Running & Natural Remedies For Asthma

I finished reading Born to Run and ran straight out the door, grabbing my Nike’s that heretofore have led a rather sedentary life well into their old age.

The first tenth of a mile was excruciating, thoughts of Ultras bursting like the sun spots blurring my vision. My right lung ached and my bronchi rang the whistle for quitting time. But I kept my back straight and puffed my chest out like a proud gazelle.

Mile 1…my breathing calmed! Mile 2…my pulse leveled out! Mile 3…I could be running Boston! 24 hours later…my legs are holding a sit-in…

Dígame, runners! If I’m to be conquering Ultras, what do I need to do?

First, I need to conquer my asthma. No one wants to be beholden to Big Pharma, so I thought I’d share some natural remedies for asthma:

I. Chili Peppers
Hot foods act as an anti-inflammatory. I love hot sauce on just about everything!

II. Vitamin C
Not only is Vitamin C great for the immune system and a natural antihistamine, but it is also the main antioxidant in the lining of the bronchi. You can get Vitamin C from some of the most delicious foods: strawberries, grapefruits, raspberries, limes, and tomatoes.

III. Fish
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are wonderful for the lungs. Tuna, salmon, halibut, and swordfish are the best sources.

IV. Sauna & Steam Rooms
My first foray into shvitzing was at the Ohtli Spa in Puerto Vallarta. I can’t wait for the next time I’m in Whistler to go to The Scandinave Spa!

V. Yoga & Meditation
Asthma can be triggered by stress and intense emotions. Yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to relax both the mind and the body. Plus, who doesn’t want to be more like Christy Turlington? Passport to Prana is a great way to find a class in your city with the style, space, and pace that suits you.

VI. Running
Running strengthens your breathing muscles.

VII. Acupuncture
My honey goes to the Sinclair Wellness Centre for acupuncture and massage therapy. They embrace a natural approach to wellness, sharing my belief that mental and physical health are interconnected.

VIII. Virgin Forests
I love breathing in the fresh scent of cedar, pine, and balsam fir.

IX. Tea & Coffeee
Caffeine is a great bronchodilator. My mom has always sworn by black tea with honey and lemon. I love The Urban Tea Merchant!

What are some of your natural remedies for asthma?

Currently Reading: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

Born to Run may very well turn this asthmatic aesthete into an athlete. That is, if I can resist the urge to pair my iskiate and huaraches with Patron and Prada.

Born to run is a Ret favorite. My brother- a high-on-life ultramarathoner (read: crushes mere marathons in the arch of his foot)- will be running the Leadville 100 this August and bringing home that oh so enticing gold and silver buckle!