The cause and effects of asthma, as well as the symptoms and severity, vary widely among those who suffer from this chronic disease of the respiratory system. Your first goal is to identify the cause, if possible, and then find a treatment plan that controls the symptoms. Certain foods and food additives are known to trigger reactions that can lead to an asthma attack. Knowing what you can and shouldn't eat, can provide tremendous freedom in living with asthma.
Possible Triggers
The best way to determine if certain foods are causing your asthma symptoms to flare up is to keep a log of the foods you eat and any associated symptoms. Another way is to see an allergist who will test your reaction against certain allergens. Common food allergies are eggs, peanuts, soy, milk and milk products, shellfish, wheat or gluten. Food additives are also known to cause asthma flare-ups: food preservatives such as sulfites, sodium benzoate, monosodium glutamate and aspartame. Artificial colors and aspirin are also common triggers.
Avoid Gas Forming Foods
According to National Jewish Health, avoid foods that can cause gas and bloating, as these foods have a tendency to expand your stomach, which puts pressure on the diaphragm and can impede breathing. When you experience the symptoms of asthma such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, mucus secretions and wheezing, eating foods that could potentially restrict your breathing is the last thing you want to do. Spicy foods, pinto, kidney, navy and black beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic and onions are just a few of the foods known to produce gas and bloating.
Relax and Sit Awhile
Plan to sit down to meals, not stand. By sitting and eating slowly, your body has time to relax and digest your food. This quiet time will help you to relax and breathe normally, and be more aware when you begin to feel full. According to National Jewish Health, a person in reasonably good health burns approximately 50 calories daily just by breathing. An individual with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, such as asthma, burns as much as 750 calories a day, just to breathe. So relax, sit awhile and enjoy your food: save those calories for your daily walk.
Steroids and Essential Nutrients
If you have chronic asthma, you may be taking steroids such as prednisone, to keep your airway from becoming inflamed and swollen. Steroids potentially interfere with how the body metabolizes certain nutrients including calcium, sodium, potassium, as well as vitamins C and D. Steroids also can interfere with how your body utilizes protein. To offset this issue, make sure your diet includes a wide variety of healthy whole foods that are high in calcium. Avoid highly salted foods and reduce the amount of cholesterol and fatty foods. Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin to offset this steroid affect.
