Food to Eat when Suffering with Asthma
Asthma is a common and potentially life threatening airway condition which is marked by the inflammation in the lungs which causes narrow, swollen airways, increased production of sticky secretions inside the tubes, shortness of breath, chest tightening, coughing especially at night and wheezing.
Not many people are aware that asthma can develop differently in different people and how they respond to a particular treatment may also vary. It has been observed that in some people that asthma can have a long lasting impact on their lungs and how they function. People who were diagnosed with asthma in childhood may develop lung problems over time.
Experts suggest that long term impact on lung function may be more likely in some people as compared to others. You will be shocked to know that wheezing early in life that persists beyond the age of 3 was found to be linked with diminished lung function or reduced air flow as an adult. On the other hand, people who developed asthma during their adolescence may experience loss of lung function over time.
Foods to Add to Your Diet
Must eat fruits and vegetables but make sure that none of the fruits or vegetables that you choose to eat is allergens.
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like, tune and salmon.
Do not eat trans-fat and omega-6 fatty acids.
Do not eat foods high on calories.
Food also comes into play as it relates to allergies. Food allergies and food intolerances occur when your immune system overreacts to specific proteins in foods. In some cases, this can result in asthma symptoms.
Vitamin D-rich foods, such as milk and eggs
Beta carotene-rich vegetables, such as carrots and leafy greens.
Magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach and pumpkin seeds
Getting enough vitamin D may help reduce the number of asthma attacks in children age 6-15, according to the Vitamin D Council. Sources of vitamin D include salmon, milk, fortified milk, fortified orange juice, and eggs.
A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found women with asthma who consumed higher levels of beta carotene, a form of vitamin A, had a better quality of life. Good sources of beta carotene are carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, and spinach.
An apple a day may keep asthma away. According to a research review in Nutrition Journal, apples were associated with a lower risk of asthma and increased lung function.
A survey published in the European Respiratory Journal found that bananas might decrease wheezing due to asthma in children. This may be due to the fruit’s antioxidant and potassium content, which may improve lung function.
A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that children age 11-19 who had low magnesium levels also had low lung flow and volume. Kids can improve their magnesium levels by eating magnesium-rich foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, chard, dark chocolate, and salmon
Carrots are famous for containing beta-carotene, another antioxidant. Preliminary studies suggest that beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body, may reduce the incidence of exercise-induced asthma.