Many people try to somehow alleviate the painful symptoms of this disease. Someone suffers from tightness in the chest, wheezing, coughing, feeling short of breath, or being afraid of suffocation attacks. All this poisons the joy of life and prevents people from doing everyday things. This disease affects both children and adults. And its prevalence is very high.
Over 28 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma. On average, 9 Americans die from it every day. This dangerous disease should be treated as soon as possible. In addition, it is necessary to establish a healthy lifestyle and eat foods that will not worsen asthma but will help prevent its symptoms. Let’s talk about foods that help improve asthma! And about which products are best to avoid. So, read on to find out more!
Asthma Causes
Unfortunately, the exact causes of asthma are still unknown to medicine. It is only evident that each organism is individual, and each person may have their own causes. One thing is obvious—asthma is most likely to occur when the body’s natural defenses against germs and diseases react sharply to a new substance in the lungs. As a rule, this disease develops in childhood. This is when the body’s defense system is still being formed. However, some people get sick in adulthood. Certain factors can affect the lungs’ development and how the body fights germs. Sometimes, several factors cause the disease:
- Viral infections that affect the breathing.
- Environmental exposure, that is, allergens that affected you in infancy or early childhood, for example, cigarette smoke or certain germs.
- Family history, especially the mother’s condition.
- Inhaling chemicals or industrial dust in the workplace can increase your risk of developing asthma.
- People with asthma often have other types of allergies, such as food or pollen.
- Being overweight can increase your risk of developing asthma or worsen your asthma symptoms.
- Boys are more likely to have asthma in childhood than girls. Asthma in adults is more common in women.
- Air pollution and changing weather conditions contribute to asthma and exposure to allergens.
However, you can live a quality and whole life with asthma if you take care of your health in time.
Diet for People with Asthma
Of course, diet alone cannot completely rid a person of painful asthma symptoms. However, there is a list of foods that can reduce the manifestation of the disease. Moreover, foods that should be avoided!
List of Foods Beneficial for Asthma
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants are especially useful—beta-carotene and vitamins E and C. They help prevent inflammation and irritation of the lungs. And reduce the symptoms of the disease. Let’s dwell more on what you should add to your diet!
Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Eating fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna provides the body with omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE). This immunoglobulin is responsible for inflammation and bronchospasm.
Vitamin E
Add nuts and seeds to your diet. Almonds, hazelnuts, raw seeds, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale contain vitamin E, which can reduce coughing and wheezing caused by asthma.
Vitamin D
It is no secret that to get vitamin D, it is advisable to walk outdoors in sunny weather more often. Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish (salmon and tuna), milk, eggs, and citrus juices fortified with vitamin D. This vitamin is beneficial for the body of any person and especially for asthmatics! It strengthens the immune system and helps reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract. Its deficiency is directly related to an increase in asthma attacks.
Mediterranean Diet
This diet includes many vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, fish, and chicken. Minimal amounts of red meat, moderate consumption of red wine, and sunflower oil instead of butter are all beneficial. Research shows that those who follow this diet may have fewer attacks and are less likely to develop asthma.
Foods That Are Harmful for People with Asthma
However, these foods should not be consumed to reduce asthma attacks.
Sulfites
Dried fruits, despite their usefulness, can sometimes worsen a person’s asthma condition. They contain sulfites, preservatives, which sometimes worsen symptoms. Products containing large amounts of sulfites include red wine, shrimp, pickled vegetables, cherries, and bottled lemon juices.
Foods That Cause Increased Gas Formation
Beans contain a lot of fiber, which can cause bloating and discomfort in some people. This can worsen breathing and even provoke an asthma attack. Garlic, onions, fried foods, and carbonated drinks also cause increased gas formation.
Allergens and Food Reactions
People with asthma have an increased sensitivity to certain foods. Patients often note nuts, dairy products, seafood, and wheat. And when consuming these products, especially before physical activity, asthma attacks may worsen.
Excess Calories and Obesity
Overweight and obesity (BMI 30 and above) increase the risk of developing asthma and worsen symptom control. Extra pounds worsen the effectiveness of treatment and increase the likelihood of severe attacks. So it is essential to take care of a proper diet.
Conclusions
Now you know what to add to your diet and what to avoid. In general, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and protein products helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Particular attention should be paid to seasonal changes in lifestyle and nutrition.
When the activity level decreases and the temperature drops in winter, focus on strengthening the immune system. In the summer, you should walk more in the fresh air (you remember how applicable vitamin D is) and also choose a diet that considers high temperatures to not aggravate the load on the respiratory system. Avoid products containing sulfites, and eliminate smoked foods, preservatives, and sweets if possible. You should also avoid overindulging in coffee. And it is essential to regularly monitor your health.
Our specialists will provide you with all the support you need! We have been caring for the health of our patients for 30 years. We have excellent experience, high qualifications, and an individual approach. We will select the most appropriate asthma treatment, specifically for you. Contact us!
