Managing Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways of the lungs become narrow as a result of hyper-reactions to substances that irritate them and cause swelling and inflammation. The resulting symptoms include shortness of breath, gasping, wheezing, coughing, and bringing up mucus.
Research shows that the rate of asthma is increasing, especially among children. Researchers speculate that some of the reasons behind the spike in asthma among children include increased air pollution, lack of nutrients, increased stress, and the increase of new allergens, such as genetically modified organisms.
Studies show that food allergies can sometimes lead to asthma in a small number of people. Foods that may trigger asthma include the additives benzoates, sulphites, or gallates in cider, wine, and beer; foods containing yeast or mold, such as bread and blue cheeses; and foods containing food colorings, cow's milk, wheat, eggs, fish, soy, and nuts (especially peanuts).
Foods that Help Control AsthmaOne of the best-known foods for controlling the severity of an asthma attack is coffee. It contains caffeine, which dilates air passageways by thinning the mucus and opening them up for freer breathing. Other foods that alleviate asthma include spicy, pungent foods like chili, hot mustard, garlic, onions, and spicy herbs, such as pepper and cayenne. These hot foods work by stimulating nerves, resulting in the release of watery fluid in the mouth, throat and lungs.
Some foods can control inflammation of the airways because of their anti-inflammatory components. They include onions, fatty fish, and vitamin C-packed fruits and vegetables including citrus fruit, cruciferous veggies, spinach, parsley, asparagus, and watercress.
Foods that May Help Alleviate AsthmaResearchers have found the following nutrients may help control the severity of asthma symptoms:
B vitamins, found in green leafy vegetables, tofu, tempeh, spinach, turnip greens, bell peppers, prunes, wheat bran, brewer's yeast, kale, and many other fruits and vegetables.
Magnesium, which relaxes muscles, helps improve breathing, and thins out mucus; found in carrots, celery, beets, broccoli, spinach, blackberries, cauliflower, and parsley.
Vitamin D, which can help relieve the severity and frequency of asthma attacks; found in sunflower seeds, sprouts, and mushrooms.
Recent studies show that low levels of vitamin D are associated with higher rates of asthma-related hospitalization, inhaled corticosteroid use, and airway hyper-reactivity in children. Low vitamin D levels were also associated with more direct markers of asthma severity.
