Asthma is a chronic disease resulting from an overactive inflammatory immune response. Various allergens, asthma triggers, infections, and more can trigger this.
As a result of these triggers, our bodies produce too much bronchial fluid, which causes airway obstruction and inflammation. Healthy diet choices can significantly affect the severity of your asthma. The foods you consume can help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. Here we will discuss the best and worst foods to eat for asthma.
The following foods are the best foods for asthma:
Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3s are essential to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Citrus
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. They are also rich in bioflavonoids which help maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Bioflavonoids also help boost your immune system and prevent allergic reactions.
Almonds
Almonds have a great deal of fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. They are also rich in healthy fats to help maintain normal lung functioning.
Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and manganese. Omega-3 help reduces inflammation in the body, improve lung function and prevent asthma attacks. B vitamins help strengthen your immune system and promote a healthy inflammatory response.
Sardines
Sardines contain selenium, a mineral that protects cells from free radical damage. Selenium also controls airway inflammation, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and eosinophilia.
Oats
Oats are a high source of manganese, a mineral that helps prevent the constriction of blood vessels in the body and helps improve lung function. Oats also contain tryptophan, a neurotransmitter that helps with sleep patterns, mood, and appetite.
The following foods are the worst foods to eat for asthma:
Peanuts and tree nuts
Peanuts are a prevalent asthma trigger. They cause an allergic response in the body and the growth of immune cells that release inflammatory molecules. Understanding if a patient has this food allergy is essential to avoid suffering from anaphylaxis, a life-threatening immune response. Tree nuts are one of the worst foods you can eat for your asthma because they contain high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, which cause inflammation in the body.
Dairy
The dairy products linked to asthma include raw milk, yogurt, and cheese. Raw milk contains a specific type of protein that can cause inflammation in the body. Yogurt has a high lactose content which causes overeating and gassiness when consumed in excess. Cheese is highly processed and has induced allergies and asthma symptoms.
Processed meats
Processed meats contain very high amounts of sodium. High doses of sodium in the body cause an increase in water retention. Processed meats are also very high in saturated fat and contain nitrates which greatly damage lung tissues, worsen inflammation and trigger asthma symptoms.
Gluten
Gluten is a common ingredient in many foods. It's found in pasta, bread, cakes, and more. Gluten is made up of two types of protein: prolamins and glutelins. These proteins trigger the release of an inflammatory protein called zonulin.
The above information is an overview of the best and worst foods for asthma. Just as with any other illness, your health should be checked by a professional doctor, and take time to research your healthy diet.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.