There is no such thing as the right food to treat asthma. However, proper nutrition is an important part of the treatment plan for asthma.
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood illness and half of the cases develop before the age of 10. Recent evidences have shown that a poor diet is linked to increase risk of asthma attacks. A 2007 studies showed that children who grew up eating a Mediterranean diet were less likely to have asthma like syndrome.
What cause asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease whereby allergic reactions trigger the airways to be inflamed and swell, restricting the inflow of air making it difficult to breathe.
The allergic reaction could be triggered by something we breathe into the lungs or allergic response within our body due to other problems occurring in the body.
The types of allergies could be dust mites, molds, pollens from trees and flowers. Irritants could be from smoke, perfumes, chemical fumes and air pollution. Other triggers could be from virus, medication, exercise, stress and food. The key to managing asthma is to know and understand what are your personal triggers and avoid them.
Basically, good nutrition is important for anyone and especially for one who has chronic diseases such as asthma. If you do not have the right nutrients, you are more susceptible to illness and have more difficulty fighting the allergens and triggers of asthma attacks.
So, here are some recommendations of proper nutrition you should have:
1) Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the greatest ally to fighting free radicals attack from allergens and irritants that cause asthma attacks. A healthy diet of wide varieties of colorful fruits and vegetables plus nutritional supplements of multivitamins, alpha-lipoic acid , glutathione and bioflavonoid are necessary to provide the defense.
2) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This is an essential fatty acid that the body does not manufacturers and is obtained from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are strong antioxidants, which give a good anti-inflammatory response. The common sources of omega-3 fatty acids are from fish oil of salmon, mackerel, tuna and oil from flaxseed and nuts.
3) Magnesium
Most people with asthma are found to be deficient in this mineral. Magnesium relaxes the bronchial tubes and smooth throat muscle. You can get a good source of magnesium from chlorophyll of green leafy vegetables as well as from whole grains, nuts and legumes.
Management of asthma has to be accompanied with the right lifestyle:
- If you are smoking, you should quite immediately. The toxins and fumes from cigarette smoke will trigger asthma attacks.
- If you are overweight, you shouldlose weight. Being overweight put pressure on the lungs and the fat in the body sends distress signals that can easily trigger inflammatory response.
- Avoid processed foods and trans fat as they contain food additives and preservatives that are potential irritants that can trigger asthma attacks.
- Moderate exercise is good for the body and especially to help lose weight. Walking briskly for 30 minutes every day is the simplest and effective form of exercise.
Asthma cannot be cured but can be managed such that attacks are minimized.
Do you have asthma? How are you managing it? Share with me in the comment box below.
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