Breathing is an everyday exercise and none of us give it a second thought. However, people who suffer from asthma know how precious every breath is. There are many causes for asthma but no total cure. However, there are ways in which one can control this breathing condition. Some of the causes include unsuitable exercise, food items or airborne allergens. High salt diets are also said to be a cause in asthma attacks.
Keeping a check on one’s diet and controlling what one eats can go a long way in preventing asthma attacks. Certain food items help to reduce the symptoms of asthma. Inflammation is one of the main problems in people suffering from asthma so it is necessary that one consumes food that has less inflammatory elements. Listed below are 9 foods that help to prevent asthma attacks.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and help to reduce inflammatory compounds produced in the body. Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most essential nutrients a body requires. Fish oil, in general is known to improve pulmonary functions in people suffering from asthma and also helps protect them against bronchoconstriction caused by exercising. They also reduce narrowing or the airway and prevent inflammation. However, while consuming this, one should be very careful about the origin of the fish. Due to increase in industrialization, the sanity of water bodies is at risk. Hence, this fish can be contaminated with mercury and harmful pesticides causing health hazards. Consuming fish at least three times a week would be best. However, there is no limited amount of salmon a person should eat. Salmon is said to work well for all age groups and all genders. Nevertheless, expecting women should be extra careful about the quality of the fish as contaminated fish can have an adverse effect on the baby.
Spinach
Low levels of magnesium in the body have been found to be a major cause for asthma. Hence it is essential that one consumes food with high level of magnesium. Spinach is said to have very high quantities of magnesium and is good for preventing asthma attacks. Recent studies have proved that people suffering with asthma who intake high level on magnesium through their diet face lesser changes of asthma attack incidents. Ideally, a person should take at least 400mgs of magnesium per day. It is also believed that properties of magnesium help in calming asthma spasms of the upper respiratory tract and it also appears to have a mild antihistamines effect. However, a high level of salt diet can deplete the effects of magnesium. Hence it is absolutely vital that one refrains from food rich in salt, carbohydrates, soft drinks and food containing artificial preservatives. Stress is another cause of asthma attacks and Spinach contains Vitamin B that is a great de-stressing solution. Tofu, beans, cashews, almonds and sunflower seeds are some other good sources of magnesium.
Red peppers
As mentioned earlier, exercise is another cause that brings about asthma. Regular and high intake of Vitamin C can cure asthma attacks caused by exercise and red peppers have a large quantity of this vitamin. Vitamin C is also said to act as an anti-inflammatory agent which is good for people suffering from asthma. Ascorbic acid present in red peppers act as an antihistamine and lessens asthma symptoms. Red peppers are also rich in Vitamin A. Recent studies also show that this vitamin is elementary in reducing asthma. It is best to include red peppers in at least one meal a day and works best among middle aged and older men and women.
Onions
Onions are good for people with asthma as it acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic agent. It also releases histamines that reduce bronchial obstructions. They contain prostaglandins that help to relax the airways. They also have a high quantity of Vitamin C and quercetin. Onions help to produce glutathione, an anti-oxidant essential for the immunity of the body. However, sensitive people should stay away from raw or pickled onions. It is best to include it in any food items that are cooked and there is no limit on its intake quantity. It works for all age groups and all genders.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas have a good quantity of Vitamin B6 which is elementary in decreasing asthma attacks. For people who consume theophylline (a drug used to cure asthma), it is even more essential to get an extra dose of vitamin B6 as theophylline is known to decrease the liver’s production on this vitamin. Chickpeas are also very effective in reducing stress, another cause for asthma. This works best in children. Sunflower seeds, fish and chicken are some other food items rich in this vitamin.
Strawberries
Strawberries are another great source of Vitamin C and as mentioned earlier, works well for asthma caused due to exercising. It also reduces inflammation. This can be used as a replacement for red peppers if a person is not very fond of red peppers. Strawberries can also replace many drugs as it produces an enzyme called phosphodiesterase which is present in most drugs bought at a drug store. This can be included in desserts or when one has his morning cereal. You could also just have it as a fruit. It works best on children of both genders.
Cashews
Cashews are a rich source of magnesium which as mentioned works well for people with asthma. People who suffer from attacks due to stress should definitely considering including cashews in their diet. Cashews can be eaten just as it is or can be included in cooked food like rice or some curries. However, one should refrain from eating them in their fried form. They work well for all age groups but elder people should not consume too much of it on a given day.
Garlic
Garlic is one food item that is a complete cure lessening asthma symptoms. It has important vitamins and minerals like potassium zinc, vitamin C and A. It works as a great antibiotic. It works well for any reparatory issues, including asthma and bronchitis. It’s also has anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic can be included in the usual diet by including them in cooked food. They can also be made into pickles. However, refrain from the intake of too much of this food item.
Leafy, dark green vegetable and egg yolk
Leafy, dark green vegetable and egg yolk have a huge quantity of Vitamin E and selenium that work together to maintain the circulatory system of the body. They also act as an anti-inflammatory agent. They can be eaten in the form of salads or can be cooked. However, it’s best to include them in soups as they retain most of their minerals and nutrients this way. It works well for all age groups especially elder people.