Asthma Diet

Asthma is a condition where there is acute bronchial spasm, increase bronchial mucus secretion and inflammation of bronchi leading to severe difficulty in breathing.

Although dietary triggers is less common factor leading to asthma symptoms. Healthy dietary modifications are helpful in preventing or minimizing severity of asthma symptoms.

Foods to eat:

Fruits and vegetables:

Eating plenty of fresh fruits (unless you are allergic to it) and vegetables will provide lots of Vitamin C, beta carotene, and many other essential vitamins and minerals which are responsible for increase immunity against infections and respiratory problems.

Omega 3 fatty acid rich foods:

Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines and plant sources like flaxseed, hempseed, canola oil, and walnuts are very rich sources of Omega 3 fatty acids; can be helpful.

Vitamin A rich foods:

Lack of vitamin A is related to increased susceptibility to bronchial problems. Include a lot of carrots, tomatoes, spinach, apricots, strawberries and foods rich in vitamin A in diet.

Vitamin C rich foods:

Vitamin C is extremely beneficial for asthma patients who experience exercise-induced hyperactive airways. Foods such as grapes, tomato, pineapple, watermelon, citrus fruits, kiwis fruits, green mustard leaves, raw cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and parsley are rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin E rich foods:

People who consume large amounts of vitamin E have a lower risk of developing asthma. Increased vitamin E intake has been shown to improve lung function significantly. Turnip, mustard, sunflower seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E.

Foods to Avoid:
 

Trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids:

There’s some evidence that eating omega-6 fats and trans fats, found in some margarines and processed foods, may worsen asthma.

High calorie food:

Foods such as sugary desserts, deep fried foods need to be avoided. People who are obese are more likely to have more severe asthma symptoms.

Foods causing allergies:

Some Food substances can cause asthmatic attack in some people, if such food is identified it is best to be avoided(depending upon your susceptibility) Only about 2% of adults with asthma have true food allergies to milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, or other foods

Tobacco and smoke:

Smokers and secondary smokers are more prone to suffer asthma and other respiratory disorders due to the damage caused by the smoke.

Food triggers:

Some food triggers are identified which may cause asthmatic attack in susceptible individuals. These are:

• Foods containing the additives benzoates(E210-19), sulphites (E220-8) or gallates (E310-12) 
• Cider
• wine
• beer 
• Foods containing yeast or mould, such as bread and blue cheeses  
• Foods, drinks and snacks containing colorings E102, E104 and E110 
• Cow's milk
• cereals (wheat)
• eggs
• fish
• soy
• nuts (especially peanuts)

In general follow well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry and avoid highly processed, highly salted, sugary and fried foods.