hydrochloric acid (HCl), four out of five of the asthmatic kids were. Low levels of HCl can significantly impair digestion and can increase allergies—or sensitivities—to foods. In Bray’s study, when the low-acid kids were given HCl before or during meals and still avoided trigger foods, they had noticeable improvements in asthmatic attacks, and the attacks became shorter and less severe.
selenium and Vitamin C: the Powerhouse Antioxidants People with asthma are subjected to increased oxidative stress, the damage done to cells by free radicals of oxygen molecules. One super antioxidant that has special importance to people with asthma is selenium. A number of studies have revealed low selenium levels in people with asthma, and one study—in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine—reported that study participants with the highest intakes of selenium were only about half as likely to have asthma as those who consumed the least. (Not much selenium was needed for the positive effect—less than 100 mcg.) The researchers suggested that part of the blame for Britain’s rising asthma rate might be the nation’s declining selenium intake. Asthmatics have a higher need for vitamin C than do members of the general population. Low intakes of vitamin C from food or supplementation can lead to increased risks for asthma. One to two grams of vitamin C have been shown in studies to be the most helpful for asthmatics. Higher intakes (and blood levels) of vitamin C are related to decreased levels of histamine production.
70 • The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth