Asthma is a respiratory condition that can cause shortness of breath and some complications if not regulated accurately. It is advised by doctors to always keep an inhaler with you if you have asthma. Asthma attacks can occur at anytime and can lead to decline in overall health. It is usually not possible to treat asthma totally but adversities can be prevented with the help of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Good nutrition benefits asthma patients and reduces risk of asthma attacks. Different type of nutrition can aid in providing benefits to health of asthma patient. Today we will discuss about food choices that should be opt for in asthma diet.
Asthma and Diet
Well if you try to link it through a condition then you may find out through respiratory problems. Asthma is a respiratory disease and causes shortness of breath, food that can increase oxygen levels in the blood can actually aid asthma patients. We spoke to nutritionist Ms. Shilpa Singh, Clinical Nutritionist at Fatima Hospital, Lucknow. She told that type of nutrition you consume affects various functions of the body including respiration. A single food cannot actually put a big impact on asthma but a proper diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables does have a positive effect on health.
Foods to Eat in Asthma
1. Increase Intake of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for patients having asthma as it can help to avoid problems of asthma in children. Children between ages of 6 to 15 years need to control their vitamin D content because it can relieve asthma symptoms. You can have natural vitamin D from the sunlight or have it by consuming the following foods-
- Eggs
- Salmon milk and soya milk
- Salmon
- Orange juice
2. Vitamin A in Diet
According to a study given by National Library of Medicine in 2018, vitamin A can lower the asthma symptoms and reduce asthma attack risk. It is especially beneficial for the children and can be helpful for controlling asthma in adults too. Higher levels of vitamin A improve lung functions and enrich better sources of vitamin A content. Some good sources of vitamin A are-
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Leafy greens including spinach, lettuce and kale
- Broccoli
3. Apples and Bananas
According to a research by National Journal, eating apples regularly can also reduce the risk of asthma attack in patients. Apples also aid in increasing the lung function of the people and improve their overall health. Bananas also show a positive impact on health of people suffering through asthma. European Respiratory Journal has found that bananas aid in decreasing wheezing affect in children with asthma. Antioxidants present in this fruit and potassium content improves their lung functions and reduces asthma problems.
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4. Magnesium
Nutritionist also recommends having food rich in magnesium to improve the condition of asthma. Magnesium also aids in improving lung flow and volume in the lungs. It can benefit your system if you add these foods in your diet rich in magnesium-
- Dark chocolates
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
- Salmon
- Swiss chard
Foods to Avoid in Asthma
During asthma, you must avoid some foods that can trigger asthma attacks. Also you must consult your doctor and nutritionists before having certain foods in your diet.
1. Sulfites
These are a type of preservatives that can worsen the symptoms of asthma in people. Sulfites must be avoided in foods because they can cause a majority of problems. Here are some foods that have sulfites in them-
- Dried fruits
- Wine
- Foods with pickles
- Bottles lemon juice or lime juice
- Maraschimo cherries
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2. Foods that cause gas can trigger Asthma
Eating and consuming foods that can elevate gas in the stomach should also be avoided in asthma diet. Eating large meals also cause gas in the stomach and puts pressure in your diaphragm. People having acid reflux have this problem in particular and hence chest tightness could be triggered. Asthma flares can be caused because of gas in body.
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Garlic and garlic paste
- Fried foods
- Consuming carbonated drinks
3. Artificial Supplements
Artificial supplements and preservatives can harm your health in both conditions. This could even get worse in people with asthma therefore avoid any food that could contain chemical sweeteners or preservatives. People that are sensitive to artificial ingredients could have attack because of consuming these foods.
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