A Healthy Diet For Asthma Patients! What Should You Eat & What Should You Avoid?
asthma diet
An Asthma Diet That Helps You Combat And Manage Asthma During COVID-19:
Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can have asthma, too. Asthma causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or early in the morning. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but you will have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs. asthma diet
We don’t know all the things that can cause asthma, but we do know that genetic, environmental, and occupational factors have been linked to developing asthma.
If someone in your immediate family has asthma, you are more likely to have it. “Atopy,” the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases, can play a big part in developing allergic asthma. However, not all asthma is allergic asthma. understanding asthma
Being exposed to things in the environment,
like mold or dampness, some allergens such as dust mites, and secondhand tobacco smoke have been linked to developing asthma. Air pollution and viral lung infection may also lead to asthma.
Occupational asthma occurs when someone who never had asthma develops it because he or she is exposed to something at work. This can happen if you develop an allergy to something at work such as mold or if you are exposed to irritants such as wood dust or chemicals at work over and over at lower levels or all at once at higher levels.
Signs And Symptoms of Asthma:
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tightness or pain.
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing.
- A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children).
- Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu.
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:
- Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry.
- Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust.
- Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)
Asthma Causes :
It isn’t clear why some people get asthma and others don’t, but it’s probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.
Asthma can be inherited or passed down to you from your parents through their genes, or you may have no history of asthma in your family. If you have asthma, your airways are more sensitive than normal. Your airways can get irritated and tighten very easily by a variety of things called “triggers.
Risk Factors For Developing Asthma:
There are many risk factors that can increase the chances of a child getting asthma. Some are listed here but these are not the only risk factors you have to take into consideration. Some of these risk factors may include:
- Exposure to allergens such as air pollution, dust, and second-hand smoke.
- Family history of asthma or allergies.
- Low birth weight.
- Being overweight.
- Exposure to smoke.
- Parents who smoke.
- Series of lung infections.
Asthmatics have an increased risk of death if:
They don’t,
- Take their medication.
- Have access to adequate medical treatment.
- Come forward in time for treatment during an attack.
- Their asthma is severe and difficult to control, even with medication.
Facts About Asthma Diet:
- There is no special asthma diet.
- Also, there are no known foods that reduce the airway inflammation of asthma.
- However, a good diet is an important part of your overall asthma treatment plan.
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet are good for everyone.
- Obesity is associated with more severe asthma….so a healthy weight is important.
- Further research needs to be done before we understand the connection between asthma and diet.
- Researchers believe that our diet may have something to do with this
- As our diets turn to more processed foods and less fruits and vegetables, are we increasing our risk of developing asthma?
- Evidence shows diets higher in Vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids have lower rates of asthma.
- These substances are antioxidants, which protect cells from damage
Why Is Asthma Diet so important?
Asthma diet often avoids processed foods which are known to trigger a spontaneous asthma attack. These food allergies constrict the lungs of its victims which makes breathing difficult for them. And when breathing is difficult, an attack can potentially occur, leading to irritating chest pains, a whistling noise while breathing, and an excruciating headache.
The effects of these asthma triggers are deadly when left unalleviated. Indeed, commitment to this diet that avoids these types of food would save you from trouble. Asthmatics who benefited from this diet gives out plenty of asthma tips which, when categorized, basically advocates the loyalty to this customized diet.
Body Weight:
Ideal body weight can be acquired through a strong commitment to the asthma diet is vital in overcoming unsuspected asthma attacks. Obesity in itself hampers normal breathing, now, asthma attacks on obese people make breathing twice harder.
An obese person’s heart has to work twice or even thrice harder than a person with the ideal body weight. This does not only invite an asthma attack but worse, a deadly heart attack as well. These scenarios all the more give us more reasons why we need to follow the asthma diet.
Asthma And Diet, Diet and Vitamins to Help You Fight Asthma Attack:
A. Diet:
A healthy lifestyle is usually accompanied by a specified diet such that asthmatics also have an exclusive asthma diet for them to commit. Following an asthma diet with an expert advised exercise brings great relief to asthma attack victims.
While the causes of asthma remain unclear, proper weight management is highly recommended to asthma patients. This is supported by the idea that obesity is a precursor to asthma which is a widely accepted hypothesis by asthma experts. The increasing pool of asthma tips on the internet became the popular source for asthma diet guidelines which greatly benefited asthma attack victims quite recently.
People who suffer from asthma,
Should be very careful in almost all aspects, including choosing the best food to be eaten. Some kinds of food might be very useful to prevent asthma attacks, but some other kinds of food will be triggering asthma attacks. Therefore, if you are a sufferer of this disease, you should be very careful in choosing certain kinds of food to be eaten.
Here is a list of some kinds of food that are not only safe but also very useful to control the severity of asthma attacks.
The most well-known food to control the severity of the disease is:
1. Coffee:
A lot of asthma sufferers drink it to get enough caffeine since this substance could act as a drug used to treat asthma. Surely, you can get caffeine not only from coffee but also from other food and drinks that contain caffeine such as tea.
Also, Coffee can help in calming a person having an asthma attack. Although caffeine is not seen to be beneficial, it has a similar effect as the medical prescriptions taken by asthmatics.
2. Hot Foods:
Spicy and hot foods are also very useful for asthma sufferers since they are able to thin the mucus and open them up. Therefore, asthma sufferers can have freer and easier breathing. Hot food will stimulate nerves that cause the release of watery fluid in the mouth, throat, and lungs. Some foods that belong to this category are hot mustard, chili, as well as garlic and onion.
3. Fatty Fish And And Onion:
Onion and fatty fish are also useful for asthma sufferers since they could control the inflammation of the airways. Fatty fish is highly recommended since the fish oil contained in this food is proven to have high anti-inflammatory in omega 3 fatty acids.
- Evidence unclear that Omega-3 helps with asthma, but we know Omega-3 reduces inflammation in the body.
- Salmon, Tuna, sardines, and Flaxseeds.
4. Green leafy vegetables:
Can do your body good. Green leafy vegetables that contain a lot of vitamin B are also very important for asthma sufferers. Besides, great sources of magnesium such as sunflower seeds as well as dried figs are also recommended to be eaten.
5. Carrots:
Are rich in beta-carotene which is one kind of antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals. This beta-carotene, when converted to Vitamin A can also supply the body with benefits such as good eyesight.
6. Grains, beans, and nuts:
Grains, beans, and nuts contain a high magnesium level which is a necessary element that helps lighten up asthmatic conditions. So if you have asthma, maintain a high level of magnesium to help ward off severe attacks. Also, remember that foods which undergo minimal process have a high level of magnesium than processed foods.
7. Fresh green tea:
Green tea contains natural compounds that help improve different organs of the body. It works by widening the different passages in the body such as arteries, veins, and even the airways. It has been widely used in calming asthma attacks.
8. Chamomile:
Chamomile contains a high concentration of natural anti-histamines, which fight off allergic reactions. This particular method of treatment is clearly for those that suffer from allergy-induced asthma, but it will in no way harm someone that is no suffering from allergies.
9. Ginger:
Ginger has been shown to have tremendous health benefits. In the case of treating asthma, it has been shown to improve the effects of bronchodilators. While this means that it would improve the efficiency of the medications that are often used, it also means that natural treatments that act as bronchodilators are also positively affected by ginger.
Additionally, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help the smooth muscles in your lungs to relax, reducing constriction.
10. Water:
It keeps the body fluids flowing. It helps flush away dirt inside the body and lightens up mucus that blocks the airways. Remember to drink at least eight glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated.
11. Fruits and Vegetables:
Recommended fruits for asthma sufferers will be grapes, raisins, and papaya, while the best-recommended vegetables are spinach, bitter gourd, as well as pumpkin. That food will be very useful to reduce you suffer from asthma. By choosing the proper kinds of food, you can eat your meal without any worry about the allergy effect.
Other than being very careful in choosing proper foods, maintaining the humidity of air in your house will be also very useful to ease asthma attacks.
B. Vitamins Supplements:
Asthma can be treated differently and there are many different ways of treating asthma. It can be treated through medications, inhalers, anti-inflammatories, herbal medications, homeopathy, and even yoga. These different methods can be helpful to one or the other person depending on the intensity.
I. Vitamin supplements also help in treating asthma:
- Vitamins are essential in day-to-day life.
- If vitamins are not taken in appropriate quantities it can lead to one or the other deficiency.
- Vitamin supplements are available in many different forms, for example, tablets, capsules, chewable, and even liquid form.
II. Lycopene is an antioxidant related to beta-carotene:
It is found mostly in tomatoes. The asthma symptom that has occurred due to vigorous exercises is relieved by Lycopene. One can say that exercise-induced asthma attack is controlled by this vitamin supplement.
One of the reasons for asthma is a deficiency of vitamin B6. Some asthma medications like theophylline and aminophylline reduce this deficiency and control the symptoms of asthma. Even vitamin B6 tablets are helpful for asthma patients.
III. Vitamin supplements containing vitamin B12 are helpful in reducing wheezing and it improves the breathing rate:
Some people also take supplements containing vitamin C as research shows that it has the ability to fight against the virus. There are proofs of people benefit from cold symptoms by taking vitamin C supplements and which indirectly is beneficial to asthma patients.
IV. Magnesium is a vital mineral that helps to reduce swelling and inflammation of the cell:
This mineral also helps to normalize muscle contraction and relaxation. The grape seed extract is also used as a supplement that contains bioflavonoid-like ingredients to reduce the release of antihistamines. One such product is cordyceps also used for asthma symptoms. It improves the breathing rate and also increases oxygen intake.
Studies:
- That have used specific vitamins and minerals to treat asthma have been unsuccessful.
- Researchers believe that it may be the interaction of different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that naturally occur in foods that have health benefits.
Foods High in Vitamin:
I. Vitamin C:
- Citrus fruits.
- Dark leafy greens.
- Kiwi.
- Peas.
- Bell Peppers.
- Broccoli.
- Berries.
- Tomatoes.
II. Vitamin E:
- Wheat germ oil.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Almonds.
- Hazelnuts.
- Peanuts.
- Peanut Butter.
III. Beta Carotene:
a carotenoid compound responsible for giving fruit & vegetables their color:
- Sweet potato.
- Carrots.
- Dark leafy greens.
- Butternut Squash.
- Cantaloupe.
- Sweet Red peppers.
- Dried apricots.
- Peas & Broccoli.
IV. Flavonoids:
- Phytonutrients.
- Famous for a rich diversity of color providing pigments.
- Known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits.
- Support the cardiovascular and nervous system.
- The largest source of flavonoids in the US is green and black tea.
What Should you Avoid?
- A. Omega -6 fats:
- Corn, sunflower, safflower and soy oils.
- B. Trans Fats:
- Processed foods, margarine.
C. Beware of Diets high in calories:
- If you eat more calories than you burn:
- You will gain weight.
- Excess weight has a negative effect on health and asthma symptoms.
- People who are overweight – obese are more likely to:
- Have more severe asthma symptoms.
- Miss work more often.
- Take more medication.
D. Preservative Sensitivities:
Sulfites:
- Which are used to keep food fresh and stop the growth of mold can trigger temporary asthma symptoms.
- Can give off sulfur dioxide that can irritate the lungs.
- No longer added to fresh fruits and vegetables in the US.
- Are still in processed food, condiments, dried fruits, canned vegetables, and wine.
E. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD):
- Up to 70% of all people with asthma also have GERD.
- It can make asthma more difficult to control.
- Weight loss is often all that is necessary to control GERD
- Eat smaller meals.
- Cut down on alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods and eating just before bedtime.
Let’s Recap,
Avoidable Foods for Asthma Patients:
- Buffalo’s milk and cow’s milk should be completely avoided.
- Fatty food products like cheese should be avoided.
- Food products that contain preservatives and added color should be avoided, as these may cause irritation and allergy.
- Should be completely away from wine and beer.
- Legumes and roots should be kept away.
- Eggs, fish, and nuts should not be taken.
- Cool drinks, citrus fruits, and sour fruits should be avoided.
- Dairy products, chocolates, cakes, muffins, bread, and white sugar should be avoided.
- Salt intake should be reduced. This can be substituted with spices which add more flavor and taste to the food.
- Fish that contain omega 3 fatty acids can be consumed in small amounts but should not be taken in large quantities.
A recent study of Asthma and Diet Showed:
- Teens with poor nutrition were more likely to have asthma symptoms.
- Low intake of vitamin C, E, and Omega-3 were most likely to have poor lung function.
- 2007 Study showed children who grew up eating Mediterranean Diet were less likely to have asthma-like symptoms.
One More Thing!
- There is no evidence that eliminating dairy from your diet improves asthma control.
- Regular corticosteroids used to control severe asthma can lead to Osteoporosis.
- Dairy products rich in Calcium and Vitamin D is a sure way to help maintain bone health.
On the Other Hand, Another Studies About Dangers Of Diary,
Studies show that dairy consumption can raise the risk of asthma and worsen symptoms. One 2015 study found that children who consumed the most dairy had higher odds of developing asthma, compared with the children consuming the least.
In another study,
Children with asthma were placed in either a control group, where they made no dietary changes or in an experimental group where they eliminated dairy and eggs for eight weeks. After eliminating dairy, the experimental group experienced a 22% improvement in peak expiratory flow rate—a measure of how fast the children were able to exhale—while children in the control group experienced a 0.6% decrease.
Summing Up:
There are many ways of controlling asthma amongst them is a vitamin supplement. These should be taken only under the direction of the physician. Asthma is a disease that can be taken care of by our own lifestyle and way of living. One should take proper body hygiene and also the diet should be taken balanced which helps our immunity system leading to a better life.
The important thing to remember is,
that you can control your asthma. With your doctor’s or other medical professional’s help, make your own asthma action plan (management plan) so that you know what to do based on your own symptoms. Decide who should have a copy of your plan and where he or she should keep it. un
If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.
Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment for any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
References
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