A well-balanced diet goes a long way towards a healthy body and mind. Even if you are suffering from asthmatic issues or allergies, the health of your lungs can be influenced by the kind of diet you follow. The correct kind of nutrients can help minimize the symptoms of asthma and make breathing easier.
In case you are wondering how breathing could be related to food, it is through the metabolic process. Metabolism is how food is converted to energy in our body. A vital necessity for food to breakdown and be converted into energy is oxygen. Oxygen helps break down fibers, fats, proteins, and sugars and causes them to be absorbed by the blood which then converts into energy. In this process, one of the waste products is carbon dioxide which is exhaled through our lungs. The kind of nutrients you consume determines the amount of oxygen used and the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. For instance, carbs use up more oxygen and release more carbon dioxide whereas fats release less carbon dioxide for the amount of oxygen they use. Studies seem to support the idea that people with breathing issues find relief when they eat a diet that has less carbs in it. You must consume low-carb foods to manage asthma and allergies.
An important element that comes into play when dealing with asthma is vitamin D. Vitamin D is found to be directly related to asthma attacks. The lower vitamin D levels, the more inflammation in the airways. This is because vitamin D plays a vital role in boosting immunity levels in the body. Great sources of vitamin D include salmon, eggs, and orange juice. Vitamin E also plays an important role. A chemical compound in vitamin E called tocopherol has been found to decrease asthmatic symptoms including wheezing and coughing. Great sources of vitamin E include raw seeds, chia seeds, kale, broccoli, greens, and hazelnuts. You must eat healthy foods to manage asthma and allergies.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a great way to go if one needs to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide produced in the body during the digestive process. However, one should stay away from dried fruits. Dried fruits contain sulfites which are found to aggravate asthmatic symptoms. Other foods that contain sulfites include alcohol, bottled juices, pickled food, and certain cherries.
Foods that cause bloating should be avoided too. Gas can cause breathing troubles which leads to tightness of the chest and an aggravation of asthmatic symptoms. Onions, garlic, fried food, soda, and beans are found to trigger an onset of bloating.
Another chemical compound that does not help asthmatic patients is salicylates. Salicylates are found in coffee, tea, herbs, spices, and aspirin.
People who are allergic to dairy products, nuts, or other common allergens will also have their asthma aggravated when they consume these.
Foods that cause allergies or asthma attacks can vary between every individual and there is no one-size-for-all diet that will help lessen the intensity of the symptoms or alleviate them. It is best to keep a journal and determine the foods that trigger an asthmatic attack and incorporate the right foods to manage asthma and allergies.
