Cod Liver Oil Could Reduce the Risk for Asthma

Asthma is a condition that affects both children and adults. It is a bronchial disorder that causes an obstruction to the airways. It can range from a very mild condition to a severe one.

One prominent organization did a survey to find out about asthma sufferers. The researchers discovered that two- thirds of the respondents said they had their asthma symptoms under control.

But test results showed that more than half reported experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, phlegm, and/or chest tightness at least once a week. The survey involved more than 4,000 adults aged 18 and older. Of the respondents, 62% said that asthma limits their usual activities or enjoyment of life every day.

If you are one of the many who suffer from asthma-like symptoms, consider adding a little cod liver oil to your diet. Cod liver oil comes from -- you guessed it -- the livers of cod fish. It has been a traditional home remedy for healthy skin, hair and nails. Recent clinical trials have revealed that cod liver oil could also be excellent for use in the treatment of arthritic pain. Cod liver oil is also good brain food, being high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Now, a Norwegian research team has found that cod liver oil could be beneficial in the prevention of asthma symptoms.

The research team wanted to investigate whether childhood and adult fish and cod oil intake had any effect on adult asthma symptoms. The massive study involved 16,187 participants aged 23-54 who had taken part in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) clinical trial. All of the participants answered a postal questionnaire. The research team then examined the relations of fish and cod oil intake with asthma symptoms and asthma. The findings were a nalyzed and adjustments made for gender, adult hay fever, smoking, age, body mass index, household size, dwelling, parental education, and for maternal smoking and family history of hay fever and asthma.

The researchers discovered that subjects from Iceland and Norway reported much more frequent intake of fish both in childhood and adulthood, as compared with subjects from Sweden, Estonia and Denmark. Those whose fish intake was less than once a week recorded more asthma symptoms. Those who never ate fish in childhood had an increased risk for asthma and earlier asthma onset. The research team concluded that a minimum level of weekly fish intake in adulthoo d was associated with protection against asthma symptoms.

So make sure you add some fish to your weekly diet. Better yet, consider taking cod liver oil on its own. Good quality oil should be free of any strong "fishy" odor or taste. Cod liver oil is also high in vitamin A and D -- two important health boosters over the winter months.

Sources:
Cod Liver Oil Could Reduce the Risk for Asthma, The Allergy and Asthma Foundation, accessed online Feb. 4, 2009.
Laerum, B.N., et al., "Relationship of fish and cod oil intake with adult asthma," Clin Exp Allergy, 2007 Nov; 37(11): 1,616-23.

Your Health and Mine