Breathe easy…

There is a saying that “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.” But, extreme weather changes can wreak havoc on the body. They stress it out and tax the immune system. When that happens, you sometimes end up with congestion.

Congestion is a collection of fluid in the body, generally found in an organ. There is usually swelling. Blood may comprise the congesting substance, although it can also be bile or mucus, depending on the organ involved.

Probably the most common reference to congestion is to the type that makes breathing difficult, mainly because of swelling and/or mucus accumulation in the sinuses or the lungs.

Another source of phlegm and mucus can be dairy and wheat products. Dairy is especially prone to creating mucus in the body. Everyone thinks of mucus in the lungs and sinuses, but it also forms in the intestinal tract.

Mucus has a protective function in the organs. Mucus produced in the nasal passages collects dust and other foreign matter so that these don’t end up in the lungs. If the stomach did not produce mucus, the hydrochloric acid would destroy the stomach lining.

However, extra mucus produced by the intestinal tract as a reaction to the intake of wheat or dairy products could possibly interfere with efficient uptake of nutrients from your foods.

Nutrients and Herbs to Support Breathing:

Vitamin C. Stimulates immune response.
Zinc. Plays a fundamental role in the immune system, normal tissue development, including cell division, protein synthesis and collagen formation.
Fenugreek. A powerful herb used to support removal of mucus from the body.
Mullein. Highly effective in breaking up mucus and phlegm in the sinus cavities and lungs.
Slippery Elm Bark. Primarily known for its soothing properties.

There now, take a deep breath...