134 Achieving pH Balance to Treat Specific Ailments
Some of the factors that make certain individuals vulnerable to asth-
matic attacks, such as genes, immature immune cells, and lung injuries,
can’t be changed. But these factors alone don’t trigger asthmatic attacks.
The other factors involved in asthmatic attacks can be controlled by
diet or nutritional supplements. These are blood sugar levels, adrenal
and insulin function, the integrity of the lungs’ cellular membranes,
the quality of air, and the acidic waste in the body that ends up in the
lungs. Indeed, judging by the hyperacidity of the blood and breath of
the asthmatic, acidic waste particles and toxic acidic gas are at the root
of the chronic infl ammation that turns asthma from a minor complaint,
as it is among the Hutterites, into a lifelong degenerative disease that
shortens life. A diet customized to fi t the metabolic needs of the indi-
vidual that also includes a lot of green leafy vegetables (people with a
meat-eater metabolism, however, need to go easy on them) and raw,
unprocessed foods is the most effective weapons against the lung
infl ammation that triggers asthma.Emphysema
The two bronchial tubes, each connected to a lung, look like upside-down
tree trunks from which progressively smaller branches—the bronchi-
oles—radiate. Hanging off these bronchioles, like bunches of grapes, are
millions of microscopic alveoli (air sacs) that do the work of the lungs.➤ Cod liver oil, honey, and lemon. Take a combination of one
teaspoon of cod liver oil, one teaspoon of honey, and a few
squirts of lemon mixed together once a day (an old West
Indian custom).
➤ Eliminate dust mites. Place an air cleaner (see Resources) on
the bed and cover with a sheet for one hour a day, or use
mattresses made of organic cotton, fl ame-retardant wool, or
natural latex. These natural products prevent the proliferation
of mites by absorbing body sweat.*Take as many of these nutrients as possible in the form of whole-food complexes. For
dosage, follow the directions on the label.