Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic lung inflammation. Rather than detoxify air in your respiratory system and allow for normal breathing, asthmatic lungs react harshly to environmental substances such as pet dander, dust mites and pollen. If you have nonallergic asthma, stress, exercise, cold air and smoke and viruses can trigger symptoms. In addition to medications and avoiding potential triggers -- the mainstays of asthma treatment, your overall diet may help reduce your symptoms.
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No particular diet can eliminate asthma symptoms. Eating plentiful amounts of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, however, can help strengthen your immune system and help reduce lung inflammation, according to MayoClinic.com. In some cases, food additives, such as sulfites, trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Because carrying excess body weight increases your risk for asthmatic problems, eating a nutritious, balanced diet that helps you reach or maintaing a healthy weight may also improve your condition.
Helpful Foods
Research regarding the effect of specific foods and nutrients on asthma are limited and mixed. However, omega-3 fatty acids, prevalent in fatty fish, such as salmon, halibut, herring and mackerel, flaxseed, canola oil and walnuts, may help reduce inflammation. Fish, nuts, oatmeal and soybeans are valuable sources of magnesium -- a mineral that may be linked with deficiencies among asthma sufferers, according to the UMMC. Fruits and vegetables, such as berries, kiwi, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, leafy greens and winter squash, are top sources of antioxidants. Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, such as wheat germ and safflower oil, provide rich amounts of vitamin E.
Foods to Limit
Limiting foods that seem to worsen or trigger your symptoms may help manage asthma. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivity, seek proper testing from your doctor. Common sources of sulfites include baked goods, jellies, jam, molasses, gravy, dehydrated potatoes, soup mixes, shrimp, alcoholic beverages, fruit and vegetable juices and tea. If sulfites cause adverse reactions, avoiding foods that list the additives as ingredients. Avoid foods low in fiber, such as white bread, sugary foods and foods rich in unhealthy fats, such as margarine, butter, fried foods and fatty meats, which may contribute to inflammation and lead to weight gain.
Dietary Supplements
Supplements may provide benefits, particularly if you have difficulty adhering to a nutritious, balanced diet. Supplements containing choline may help reduce asthma attack severity, according to the UMMC. Magnesium and selenium supplements may help reverse deficiencies that may be linked with asthma. If you do not consume fatty fish or other omega-3 fatty acid sources regularly, fish or flaxseed oil supplements may help ease inflammation. Because dietary supplements may interact with medications and cause side effects, seek pre-approval and guidance from your doctor.
