If you have asthma, you might be curious about which foods and diet plans can make it easier for you to control your illness. There is insufficient proof that a particular diet affects the frequency or severity of asthma attacks. At the same time, consuming wholesome, fresh foods may enhance your general health and asthma symptoms.
The rise in asthma incidence in recent decades may be attributed to a change in dietary habits away from fresh foods like fruits and vegetables and toward processed meals. Although further research is required, preliminary findings indicate that no diet or nutrient can effectively treat asthma symptoms independently. Instead, eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables may benefit people with asthma.
When it comes to allergies, food also plays a role. Your immune system overreacts to particular proteins in foods, resulting in allergies and intolerances. This may occasionally cause symptoms of asthma. Obese people’s asthma may be more severe and challenging to treat. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet make controlling your disease simpler.
- Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables
Adding extra fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet is a fantastic place to start if you want to enhance your diet while managing your asthma. They include vital nutrients that can support healthy lung function in addition to being low in calories to support a healthy weight. Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables. According to studies, eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, especially apples and oranges, can lower your risk of developing asthma as well as your symptoms of wheezing. Bananas’ antioxidant and potassium levels, which can enhance lung function, may also help reduce the prevalence of wheezing in youngsters. Broccoli, berries, leafy greens, melon, and avocado are other significant fruits and vegetables to incorporate into your diet.
- Shrimp
Shrimp that has been cooked or frozen may not be safe for you. You’re correct if you think that sulfites are once again the problem. Sulfites are frequently found in frozen shrimp and other seafood because they prevent the development of unattractive black spots. Make sure you don’t unintentionally consume food when dining out that was prepared in a broth containing shrimp or other shellfish.
- Sulfites
Chemicals called sulfites are frequently used to enhance foods and beverages’ flavor, appearance, or shelf life. Sulfites are in large quantities in foods, including pickled foods, dried fruit, and sauerkraut. Sulfites are also widely present in alcoholic beverages like wine and grape juice. Some patients with asthma may experience worsening symptoms and unfavorable reactions due to these products.
- Body Mass Index
Keeping a healthy body weight can help manage symptoms and lower the risk of developing asthma. According to studies, children who are overweight or obese are more likely to acquire asthma, with the risk rising with the degree of obesity. A greater BMI is linked to worse asthma control in children and adolescents and asthma exacerbation in adults with asthma.