Asthma is a condition that is a nuisance to the people who have it. It is known to be a long-term inflammatory disease which affects the airways of the lungs. Every year, the rate of the people how have asthma is substantially increasing. One (1) out of twelve (12) people have asthma and that is about 25 million people in the United States alone. Although in most cases, asthma is not life-threatening, every asthma attack has the potential to take someone else’s life. About 80 to 85 percent of people who pass from asthma has developed progressive asthma symptoms anywhere from twelve hours to several weeks before the taking.
Can asthma symptoms be avoided?
There are certain medications that can help relieve and eliminate asthma symptoms. Some are tablets, ointments, and oils, while others are pure inhalers, nebulizers, and injected steroids.
There are certain ways on how to take asthma medications; some are inhaled while some can be taken altogether. But there are people who are not very particular in taking medications so researchers and nutritionists tried finding out different foods to help prevent or relieve asthma symptoms.
Don’t be fooled because while there are foods which help improve your overall condition when it comes to asthma, there are also foods that worsen it.
One thing to take note of is that there’s no magical bullet to help get rid of asthma. There are certain things you can do to help reduce, control, and overall relieve asthma symptoms. Holly Prehn, RD, and a support clinician at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver says that a good diet can be beneficial to an asthmatic patient.
A healthy, varied diet plan is beneficial in asthma.”
So, what are the things that you should eat in order for you to prevent and relieve asthma symptoms?
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Healthy fats
Although it’s common knowledge that fats are unhealthy, there are certain types of fat that are actually good to our health and this includes fish fats. Research in December 2015 found that kids in Peru who ate the Mediterranean-style diet (consists of olive oil, fish, fruit, and whole grains) were less likely to develop asthma. However, another study in the same year published in the BMC Public Health found that children who ate more fast food and butter were more likely to have asthma.
It’s imperative to know which fats are made to be good for your health. With the results of the studies, you can therefore tell that fast food fat are no good but fruits and fish fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve asthma symptoms.
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Green leafy vegetables
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables contain huge loads of vitamin C. These are known to promote and maintain a healthy immune system which our bodies need to prevent colds and other infections which can lead to wheezing. In addition to that, they also contain folate; something that people with asthma need.
A good amount of berries and green leafy vegetables in every meal can be sufficient enough to reduce the harmful and dangerous effects of asthma.
Carrots
When we were young, our parents used to tell us to eat carrots so that our eyesight doesn’t fade. That’s true but it’s not just the eyes that get benefit. According to Health, carrots are packed with an ample amount of beta-carotene which is a good antioxidant converted to vitamin A. This not only boosts the immune system, but it also helps our bodies relieve asthma symptoms.
Milk
As we all know, milk is an abundant calcium-provider which is good for the bones. However, most of us are not aware that milk and other dairy products are also a good source of magnesium which is an extremely effective nutrient to fight off asthma.
Magnesium also is a dominant nutrient in flax seeds. What it does is that it relaxes the muscles surrounding your airways because as you know, asthma attacks are caused by tightened airways which make breathing more difficult.
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Berries
We all know the general health benefits of berries and this is why Doctors and researchers choose these over anything else. With an ample mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, they can help battle inflammation and they’re a good source of the everyday nutrients that our bodies need.
The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics say that colorful vegetables and fruits actually has good effects to our health. Not only are they inflammation-fighting food, they also have tastes that are not so difficult to bear.
Avocados
Ever heard of glutathione? Yes, the one that’s too popular when it comes to skincare routines? Well, avocados contain this antioxidant and it’s not just good for the skin. Glutathione is apparently also good for asthma because it lessens the stress of the airways and reduces tissue damage.
The effect of glutathione to the skin is just a side-effect and its main impact is its healthy fats which contains good anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger
Although not a country favorite, ginger has its benefits as well. Ginger is known to ease and pacify an upset stomach and it can actually do more than that. According to a study in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology in 2014, there are certain components in ginger that helps the airways relax. Other than the fact that it’s a good antioxidant, it also helps relieve asthma symptoms!
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What foods should asthmatic patients avoid?
Of course, if there are foods that are good for asthmatic people, there are also food that are bad. One of the more common would be fast food. Grease, unhealthy oils, and too much fats contribute to the attack of asthmatic patients. Overall, fast food impose negative effects to our bodies, including our lungs.
Another thing you might want to avoid regularly is wine and a*****l. A*****l, instant soup noodles, and dehydrated food contain sulfite and sulfites can trigger asthma attacks. Asthma attacks sometimes lead to more dangerous conditions like anaphylaxis especially to people who are hypersensitive to it.
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As you may have noticed, most of the foods in the list actually involves cleaning the system and calming of the airways. An asthma attack usually involves tightening of the chest and wheezing. So, a simple relaxation of the muscles in the chest area is a must.
Do you have asthma? Or do you know people who always experience these terrible asthma attacks? If your answer to both questions are yes, then share this to people who need them in order for them to have a safer and more natural approach to help them totally reduce and relieve asthma symptoms!
