What you eat or don't eat can affect your health in many ways. When it comes to breathing better, foods can ease or worsen an allergy, irritate your nasal passages or make you cough or breathe harder. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet will improve your breathing by making your immune system stronger and making you less likely to get sick.
Allergies
Food allergies and food intolerances can affect your breathing significantly. When you consume a food your body cannot process or tolerate, a number of side effects develop. Common symptoms of food allergies or intolerances include rapid breathing, asthma-like symptoms, wheezing, sneezing, nose stuffiness and difficult or noisy breathing. Eliminating the foods that cause this reaction will significantly improve your breathing. The Better Health Channel estimates that about 90 percent of food allergies are connected to milk, nuts, soy or eggs. If you have trouble breathing after eating any of those foods, talk to your doctor about an allergy test.
Weight
Being severely overweight or obese can lead to breathing difficulties. Sleep apnea is a common problem. People with sleep apnea temporarily stop breathing for several seconds. This can leave them feeling tired and can interrupt sleep. Asthma problems often worsen when you're overweight. Changing the way you eat can help you drop weight and ease breathing problems. To help with your breathing, switch to foods that are lower in fats and sugars whenever possible. Eat whole grains and lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Nasal Congestion
If you have a cold or flu, what you eat can ease or worsen nasal congestion, changing how well you can breathe. Spicy foods can help open up your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe. However, they can be hard on your throat and stomach if you're feeling sick, so weigh the pros and cons before adding cayenne pepper to your food.
Asthma
While diet doesn't cause asthma, the foods you eat can certainly trigger an attack or worsen symptoms. According to Dr. James T. Li of Mayo Clinic, people with asthma should avoid foods and drinks that contain sulfites, as these can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. Always read labels to find out if a food contains sulfites. Some common foods that might contain sulfites include wine, pickles and dried fruits.
References
- Better Health Channel: Food Allergies and Intolerances
- KidsHealth; Health Problems of Being Overweight; Mary L. Gavin, MD; October 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Can foods I eat affect my asthma symptoms?; James T. Li, M.D.; May 2011
- "Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet, Nutrition, Supplements, and Other Holistic Methods"; James Balch and Mark Stengler; 2011
