Ten Foods to Fight Asthma

According to experts like Best Pulmonologist in Lahore, a healthy meal plan is beneficial for chronic illnesses like asthma. Evidence from research suggests that traditional western diet with highly processed foods, red meat and sweets, conditions a pro-inflammatory state in the body, which worsen the symptoms in patients. Read on to know which foods to eat for managing asthma.

1. Apples and Oranges

Fruit is a great source of vitamin C and E, both of which are excellent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The swelling in the lungs is combatted by fruits, best of which are oranges and apples for asthma patients.

Research shows that daily consumption of five or more servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits like apples and oranges, for as short as two weeks improves the symptoms of asthma and lead to better control.

2. Vitamin A Rich Foods

Asthmatic children, according to a 2018 study, have low serum vitamin A levels, than children without asthma. Addition of vitamin A rich foods like sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and carrots improve lung function and help with symptoms of asthma.

3. Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acid rich food like salmon are good for reducing inflammatory mediators in the body. Research shows that children who ate more saturated fats were more likely to have asthma aggravation, in comparison to those who ate the polyunsaturated fats like those in fatty fish.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), salmon is also an excellent source of vitamin D, and serves a high percentage of recommended daily allowance (RDA) in a 3-ounce serving. Intake of both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are helpful for chronic asthma patients.

4. Ginger

Constituents of ginger improve the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the airways and causing bronchodilation. This helps asthmatics breathe easier and relieves the congested airways. Ginger can be added to the daily foods like vegetable stir-fry to form a nutritious meal.

5. Magnesium Rich Foods

Low magnesium levels, particularly in children, are associated with low lung volumes—according to a recent study. Intake of magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, salmon, dark chocolate and swiss chard helps to improve symptoms of asthma.

Even nebulized form of magnesium, when inhaled, helps to treat asthma attacks.

6. Spinach

Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals and folates. Research shows that individuals with suboptimal serum levels of folate and vitamin D, especially children, are eight times more likely to have a severe asthma attack, in comparison to those who consume these nutrients. Spinach is a rich source of both these nutrients and should be included in the diet of asthmatic patients.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is an essential ingredient of East Asian and Chinese medicine, for ages. In particular, it is helpful for respiratory disorders and helps to quell inflammation in the airways through its active agent—curcumin.

8. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants that battle the pro-inflammatory mediators in the respiratory disorders. Intake of pomegranate juice also helps asthmatic patients, and lowers the amount of lung tissue damage.

9. Tomato juice

Another bronchodilator is: tomato juice, according to a recent study. The lycopene found in tomatoes helps adults with asthma to clear the airway and relax the bronchioles. This eases the symptoms of an acute attack and frees up the bronchioles. Tomatoes are, therefore, a great addition to the anti-asthma diet. Tomatoes can be consumed raw, or in the form of juice.

10. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is another rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to be helpful in chronic respiratory disorders like asthma. While there is no clear-cut evidence of how they work in asthma, experts like Best Pulmonologist in Karachi still recommend its addition to the diet.