medical student working in the Charity Hospital in New Orleans, one of the largest charity hospitals in the nation, we saw a number of cases of asthma but few deaths from the disease. Today, asthma is rampant, and it has become a killer.



Few medical authorities have an explanation for this dramatic increase in childhood asthma. Instead, they give a general statement that an increase in atmospheric pollution is a major contributor. Yet, studies have shown that atmospheric pollution has neither decreased nor increased. For an in-depth discussion on asthma, read my special report "Dealing with Headaches, Asthma, and 'Cookbook Medicine.'''


In certain geographic areas, pollution is a definite aggravating factor, but authorities totally ignore the fact that the dramatic increase in asthma parallels the jump in vaccines being required by states.



In the 1970s, children were given 10 to 15 vaccines before attending school. Today, the number has risen to 36 and keeps rising. Several vaccines have been linked to asthma, but the most important factor is that so many of these vaccines are being given during a single office visit. This disrupts the immune system and promotes autoimmune reactions.



Mercury, which is included in some vaccines, is known to be a major trigger of autoimmunity.



So, what can we do about this to help prevent and control asthma?



• Avoid further vaccinations. This applies especially to the flu vaccines, which contain a full dose of mercury. Vaccines have a very low rate of effectively preventing the flu, and large studies found no protection at all in children under the age of 2.



• Watch what you eat. Avoid foods associated with a high incidence of allergy and intolerance. These include soy foods and drinks, cow’s milk, cheese, and chocolate. Choose foods and drinks that reduce inflammation, such as white tea, nutrient-dense vegetables, walnuts, and purified water.



• Use air purifiers in your home. Some are especially designed for asthma sufferers. (It is interesting to note that children who grow up with pets in the house are less likely to have asthma related to animal dander.) The humidity in the house should be below 50 percent to prevent mold from growing.



• Take vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 deficiencies are very common, and a deficiency early in life can disrupt immune function. To learn more about this amazing vitamin, read my special report "Vitamin D's Hidden Role in Your Health."



• Check stomach acid levels. Studies have shown that as many as 80 percent of asthmatic children have low levels of stomach acid. This may contribute to food allergies that worsen asthma attacks. Betaine HCL tablets, given at mealtime, can restore stomach acid levels.



• Probiotics may help in unexpected ways. Probiotics may have preventive effects on unborn babies if taken by pregnant women, and a study is under way to see if giving probiotics to asthmatic children will reduce symptoms. (One probiotic, lactobacillus GG, has shown positive results.)



• Supplements are effective. Antioxidants reduce the accumulation of free radicals in the lungs and can help reduce lung damage as well as bronchiospasm.



A combination of curcumin and quercetin blocks inflammatory reactions associated with the bronchiospasms characteristic of asthma attacks. You can learn even more about the benefits of supplements by reading my special report "Key Vitamins That Save Your Heart, Prevent Cancer and Keep You Living Long."