In this article, you will discover the best foods for asthma. You will also learn about the worst foods for asthma. However, before determining which foods are best or worse, let’s learn more about this condition.
Asthma is manifested in attacks of respiratory difficulty accompanied by wheezing, coughing, expectoration, and chest pressure. Asthma results from spasms and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by an allergic mechanism.
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Abundant use of certain foods can contribute to reducing bronchial sensitivity and the tendency to asthma attacks. Reducing salt consumption and eliminating foods known to most frequently cause allergic reactions can greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of crises. In addition to certain allergic foods, other factors include environmental pollution, dust, and physical or psychological stress.
Best Foods For Asthma
ONION: Onions are among the best foods for asthma because they’re bronchodilators and antispasmodic (relax the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes), which can relieve and prevent asthma attacks. Simply inhaling their aroma is effective.
ORANGES: The orange is a fruit with anti-allergic power, capable of partially neutralizing the effects of histamine. Eating abundant oranges is appropriate in cases of asthma or any other allergic manifestation. Oranges are also among the best foods for asthma.
HORSERADISH: The horseradish’s sulfurated essence decongests and strengthens the bronchial tubes, thus preventing asthma attacks.
OIL: Vegetable oils are very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which, contrary to saturated fats, diminish adverse bronchial reactions to allergens that cause asthma. They also contain antioxidant vitamin E.
HONEY: Honey usually contains a small amount of pollen that can act to desensitize or “vaccinate” against environmental pollens that cause asthma.
B Vitamins Reduce Bronchial Sensitivity
YOGURT: Is yogurt good for asthma? Actually, yes, it is. A study conducted at the University of Arkansas shows that biotic yogurt containing live bacteria such as lactobacillus acidophilus can improve the body’s immune response and reduce the manifestations of allergies (increases interferon levels and diminishes eosinophilia). However, it does not produce any evident clinical improvement in asthmatics.
VEGETABLES: Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and red vegetables such as pepper is good food for asthma patients because of their beta-carotene and other carotenoids that improve the ability of the cells of the bronchial tubes to resist the substances that cause asthma.
MAGNESIUM: The lack of this mineral causes muscle spasms, including the muscles of the bronchial tubes. This advances the effect of asthma. Legumes, wheat germ, and vegetables are good sources of magnesium.
B VITAMINS: All B vitamins, particularly B6, reduce excessive bronchial sensitivity to the chemical or physical factors that trigger asthma.
ANTIOXIDANTS: The most effective antioxidants are provitamin A (pink or orange-colored fruits and vegetables), vitamin C (citrus and other fruits), and vitamin E (vegetable oils). All are among the best foods for asthma because they improve the bronchial tubes’ ability to withstand the action of free radicals coming from environmental pollution and bronchial inflammation. These free radicals foster or trigger asthma attacks.
Worst Foods for Asthma
SALT: Salt is considered one of the worst foods for asthma. It has been demonstrated that the more salt in the diet, the worse the respiratory function of asthmatics and the higher the incidence of asthma attacks. A low-salt/sodium diet alleviates asthma and reduces the need for anti-asthmatic medication.
ADDITIVES: Additives make it on the list of foods asthmatics should avoid because many of them can cause allergic reactions, as well as asthmatic crises. For example, monosodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer), sulfites (used as preservatives in dried fruits and wine), sodium nitrite, and nitrate (in cured meats, sausages, hams, etc.); artificial colorings, in general, are all very dangerous for asthmatics, particularly E 102 (tartrazine or yellow No 5), and E 110 (yellow No 6).
WINE: Various asthma-causing additives, such as sulfites, are usually added to the wine.
BEER: Beer is one of the many asthma food triggers because of the brewer’s yeast and various other additives used in its production.
FISH: Fish is another one of the worst foods for asthma because if it is not fresh or improperly stored, it contains histamine, which provokes all allergic reactions.
Children Should Avoid Cow’s Milk
SHELLFISH: Shellfish frequently cause allergic reactions that can initiate or aggravate asthma attacks.
CURED CHEESES: Another of the worst foods for asthma, cured cheeses contain histamine, which provokes allergies and asthma. Cheeses prepared with molds like blue cheese are even more dangerous.
EGGS: Eggs, particularly egg yolks, are a frequent cause of allergies, particularly in infants. Eggs should be avoided in case of asthma until it is confirmed that they can be tolerated without ill effect.
BREWER’S YEAST: Brewer’s yeast can cause allergy and provoke asthma attacks.
ROYAL JELLY: The proteins in royal jelly can cause asthma attacks and even severe anaphylactic allergic reactions, making it one of the worst foods for asthma.
MILK: Cow’s milk is a frequent cause of allergies, particularly in children, which may manifest themselves through asthmatic symptoms. Therefore, dairy and asthma do not mix.
NUTS: Nuts, particularly peanuts and walnuts, can cause allergic reactions and asthma in susceptible children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does diet cure asthma?
Unfortunately, no single diet can cure asthma. However, confident dietary choices can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
What foods are good for asthma?
Focus on a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods contain antioxidants and nutrients that may reduce inflammation and support lung function. It is possible that eating fatty fish and other meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids could be beneficial.
What foods should I avoid with asthma?
While there’s no universal list, some individuals with asthma symptoms worsen after consuming certain foods. Common triggers include processed foods, sugary drinks, fried foods, and foods containing sulfites. Also, avoiding those allergens is crucial if you have known food allergies.
Can specific diets like the Mediterranean diet help with asthma?
Studies suggest that diets emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, like the Mediterranean diet, may benefit overall health and potentially improve asthma control. It is crucial to get the advice of a healthcare practitioner or a qualified dietitian before making any substantial adjustments to your diet.
Can food sensitivities worsen asthma symptoms?
Yes, some people with asthma experience worsened symptoms after consuming specific foods they’re sensitive to. This is similar to a true food allergy but can still trigger reactions. Keeping a food diary and discussing potential sensitivities with your doctor can help identify culprits.
Should I take supplements for my asthma?
While specific vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and magnesium, may affect lung health, supplements are not a substitute for proper medication and dietary management. Consult your doctor to determine if specific supplements might benefit your needs.
Can I manage my asthma solely through diet?
Diet is essential to manage asthma but should not replace your prescribed medication or recommended asthma management plan. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and prioritize medication adherence.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. You should not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 140-141. [Best foods for asthma]
- American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/blog/asthma-and-nutrition
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/so-you-have-asthma-guide-patients-and-their-families
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/expert-answers/asthma-diet/faq-20058105
- Dietary patterns and asthma in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137988/
- Association between fruit and vegetable intake and asthma prevalence and severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24947126/
- Vitamin D and asthma: A comprehensive review. Respiratory Research, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8389855/
- Salicylates in food: A possible role in respiratory diseases. European Respiratory Journal, 2009. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/47/1/304.figures-only
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.eatright.org/
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: https://acaai.org/
Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API