Treat not trigger – low pollen plants, sunshine and gardening fun keeps kids active and asthma in control

According to the world health organisation around 235 million people suffer from asthma. 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma – If you are one and you love to garden then visit
http://asthmasociety.ie/news-events/top-tips-for-creating-an-asthma-allergy-friendly-garden to discover how simply it is to have a garden and manage your health.

Lately Scientists are validating what gardeners have long known -that gardening is good for more than then soul, that a little sunshine is more than good for your bones.

IL -17A is a naturally occurring chemical within our bodies that helps to defend us against infection. Unfortunately it can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and even reduce the responsiveness of asthmatic treatments and medications especial those based on steroid utilization.

The good news is that a little sunshine, enough from pruning a rose or planting up a windowbox of salads can reverse the complications of too much IL -17A. Vitamin D reduces the production of IL-17A and more than dietary intake or supplements, our body creates most of its vitamin D needs from direct sunlight on our skin. So a little gardening with the benefit of fresh air and Vitamin D may just provide an real and positive side treatment for asthma sufferers and perhaps go towards reducing the quantity of steroid-based medicines required for control and boosting the quality of your life.

For more information on gardening with asthma and allergies download the “Gardening with Asthma & Allergies and Creating an Allergy Friendly Garden” booklet.

For more info on asthma and Vit D visit
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/asthma/
&
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-05-vitamin-d-effective-treatments-asthma.html