Asthma and diet: What to eat and avoid

Although there are no specific dietary recommendations, some research suggests certain foods may be beneficial for asthma patients. However, some foods can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of asthma developing.
Asthma is a common chronic condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC,
An article in the journal Nutrition ReviewsAccording to the study, asthma is more common among African Americans and people with lower incomes.
This article will discuss foods that asthma patients may want to avoid, foods that can improve or prevent asthma symptoms, and lifestyle factors that can help with managing this chronic condition.
For a variety of reasons, some foods may be better for asthma patients than others.
They are rich in nutrients. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, as well as some vitamins and minerals. They are present in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Certain foods can cause allergic reactions in some people. Sulfites, for instance, are a preservative that is found in dried fruits, vegetables, pickled foods and shrimp, as well as wine, beer and other products.
According to the, some people may experience asthma if they eat a lot of sulfurites. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Some people with food allergies may find that eating foods they are allergic to trigger their asthma symptoms.
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Some nutrients that could be beneficial to people with asthma are:
- Vitamin D in food and supplements
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- beta carotene
- Antioxidants, such as selenium or flavonoids
- Whole grains
The following sections give more information about how these nutrients can help someone with asthma, and which foods they are.
Vitamin D in food and supplements
Some evidenceIt has been shown that low levels vitamin D can increase the risk of asthma episodes in children as well as adults. It is also clear that taking a vitamin D supplement daily can significantly reduce the chance of severe asthma episodes requiring hospital admission.
Vitamin D may also help support lung function and lower upper respiratory infections such as the common flu.
Vitamin D is found naturally in
Here are some good sources of vitamin D from food:
- Fishes fatty like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and tuna
- mushrooms
- egg yolks
- Cheese
- Liver
Find out more about vitamin D’s benefits here.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
A healthy, balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing asthma.
One 2020 articleAccording to studies, children and adults are less likely to develop asthma if they eat a lot of fruits and veggies.
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Learn more about the healthiest fruit here.
Vitamins
Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitaminE, and beta carotene. These antioxidants aid the body to fight off toxins that could damage tissues.
This may improve lung function and help to control asthma symptoms.
Some
- Citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges,
- Kiwi fruit
- strawberries
- cantaloupe
- Red and green peppers
- Broccoli
- baked potatoes
- tomatoes
Find out more about the best foods to get vitamin C here.
These are some good sources of vitamin-E:
- Nuts such as hazelnuts, peanuts and almonds
- sunflower seeds
- Broccoli
- Fortified foods include breakfast cereals, fruit juice, margarine, and spreads
Find out the best foods to get vitamin E here.
Beta carotene
Beta carotene is found in red and orange fruits and vegetables as well as other foods.
Some examples include:
- Carrots
- sweet potatoes
- squash
- red and yellow peppers
- cantaloupe
- apricots
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are best.
Learn more about beta-carotene.
Flavonoids, selenium
Flavonoids and selenium are antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.
A wide range of fruits contain flavonoids.
Flavonoids are also found in green and black teas.
Some
- Seafood
- Meat
- poultry
- eggs
- Dairy products
- Bread
- cereals
Learn more about foods and antioxidants.
Whole grain foods
Whole grain foods could also be helpful in reducing asthma symptoms.
One 2018 studyPeople who ate healthy foods, including whole grains, had less symptoms of asthma and better control of their condition.
Whole grain foods include:
- Whole oats
- Wholewheat Pasta
- Buckwheat
- Bulgur wheat
Find out more about whole grains and high-fiber foods here.
The American Lung Association (ALA)There are several key foods, drinks, and substances that asthma patients should avoid as they can worsen their symptoms.
People might want to avoid:
- sulfites
- salicylates
- Allergens can vary from one person to another.
- Fast food, which are often highly processed, tends to be high-quality.
These items can cause asthma. The following sections will provide more information.
Sulfites-rich foods
Sulfites are a preservative that is often found in preserved foods and beverages such as alcohol, pickled food, and dried fruit.
High levels of sulfites in a person’s diet can cause asthma symptoms to worsen. The ALA Sulfites can trigger asthma attacks, so it is important to avoid consuming wine and other foods that contain sulfites.
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Find out more about alcohol and asthma.
Salicylates
Salicylates can be found in teas and coffees, spicy foods, and foods with herbs. Although it is rare, some people with asthma may be more sensitive to these compounds than others and may experience flare-ups.
Two studies from
Learn more about the benefits and risks of aspirin.
Fast food
One 2013 studyA study that examined the intake of fast food among teenagers and children found that those who ate it more often than three times per week were more likely to develop severe symptoms such as asthma.
Find out more about the effects of fast food on your body.
Asthma sufferers need to be aware of and avoid triggers that can worsen their symptoms or cause asthma episodes.
The ALAThese are some things you should avoid in order to avoid asthma attacks:
- OTC medications (such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) are available over-the counter (OTC).
- Common food allergens are peanuts and shellfish
- Smoke exposure, such as from cigarettes, campfires or wood-burning fireplaces
- Weather that is severe, such as stormy winds, cold, or rainy, can be dangerous.
- Air pollution, smog and vehicle exhaust fumes are all part of the problem.
- Animals with fur or feathers can produce saliva and dander.
- Environmental exposure to mold, dust mites, or spores
Find out more about allergic asthma here.
Although there is no cure for asthma at this time, many people can manage their symptoms by following a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and taking medications.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & ImmunologySome medications that a doctor might prescribe are:
- You can take medications to manage symptoms such as corticosteroids or long-acting betaagonists either by mouth or through an inhaler.
- Anticholinergics are a maintenance therapy.
- Rescue medications such as short-acting betaagonists can be administered through an inhaler
- For severe symptoms, you can take oral or intravenous corticosteroids
- These are newer drugs called biologics that may be a good fit for some people.
Learn more about the treatment options available for asthma here.
The ALAAsthma management should be proactive. This includes not only using medications, but also avoiding triggers.
Preventing the symptoms
Here are some tips to prevent asthma symptoms:
- Follow a treatment plan and keep appointments. Use all medications as directed by your doctor.
- Keep track of symptoms to help you identify them.
- Taking steps to avoid trigger foods, environments, or activities
- Maintaining a moderate weight
- Stop smoking or quit
- Consume a diet low in processed foods but high in fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items.
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What complications can asthma cause? Find out more.
There is no single diet that can prevent or reduce asthma symptoms. However, there are many foods/beverages that can positively or negative affect asthma symptoms.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables, low in processed, fat, and fried foods can help with asthma symptoms.
Asthma sufferers will be able to better manage their condition by keeping track and working with a physician.
The article is also available in Spanish.
Source: Medical News Today
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