Nutrition for asthma patients and what is allowed and forbidden
Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes are inflamed, and thus the airflow is difficult for the lungs, and the asthma patient needs a healthy diet to prevent serious complications, here is how to feed asthma patients and what is allowed and prohibited for asthma patients.
Asthma feeding system
Eating a healthy, balanced diet by eating the right foods and nutrients can improve overall health, including lung health.
Research has shown that a moderate diet, rich in fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, can help reduce asthma symptoms or prevent the condition altogether.
Moreover, a vegetarian asthma diet that emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while reducing the intake of dairy products and high-fat meats, can also protect against the development of asthma while improving its symptoms.
What does an asthmatic patient eat?
Asthma patients’ diets include foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can fight inflammation and oxidation caused by toxins exposed every day.
Although there is no specific food to improve asthma symptoms, it is important to eat a balanced diet as an essential part of your treatment plan. This includes:
- Apple and orange: These fruits reduce the risk and symptoms of asthma; This is because they are a good source of beta-carotene and vitamins E and C, which can reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs.
- Salmon It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to reduced inflammation in people with asthma, and salmon is one of the best sources of vitamin D.
- White Beans: They contain fiber that promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria linked to a lower risk of inflammatory disorders, including asthma.
- Ginger: Some components of ginger help relax the airways, thus relieving asthma symptoms.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is well-known for its extensive use in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory disorders, as it helps calm inflammation in the airways affected by asthma.
- Spinach: They contain vitamins and minerals, as well as folic acid, which is an important component for people with asthma to relieve symptoms.
- pomegranate: Pomegranate provides a healthy dose of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the airways in the lungs.
In addition to the previous foods, the following can also be added to the diet of asthmatics:
- carrots.
- cantaloupe;
- sweet potato.
- Leafy green vegetables, such as lettuce and kale.
- broccoli
- the banana.
- pumpkin seeds.
- dark chocolate;
- Fatty fish, such as tuna and mackerel.
- yolk.
- the cheese.
- Chicken liver.
- Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit.
- Kiwi fruit.
- the strawberry.
- Red and green pepper.
- tomatoes.
- Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts.
- Sunflower seeds.
- apricot;
- berries;
- grapes;
- Seafood.
- Meat and poultry.
- Dairy products.
- oats;
- bulgur wheat
- artichoke;
- Cabbage.
- beets;
- cashew nuts;
- Whole wheat bread, crackers, or pasta.
- barley.
What are the forbidden foods for asthmatics?
The American Lung Association (ALA) has identified many foods, drinks and other substances that people with asthma may want to avoid because they may worsen symptoms. The forbidden food for asthmatics includes all of the following:
- dried fruits;
- Pickled food.
- cherry;
- shrimp
- onions.
- the Garlic.
- Fried foods.
- oysters;
- walnut;
- Salicylates found in some herbs and spices.
- Chemical preservatives, flavorings, and colorings in processed foods and fast food.
Drinks and juices useful for asthma patients
There is some evidence that certain drinks may help reduce asthma symptoms, including:
1. Drinks contain caffeine
Caffeine is a substance found in coffee, tea and cocoa. An older study suggests that caffeine may have beneficial effects on asthma symptoms. The study showed that small amounts of it may improve lung function for up to 4 hours.
The researchers also note that caffeine is chemically very similar to the drug theophylline, which doctors use as a bronchodilator to open the air passages in the lungs.
2. Drinks containing vitamin D
One study suggests that children and adults with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop asthma symptoms. Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system and may reduce airway inflammation, plus it may reduce the rate of asthma attacks that require treatment. With corticosteroids.
Drinks containing vitamin D include: fortified cow’s milk, vegetable milk, or orange juice, which may benefit asthma patients and help prevent asthma attacks in some cases.
3. Water
Dehydration may make a person more likely to develop asthma symptoms. Dehydration increases the risk of constriction of the airways, which leads to asthma symptoms.
So people should consume enough water in an asthmatic diet to prevent dehydration, especially those who exercise regularly or vigorously may need to drink more.
4. Tomato juice
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and low in calories, which makes them a good addition to the diet of asthmatic patients, especially in the form of tomato juice, as it helps to relax the airways, because it contains the antioxidant lycopene, which helped adults with asthma to free the airways after one week. of eating it.
Forbidden drinks for asthmatics
There are some drinks that can worsen asthma or are linked to an increased risk of developing asthma. However, consuming these drinks does not mean that you will develop asthma. They include:
- Wine or alcoholic beverages.
- Bottled lemonade.
- Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks.
- Fruit juice with added sugar.
Top tips for feeding asthma patients
- Follow the treatment plan, keep appointments, and use all medications as advised by your doctor.
- Keep a record of how and when symptoms appear to help identify them.
- Take steps to identify and avoid foods, environments, and activities that trigger symptoms.
- Maintain a moderate weight.
- Quit Smoking.
You can learn about other ways to treat asthma, including some medications that your doctor may also prescribe, by reading our article on What is Asthma? And how can it be treated?