Muscle cell metabolism is fairly complex and delicate. If it is properly balanced the muscles expand and contract rhythmically and effortlessly. A deficiency in vitamin B complex, C and E, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, cause metabolic imbalances that predispose us to muscle spasms, especially when demands are put on muscles. Cramping of muscles in athletes, tennis players and footballers are examples of this. Asthma sufferers have a predisposition to muscle cramping that is greatly aggravated by deficiencies in the above nutrients. I have found time and again that intractable asthma cases that are not responding fully to the combined Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program, rest, warmth and protection from winds and chills, respond when sufficient of the above nutrients are taken. However, it does require patience as the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are not easily absorbed. At best we can only absorb 10 per cent of what we eat of them and, if significantly stressed, only about 1-2 per cent.

Stress reduces the amount of hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach and calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium can’t be absorbed unless they are mixed with hydrochloric acid. The caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks prevents the coming together of these minerals and hydrochloric acid and for that reason should be consumed no earlier than three hours after a meal or one hour before. The oxalic acid from rhubarb, spinach and cocoa (chocolate and chocolate drinks) combines with these minerals to form insoluble salt that can’t be absorbed. They should never be consumed. The common practice of giving chocolate-flavoured milk to children to ensure their daily calcium and magnesium intake is an exercise in futility. Even if not allergic to milk (and many are) an asthma sufferer will be so starved of calcium and magnesium by this habit as to prevent a cure of their condition.

Raw nuts (with the exception of peanuts), sunflower and sesame seeds and fish are far better sources of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Deep and cold water fish contain vitamins A and D in their oils which help normalise the metabolism of the mucous membranes, reducing the amount of mucus produced in the windpipe. Asthma sufferers should eat these foods regularly and have three fish meals per week. Make sure you don’t have a chocolate-containing dessert or coffee after the meal though.

High fat meals should be avoided as excess fat combines with these minerals in the intestine to form a rancid soap that can’t be absorbed. Moderate fat intake is fine.

I have found that asthma sufferers need to take a complete multi-vitamin formula with the six essential minerals twice per day for the first six months to build up their calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium reserves. This requires patience and acceptance as there is no other way. Dropping back to once a day after that usually holds the mineral reserves at desirable levels. Salting of one’s food with sea salt in crystal form rather than the commercial free flow packs is also important. Sea salt is the best form of natural sodium and many asthma sufferers have aggravated their condition by cutting out salt completely. Too little salt does more damage than too much. Have 25-50% teaspoon per day. Check to make sure there are no chemicals in the salt.

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Most people who are allergic to house dust are allergic to the dust mite as well. This little animal lives in the kapok or sponge rubber of the pillow and mattress and comes out at night to feed on the odd bits of skin that are flaking off the body. If you’re allergic to its bile or the mucous coating around its faeces, it can greatly aggravate any other allergy you may have and undermine the effects of any program you may be on.

If your skin itches, you produce more mucus or your asthma gets worse when in bed, you are almost certainly allergic to the dust mite (given that the bedroom window is closed and you’re not being chilled). I have found the dust mite cover to be more effective than the dust mite sprays (sealants) at preventing allergic reactions to this microscopic creature. I recommend you get the dust mite cover (from your chemist) for the mattress, pillow and doona.

Change the sheets twice per week. Spray the blankets, curtains, carpets, books, stuffed toys, teddy bears and favourite arm chair. It’s preferable that kids’ don’t sleep with stuffed toys. Spray all pets, but don’t let them into the bedroom and if possible keep them out of the house for ninety days.

It’s a waste of time having dust mile covers if eats and dogs are going to be sit ling on the bed and scratching themselves. Pets carry dust mites and the dust mile covers and sprays will obviously give no protection if the dust mites and their faeces are being dropped on top of them. Don’t lie on the carpel to read or watch TV. If doing yoga on the carpel, spread out a towel or sheet, sprayed with dust mile spray, to lie on.

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It is essential to exercise regularly to contain allergies. A strong blood flow moves the allergens through the body to the kidneys and the skin, where they are eliminated in both the urine and the sweat. A sluggish blood flow tends to hold the allergens in a fixed position so they become sedentary and begin to destroy the tissues around them. By continually moving the allergens through the blood they have far less time to inflame the tissues. Regular exercise expels allergens from the body.

Regular exercise does not mean you stress yourself by running marathons or play competition tennis or squash four to five times a week or do five aerobics classes per week. The best form of exercise to help you overcome allergies and Candida yeast infections is walking. A forty to sixty minute walk four to five times a week is excellent. Walk at a steady pace. Don’t try to up the pace too much. This will stress you.

Doing deep breathing exercises while walking (yogic walking) is an excellent way to speed the overcoming of your allergies. Make sure you’re consuming adequate fluids. Fluid is needed to dilute the allergens so that their elimination from the body doesn’t damage the liver and kidneys. Exercise causes extra fluid loss by evaporation, so make sure you up your intake before and after each walk and you should check closely the fluid intake table to make sure you’re getting enough.

Walking up stairs is the best exercise of all for toning the leg, bottom and back muscles. It improves posture and carriage. So, as a good form of regular exercise, avoid the lift—use the stairs wherever possible.

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