Studies show that cod liver oil can prevent dry skin, help individuals who have arthritis and aid in increasing vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cardiovascular health. But the question some have raised is: can cod liver oil help asthma?
There is a definite link between asthma and cod liver oil. Experts suggest that one of the causes of asthma is a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. They attribute this in part to children who have not been breastfed as well to as a diet which is lacking in vitamins and minerals.
Therefore, because cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, research suggests that asthma can be reduced as a result of consuming an appropriate amount of essential fatty acids a day. Scientists also state that among the fatty acids most consumers ingest, omega-6 is the highest while omega-3 fatty acid lags behind.
Asthma is considered to be an inflammatory condition and since we know that omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammatory conditions, then it is reasonable to assume that cod liver oil can be an effective alternative in the treatment of this condition.
Moreover, other studies have indicated that children who are deficient in nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, B12, beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are also prone to develop asthma. Thus, a diet regimen composed of these nutrients as well as cod liver oil has been considered an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.
The results of these studies and research suggest that since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be easily obtained simply through diet alone, it is often necessary to supplement the diet with cod liver oil as a way to maintain the vitamins and fatty acids which are components of this oil.
One asthma sufferer stated that she was suffering from wheezing and decided to take cod liver oil. The wheezing ceased. After a while, she stopped taking the oil and the wheezing returned. One can deduce from this that cod liver oil can reduce the symptoms of asthma.
If you or your child has asthma, the first suggestion would be to consult with your physician to determine if cod liver oil is appropriate for you. There may be certain conditions under which you cannot use this oil, especially if you of your child have a pre-existing illness or have been taking medications which can interact with the oil.
Cod liver oil seems to help asthma patients and judging from the overall consensus in researching the relationship between the cause and effect of asthma, this may be an effective alternative.
