Overview
During an asthma attack, the muscle bands surrounding the airways tighten in a process called bronchospasm. According to the Cleveland Clinic, two other things occur at the same time: the airway lining becomes inflamed and swollen, blocking the air, and the cells that line the airway produce more copious amounts of thicker mucus. Most asthmatics control their asthma with prescription medication and inhalers. It's possible that certain foods may trigger asthma attacks and other foods may help prevent them, or at least lessen the frequency. Unfortunately, there is no diet that will completely control or eliminate asthma.
Step 1
Consult with a physician before making any dietary changes, especially when taking prescription medications. Bring a complete list of all medications and supplements to the appointment. There may be some reactions with certain foods.
Step 2
Eat plenty of organically grown fresh fruits. According to MayoClinic.com, they are a great source of the anti-oxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, which may reduce lung inflammation caused by free radicals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best source of these nutrients.
Step 3
Increase the amount of green vegetables in the diet. WomenFitness.net states eating plenty of leafy green vegetables can benefit asthmatics. Leafy green vegetables contain anti-oxidants that can help reduce the amount of free radicals in the body.
Step 4
Use onion, chilies and and spicy mustard to flavor other foods. According to ReadersDigest.com, onions contain several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, including quercetin, which can help dilate air passages. Spicy foods cause the body to release watery fluids, which can help thin the mucus.
Step 5
Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish and flaxseed oil and are good sources of natural anti-oxidants. They also have some anti-inflammatory properties. Fish rich in oil, such as salmon, mackerel and cod, are also rich in magnesium. According to WomenFiteness.net, when magnesium levels are low, asthmatics tend to suffer more frequent attacks.
Step 6
Drink lots of water each day. Staying hydrated keeps mucus thinned out and moving.
Step 7
Drink two cups of coffee a day. According to WomenFitness.net, caffeine is similar in structure to theophylline, a medication often used to treat asthma. Caffeine is thought to dilate the airways to assist breathing.
Step 8
Drink milk. While many dairy products are thought to exacerbate asthma symptoms, a study in the European Respiratory Journal stated that children who had a diet rich in calcium were less like to develop wheezing from asthma. Milk is also high in magnesium, which may also help to reduce asthma attacks.
Step 9
Eliminate certain foods from the diet. Dairy foods other than milk, chocolate, refined white flour and white sugar can increase mucus production, causing blockage of the airways. Avoid benzoates found in some processed foods, such as soda and chewing gum. Avoid foods with sulfites, such as cider, beer and wine. They have been found to bring on asthma attacks.
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