Asthma Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Asthma is a long-term respiratory ailment that impacts millions. Although medications and inhalers are often the mainstay in management of asthma, research shows that diet can impact asthma symptoms. Eating the proper diet can provide anti-inflammatory properties, build your immune system, and optimize your lung function. Alternatively, some foods can trigger asthma attacks or worsen symptoms. In the article, we will discuss how nutrition can affect asthma, what foods to include, what foods to eliminate, and when to seek medical attention.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term lung disease that inflames and narrows the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. It often causes:

• Feeling out of breath
• Wheezing
• A feeling of chest tightness
• Coughing (mostly at night or in the early morning)

Triggers for asthma differ for each person, but common ones include allergens, air pollution, being active (exercise), stress, cold air, and some types of foods or food additives. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the right healthy habits and treatment.

How Nutrition Can Affect Asthma

There is no one diet that is proven to cure asthma, but nutrition can impact the symptoms experienced by:

• Decreasing inflammation in the airways
• Supporting immune function to prevent infections in the lungs
• Decreasing allergic responses from particular foods

The best results are likely to occur with a balanced diet composed of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats for those with asthma. Conversely, foods that increase inflammation or provide allergens can flare asthma symptoms.

8 Foods that Help with Asthma

Eating a lot of foods that are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds may assist with asthma symptoms and make your lungs work better overall. While food can never take the place of medicine, including certain nutrient-rich items to your diet on a daily basis will help your respiratory health in general. These eight foods are good for asthma and lung health: 

1. Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids can help minimise inflammation in the airways and lower the number of asthma attacks.. 
2. Apples: Apples are abundant in flavonoids, especially quercetin, which have been associated to enhanced lung function and a lower risk of asthma. 
3. Leafy greens (spinach, kale): Leafy green vegetables are strong in magnesium and antioxidants, which have been demonstrated to relax the muscles in the airways and make it easier to breathe. 
4. Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium and fibre, both of which may aid with wheezing and overall respiratory health. 
5. Ginger: Ginger can help reduce asthma symptoms by relaxing the airways because it has anti-inflammatory qualities.
6. Turmeric: Curcumin is a chemical in turmeric that may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage in the lungs.
7. Food Sources of Vitamin D: Vitamin D-rich foods include eggs, fortified milk, and mushrooms. Low levels of vitamin D can make asthma worse, so consuming foods high in vitamin D can help keep your immune system working properly.
8. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all nuts and seeds that are high in magnesium and vitamin E. These nutrients can help support the lungs and reduce airway inflammation

8 Foods to Avoid in Asthma

Some foods can make asthma worse by causing inflammation, allergic reactions, or mucous to build up. If you have asthma, staying away from or eating less of these foods can help control your symptoms and lower your risk of getting asthma. The following list has eight types of food you should not eat:

1. Foods with sulfites: Some people with asthma may have symptoms after eating foods with sulfites, such as dried fruits, wine, some pickled foods, prawns, and others.
2. Processed and Fast Foods: Fast and processed foods are full of harmful fats, sodium, and preservatives that make asthma symptoms worse and cause inflammation.
3. Dairy Products: For some people, dairy can make mucus worse, which makes it harder to breathe. But this isn't the case for everyone.
4. Foods with artificial additives and preservatives: Some people have reported that additives like tartrazine (a yellow food colour) and sodium benzoate make their asthma symptoms worse.
5. Foods that make gas (such beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks): These foods can make you feel bloated and put pressure on your diaphragm, which can make it hard to breathe.
6. High-sodium foods and salty snacks: Eating a lot of sodium could make asthma worse and make the airways more sensitive.
7. Shellfish: Shellfish and other common allergens, such as peanuts, eggs, and soy, can cause asthma attacks in people who are allergic to them. It's crucial to know what your allergies are and stay away from them.
8. Fried and Greasy Meals: Eating fried and greasy meals might make you gain weight and have trouble digesting food, both of which can make asthma symptoms worse.

Risk Factors for Asthma

There are several risk factors for asthma, such as: 

• Genetics - A family history of asthma or allergies
• Environmental - Being around allergens, irritants, or smoke 
• Obesity - Increases the likelihood and severity 
• Respiratory infections - In childhood
• Occupational exposure - To dust, fumes, or chemicals 
• Allergies - Hay fever or eczema 

When to seek medical advice

You should seek medical advice if you: 

• Are experiencing multiple asthma attacks
• Your symptoms diminish your ability to function 
• You are dependent on the use of quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week 
• You notice that your medications are losing effectiveness 
• If you think your food may be causing your symptoms 

An asthma action plan from your doctor will provide you with a way to keep track of your symptoms and help you make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Managing asthma is not merely dependent on medication, it is certainly a lifestyle. Consuming a healthy diet that incorporates anti-inflammatory foods could enhance lung function and minimize the severity of your symptoms. Avoiding the foods that you know trigger asthma is just as significant as following a healthy diet. A good diet is unlikely to cure asthma; however, when combined with medical care and awareness, a good diet can drastically improve your quality of life.

FAQs

1. Can food allergies instigate asthma attacks?

Yes, individuals who are hypersensitive may experience symptoms of asthma as a response from food allergies. In severe cases, food allergies may warrant a severe asthma attack.

2. Are there a specific vitamins which helps with asthma?

Yes, vitamins C, D, and E as well as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids may assist in better asthma management.

3. Does losing weight help asthma? 

Yes, maintaining a healthy weight can improve breathing and minimize further severity of asthma.

Dr. Ms Sunitha

Sr Dietician

CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad