Asthma is inflammation that leads to the tightening of muscles around the airways, thereby, reducing the amount of air that can pass through it. Asthma causes wheezing, chest tightness, cough and shortness of breath. Pet hair, pollen, dust and weather changes are some of the common triggers for asthma. Treatment involves inhalation of corticosteroids and beta-agonist inhalers. Avoiding the triggers and following a specific diet may help in some cases. Always consult a physician before changing your diet.
Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first four months after birth may help prevent asthma and wheezing until six years of age, according to a November 2006 article published by Medical News Today. The protective effects of breast milk are more evident in children who are genetically predisposed to asthma and allergies. Hypoallergenic formulas should be used in consultation with a physician if breastfeeding is not possible.
Fruits and Vegetable
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E that help prevent the inflammation of the lungs caused by free radicals. The website Home Remedies also recommends lemon juice, drumstick leaf soup and Indian gooseberry paste to provide relief from asthma symptoms. Another study published in the July 2010 edition of "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research" states that blackcurrant fruits native to New Zealand contain an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin that may help reduce the lung inflammation associated with asthma, thereby minimizing the symptoms.
Sulfite-free Diet
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sulfite compounds that are used as preservatives in many foods may trigger mild to severe asthmatic reactions in some patients. Thus, it is important to look on the food labels of foods such as wine, dried fruits, pickles and shrimp for the presence of sulfite preservatives such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite and sodium sulfite.
Magnesium
The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends magnesium-rich foods such as tofu, legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables and whole grains to prevent asthma as low dietary intake of magnesium can increase the risk of asthma in children as well as adults.
Low-fat Diet
High-fat fast food is also associated with the inflammation of the airways and may trigger an asthma attack, according to an article published by the University of Florida Health Science Center in August 2010. Thus, a low-fat diet consisting of whole grains, fat-free dairy products, and fruits and vegetables may be beneficial to patients prone to asthma.
References
- Medical News Today: Diet May Help Prevent Allergies and Asthma
- Home Remedies: Asthma
- "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research"; Blackcurrant proanthocyanidins augment IFN-γ-induced suppression of IL-4 stimulated CCL26 secretion in alveolar epithelial cells; Suzanne M. Hurst et al; July 2010
- Cleveland Clinic: Sulfite Sensitivity
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- UF Health Science Center: High-fat foods may help trigger asthma attacks
