Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Published : April 28, 2016 5:54 PM IST
Are you an asthma patient? You may just want to make a few tweaks in your diet. Certain foods can provide relief as well as prevent asthma attacks while a few of them can worsen the condition. So, follow these diet guidelines by nutritionist, Priya Kathpal to deal with asthma.
Go for probiotics
If you are looking for a natural way to deal with asthma, increase your intake of probiotics. Yogurt is an excellent probiotic. Load up on probiotics you get from yoghurt, miso, fermented milk and other dietary supplements. Probiotic is key to boosting your immune system by building good bacteria in the gut.
Eat ginger
Ginger is full of anti-inflammatory compounds and is thus a powerful anti-asthma herb. It helps reduce the airway inflammation and is thus therapeutic in the treatment of asthma. Ginger has no side effects, and you can use it liberally to cook your food. However, do not replace your asthma medicines with ginger, just add it to your diet.
Load up on omega-3 fatty acids
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds and flaxseeds can be an excellent addition to your anti-asthma diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and thus help deal with the symptoms of asthma.
Stick to a low-salt diet
A low-salt diet can improve your lung function and decrease the symptoms of asthma. A good way to reduce salt intake in your diet is to cut down on processed and refined foods and eat plenty of fresh vegetables.
Eat magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium helps the smooth muscles of the lungs relax and not constrict. So ensure that you get enough magnesium in your diet. Brazil nut, cashews, bananas, kidney beans and bananas are some of the best sources of magnesium.
Sprinkle rosemary leaves on foods
Whenever you grill a fish or cook some chicken, sprinkle some dried rosemary leaves on it. It will not only enhance the taste but will also help reduce the asthma symptoms. The herb is high in a substance called rosmarinic acid which fights free radicals and also blocks the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals that trigger asthma.
Replace vegetable oils with olive oil
Did you know that a Mediterranean diet can be the healthiest for asthma? The generous use of omega-3 rich olive oil in the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of an asthma attack. So replace your vegetable oils and other types of fats with extra virgin olive oil. Just ensure that you do not heat olive oil in high temperatures while baking or frying as it may damage the beneficial nutrients.
Ditch the dairy
Allergies and intolerances to milk are common among most asthma patients. If you are intolerant to cow s milk and other dairy products, it is best you avoid them. Watch out for these symptoms of food allergy will tell you if you have food allergies or food intolerance.
Don t eat raw foods
Cut down on raw foods like apple or lettuce as they may trigger asthma. Cooking foods can help reduce the risk of developing allergy symptoms. So it would be a good idea to cut down on salads and switch to baked apples from raw ones.
Limit omega-6 intake
Restrict the intake of omega-6 fatty acids as excessive amounts of it can increase the inflammation in the body by producing inflammatory prostaglandins. Sunflower oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and sesame seeds are rich in omega-6, so it is best you avoid them.
Avoid food additives
Food additives and preservatives have been shown to trigger asthma. Substances such as monosodium, glutamate, and sulphites present in the additives and preservatives can make asthma symptoms worse. The food additives are a standard feature in canned vegetables, soft drinks, confectionery, chips, and sauces. The best way to avoid the intake of these additives is to eat unprocessed organic foods. The food additives will also make you gain weight. Did you know chances of developing asthma in women goes up with increasing weight?
In addition to the dietary changes, also, incorporate yoga into your lifestyle. These yoga asanas help beat asthma. Exercising for 30 minutes daily will also help better manage asthma.
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