An estimated 9.6 million children faced asthma in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it the most common chronic childhood illness. Asthma may be caused by inhaling allergens such as pet dander or triggered by stress, cold air or viruses. Asthma's symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. A healthy diet that limits certain foods may help manage asthma symptoms.
Dairy Products
According to a report published in "Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine" in January 2008, asthma symptoms may be triggered by foods in 6 to 8 percent of children. Because confirming food allergies can be difficult, researchers involved with the report recommend avoiding suspected food allergies, particularly cow's milk. If you suspect a milk intolerance or allergy in your child, replace milk, yogurt and cheeses with non-dairy equivalents. Fortified soy or rice-based milk and yogurt and tofu provide valuable, calcium-rich options. Choose rice-based products if your child is sensitive or allergic to soy and cow's milk.
Wheat or Gluten
Like dairy products, wheat, the most prevalent grain in America, is one of the most common food allergens affecting children. Wheat and other gluten-containing grains, such as barley and rye, are also linked with intolerance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Intolerance produces less severe symptoms than allergies. If you suspect that wheat or gluten triggers or worsens your child's asthma, replace commercial breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods with wheat-free and gluten-free alternatives. Options include brown, wild and basmati rice; gluten-free corn; rice-based breads and cereals; air-popped popcorn and gluten-free oatmeal. For best results, seek guidance and allergy testing from your doctor.
Margarine
Margarine contains notable amounts of saturated fat and, in many cases, trans-fatty acids -- forms of fat linked with inflammation and an increased risk for heart disease. In a study published in "Thorax" in April 2007, researchers analyzed the dietary patterns of 690 children between ages 7 and 18 in Crete, where allergic asthma symptoms, including wheezing, are rare. Most of the children consumed fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Children who consumed margarine demonstrated significantly greater risks for allergic asthma symptoms. Replace margarine in your child's diet with plant-based oils, such as olive and canola, which may provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Sulfites
Sulfite, or sulfur dioxide, is a food additive used as a preservative in various foods. Sulfites can trigger asthma symptoms in some people, according to MayoClinic.com. Common sources of sulfites include dried fruit, pickles, fresh and frozen shrimp, jellies, jam and commercially prepared cookies, crackers and pie crust. If sulfite-containing foods seem to worsen your child's asthma symptoms, check ingredient lists on food labels and avoid those containing sulfite forms, which include sodium sulfite, potassium bisulfite, sulfur dioxide, potassium metabisulfite and sodium metabisulfite.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Asthma Fast Facts
- "Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine"; Asthma and Food Allergy; Duygua Ozol, Eminb Mete; Jan. 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy
- "Thorax"; Asthma Protective Effect of Fruits, Vegetables and the Mediterranean Diet on Asthma and Allergies Among Children in Crete; Leda Chatz et al.; April 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Asthma Diet: What You Eat Can Affect Asthma Symptoms
