Thread: Control Asthma With Food

Asthma is a condition in which the lungs and airways are inflamed and swollen, making breathing difficult. It is very hard to deal with it and I always carry inhalers with me because I never know when I get an asthma attack. I thought I share this info with you so it may help people with the same condition as I have.

The most important thing when fighting asthma with food is to incorporate as much vitamin C and beta-carotene as possible on the diet as these nutrients go straight to the lungs and help to fight off respiratory diseases. Foods high in antioxidant-producing vitamins C and E are believed to reduce swelling and inflammation. Citrus fruits, orange juice, broccoli, squash and brussels sprouts are excellent foods to obtain these antioxidant substances from vitamin C. When choosing fruits and vegetables, buy those with the richest coloring for the highest concentration of vitamin C.

Vitamin E is also necessary to the diet however they are mostly found in cooking oils, which should not be consumed in large amounts, so wheat germ can be added to many foods before or after cooking. It contains highly concentrated amounts of vitamin E and is often added to breads, meatloaf and pasta dishes. Sunflower seeds, kale, almonds and most whole-grain cereals have smaller amounts of vitamin E.

Raw onions and scallions contain sulfur compounds which have been shown to reduce inflammation for asthma-sufferers and those with other respiratory ailments.

Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce lung inflammation and can also reduce tissue damage that results after repeated asthma attacks. The omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, mackeral and the oily type fishes.

The trace element Selenium is also believed to have an inflammation-reducing effect on the lungs. Combined with Selenium, vitamins C and E have an even stronger effect. Brazil nuts have the largest concentration of Selenium but chicken, seafood and meats also have adequate amounts. Since Selenium is a trace mineral, the body only needs a small amount to get the benefits.

Many foods high in magnesium help to smoothe the respiratory airways so that more air can pass through. Magnesium also reduces the inflammation-causing cells in the body. Magnesium-rich foods include oysters, mackeral, spinach and halibut.

Some of the foods that are listed here might cause allergies so asthma sufferers should be aware what their food allergies are since it triggers asthma attacks. I agree that they should increase their intake of vitamin e since it helps improve lung functions.