1. Learn Whether Your Asthma is Linked to Food
Asthma is an illness in which your lungs become inflamed or irritated by a substance such as pollen or cigarette smoke. Asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and excess mucous production, and needs to be managed on a daily basis. In a small percentage of asthmatics, certain foods trigger asthma attacks. These triggers make it difficult to breathe, as your lungs are able to carry less oxygen into your body. The best way to learn which foods you are allergic to is simply to visit an allergist or asthma specialist. This doctor will be able to test you for food allergies to determine which are causing your attacks. Once you know, you can simply avoid the allergens to prevent asthma attacks.
2. It Isn't Always Asthma
You may have food allergies that cause wheezing, coughing, tightening of the throat and even anaphylaxis, all symptoms of asthma. However, if you've never been diagnosed with asthma, these could simply be allergic reactions to the foods you are eating, and have nothing to do with asthma. To be sure, get tested for asthma and allergies, as the results will provide you with the appropriate treatment plan for your condition.
3. Avoid Sulfites
One well-known food allergen that triggers asthma is sulfite. Sulfites are food additives found in processed food such as wine and beer, juice and tea, dried fruits and vegetables, pickled foods (including relishes) and packaged potato products. They naturally occur in foods such as asparagus, corn, lettuce, maple syrup, soy products, eggs, garlic and leeks. The link between sulfites and asthma attacks is usually limited to asthma sufferers who depend on steroid medication.
4. Eat Food High in Antioxidants
New research has shown that people who ingest a high amount of antioxidants from vegetables and fruits have a lower rate of asthma. There are also other studies showing that asthma in adults was linked to a low consumption of fruit. In another study, children with higher levels of beta-carotene, selenium and vitamin C in their diets were at least 10 percent less likely to have asthma.
5. Develop a Dietary Plan
If you have asthma and food allergies, work with your doctor to incorporate the food allergies into your treatment plan. Your plan probably already includes daily control medications, as well as rescue medications (which you use during an attack). Your doctor may decide to add lifestyle changes to your plan, such as avoiding trigger foods to keep both your allergies and asthma under control.
