Asthma is a lung disease that causes an obstruction of the airways and intermittent asthma attacks, where the muscles of the small airways in the lungs constrict and limit an individual's ability to obtain air. Asthma may be triggered by or exacerbated by, certain foods and an asthma-specific diet may help to reduce asthmatic symptoms.
Identify and Eliminate Food Sensitivites
Many asthma sufferers have food allergies or sensitivities. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition recommends following an elimination diet for four weeks, during which time you will eliminate the most common food culprits for asthma sufferers. These foods include eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, dairy, chocolate, wheat, citrus, corn, sugar, strawberries and all foods that contain food coloring. After a month, you reintroduce one food item per day and monitor your symptoms closely. If they do not worsen within 24 hours, than that food is non-problematic for you and you can reintroduce a new food item the next day.
Avoid Mucus-Forming Foods
Certain foods are considered to be mucus-forming and the excess mucus can trigger or worsen asthma. Dairy, oranges and sugar should be eliminated because they encourage mucus production, according to CSNN. Sweet fruits such as bananas, white flour products, all simple and refined carbohydrates, and all other processed foods are also mucus-forming and the consumption of these foods is discouraged. Finally, gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and large amounts of bran may also increase mucus and worsen symptoms and are discouraged.
Other Foods and Substances to Avoid
Cold foods such as ice cream and popsicles, and cold drinks can shock the bronchial tubes into spasms and should be eaten with caution. Over-the-counter pain killers such as aspirin may also cause asthmatic reactions in certain individuals. Finally tobacco, the food additives BHA and BHT and the amino acid tryptophan have all also been associated with asthma and bronchitis and should be avoided completely.
Foods That Are Encouraged
"Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommends eating a diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, and one that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates and completely void of sugar. CSNN warns however that animal products contain a substance called arachidonic acid that increases inflammation and may worsen asthma symptoms and recommends getting your protein from soy and vegetable-based sources instead of animal meat. Finally, garlic and onions contain quercetin and mustard oils, which have both been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and consuming them regularly is beneficial to asthma sufferers.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
