Asthma and obesity
Asthma is also known as asthma. A report from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) pointed out that obesity is the main risk factor for asthma. Additionally, asthma in obese people may be more severe and more difficult to treat. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight may make it easier to manage your condition.
There are no specific dietary recommendations for asthma, but there are some foods and nutrients that may help support lung function:
Vitamin D
According to the Vitamin D Council, getting enough vitamin D may help reduce the number of asthma attacks in children ages 6 to 15. Sources of vitamin D include:
- salmon
- Milk and fortified milk
- Fortified orange juice
- Egg
If you know you are allergic to milk or eggs, you may want to avoid them as a source of vitamin D. Food-source allergy symptoms may manifest as wheezing.
Vitamin A
A 2018 study found that children with asthma often had lower levels of vitamin A in their blood than children without asthma. In children with asthma, higher levels of vitamin A also corresponded to better lung function. Good sources of vitamin A are:
- radish
- cantaloupe
- sweet potato
- Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and spinach
- broccoli
- apple
An apple a day can prevent asthma. Apples are linked to reduced asthma risk and enhanced lung function, according to a research review article in the Journal of Nutrition.
banana
A survey published in the European Respiratory Journal found that bananas may reduce wheezing in children with asthma. This may be due to the fruit's antioxidant and potassium content, which improves lung function.
magnesium
A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that children ages 11 to 19 who had lower magnesium levels also had lower lung flow and lung capacity. Children can increase their magnesium levels by eating magnesium-rich foods, such as:
- spinach
- pumpkin seeds
- Swiss Chard
- dark chocolate
- salmon
- Inhaled magnesium (via a nebulizer) is another great way to treat asthma attacks.
Some foods may trigger asthma symptoms and should be avoided. However, it's best to talk to your doctor before starting to eliminate certain foods from your diet.
Sulfite
Sulfites are a preservative that may aggravate asthma. They exist in:
- wine
- dried fruit
- pickled food
- maraschino cherry
- shrimp
- Bottled lemon and lime juice
- gas-producing foods
Eating large meals or gas-producing foods can put pressure on the diaphragm, especially if you have acid reflux. This may cause chest tightness and trigger an asthma attack. These foods include:
- beans
- cabbage
- Carbonated drinks
- onion
- garlic
- Fried food
- Salicylates
Although rare, some people with asthma may be sensitive to salicylates found in coffee, tea, and some herbs and spices. Salicylates are naturally occurring compounds that are sometimes found in foods.
artificial ingredients
Processed foods and fast food often contain chemical preservatives, flavorings and colorings. Some people with asthma may be sensitive or allergic to these artificial ingredients.
Common allergens
People with food allergies may also suffer from asthma. The most common allergens include:
- dairy
- shellfish
- wheat
- tree nuts
Asthma treatment
Most doctors recommend an overall healthy lifestyle to help you manage your condition. This can include eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Diet and lifestyle changes are designed to complement your existing asthma treatment. Even if you start to feel better, you should not stop taking your prescribed asthma medications without talking to your doctor.
Traditional asthma treatments may include:
- inhaled corticosteroids
- Long-acting beta antagonist (LABA)
- Combination inhaler consisting of corticosteroids and LABA
- Oral leukotriene modulators
- Quick-acting rescue medicine
- allergy medicine
- allergy shots
- Bronchial thermoplasty, a procedure used to treat severe cases of asthma that do not respond to medications
Prevent worsening of asthma symptoms
Prevention can go a long way when it comes to controlling asthma symptoms. Because asthma can be life-threatening, it's crucial to recognize your triggers and avoid them.
Tobacco smoke is a trigger for asthma in many people. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. If someone in your home smokes, talk to them about quitting. Also, make sure they smoke outside.
There are more steps you can take that may help prevent asthma attacks if you:
- Work with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan and follow it.
- Get annual pneumonia and flu shots to avoid illnesses that may trigger asthma attacks.
- Take your asthma medications as prescribed.
- Track your asthma and monitor your breathing to identify early warning signs of worsening asthma.
- Using air conditioning can reduce exposure to allergens like dust mites, outdoor pollutants, and pollen.
- Use dust covers on your bed and pillows to reduce dust exposure.
- Groom and bathe pets regularly to reduce pet dander.
- Cover your nose and mouth when spending time outdoors in the cold
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home at optimal levels.
- Clean your home regularly to eliminate mold spores and other indoor allergens.
generalize
Eating a healthy diet may improve asthma symptoms, but this depends on many factors.
For example, the overall impact may depend on your overall health, the consistency with which you make the changes, and the severity of your symptoms. At the very least, most people who start following a healthier diet usually notice an increase in energy levels.
A healthier diet may also bring the following benefits:
- lose weight
- Lower blood pressure
- reduce cholesterol
- Improve digestion
