Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation of the lung airways that can make it hard to breather. Asthma affect both children and adults. A balanced diet based on fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fibers and foods rich in omega 3 might help improve symptoms of asthma. However, follow any diet for asthma only under medical supervision.
Vitamins, Omega 3 and Fibers
If you have asthma, you might benefit from antioxidant vitamins A and C, which are in fresh fruits such as berries, citrus fruit, mangoes and papaya as well as vegetables such as asparagus, peppers, broccoli, potatoes, pumpkin, and yellow and green leafy vegetables. You also might benefit from omega 3 fatty acids in foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, beans, squash, vegetable oils and fish such as tuna, halibut and salmon. Finally, you might benefit from healthy fiber in whole grains such as wheat, millet, quinoa, spelt, amaranth and wild and brown rice.
Research
S. Allen and associates published a study in the July 2009 issue of "Thorax" that evaluated the link between vitamins A and C and asthma. The researchers found diets that were deficient in these vitamins were associated with a significant increased risk of developing asthma. Another study, conducted by MA Biltagi and colleagues and published in the January 2008 issue of "Acta Paediatrica," concluded that diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, Zn and vitamin C considerably improved asthma control tests, as well as pulmonary function tests and pulmonary inflammatory markers in pediatric individuals with moderately persistent asthma. And a high intake of whole grain products and fish might help protect children from developing asthma, according to a study published in the December 2005 issue of "Thorax" by C Taback and associates.
Eliminate Food Allergies
An elimination diet is helpful to find foods that trigger asthmatic condition. The most common foods that cause allergies include dairy products, peanuts, beets, soy, red meat, processed foods, artificial additives and preservatives, white flour and white sugar.
Juicing
Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Wellness, " recommends vegetable juices based on leafy greens, barley grass, rutabaga, turnip and carrots and fruit juices based on apple and cranberry as being beneficial for individuals with asthma.
Considerations
Consult a qualified practitioner to recommend an individualized diet and supplementation. Diet and supplements do not replace conventional drugs used for the management of asthma.
References
- Thorax: Association Between Antioxidant Vitamins and Asthma Outcome Measures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Acta Paediatrica: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C and Zn Supplementation in Asthmatic Children: A Randomized Self-Controlled Study.
- Thorax: Diet and Asthma in Dutch School Children (ISAAC-2).
- "Prescription For Dietary Wellness"; Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2002
