Research shows that taking a vitamin D supplement every day can help to treat severe asthma.

Asthma can become a serious illness, especially in children and the elderly. Hospital admissions are common if the disease is poorly managed. Vitamin D supplementation may offer a safe and effective remedy.

According to a recent study, a daily dose of vitamin D can halve the risk of severe asthma attacks; reducing the need for hospitalization and even reducing the chances of requiring steroids in the management of the disease. Asthma is an incredibly common disease that affects approximately 300 million people worldwide; typical symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and shortage of breath. It can be very scary if severe. These findings are based on a Cochrane review, which is one of the highest forms of evidence.

Here is an interesting quote from the study: Vitamin D, or the sunshine vitamin, as well as enhancing bone development, helps the development of at least 35 other tissues and white blood cells. This can boost immunity against other illnesses and dampen down inflammation." Vitamin D helps to strength your immune system and reduces the risk of colds and flu. Infections are common triggers of asthma attacks.

The doses used in the trial were 1000 to 2000 IU daily. Many people need higher doses than this in order to achieve a healthy blood level of vitamin D. The best thing to do is ask your doctor for a blood test to check if you have adequate vitamin D in your body.

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