Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it more difficult to breathe. It occurs when the airways of the lungs are swollen and sensitive to asthma triggers such as common cold, dust, smoke, and chemicals. Researchers have not yet pinned down the exact cause of asthma, but it is known that genetics and environment play a key role in its development, which includes exercise-induced asthma. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in chest.
Foods that relieve asthma may include:
1. Berries
Berries are highly beneficial to curve off asthma symptoms as they are packed with a mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Eating berries is a solid way of countering inflammation and it is encouraged to consume a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to maximize the health advantages they provide.
2. Healthy fats
There are proven types of fats that help with asthma, but there are others that increase chances of developing the disease. Limit your consumption of foods like peanut butter, burgers, and fries as they are not ideal for health. Alternatively, it is best to focus on plant-based fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation.
3. Beans
Beans are rich in prebiotics. These are foods that the digestive system needs to function optimally and improve conditions of asthma patients. It is advised by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to eat half a cup a day and add them to your regular asthma diet.
4. Ginger
Not only is ginger good for soothing the negative effects of an upset stomach, but it is capable of relaxing the airways. Ginger works by restricting an enzyme that causes airway muscles to constrict and at the same time activating an enzyme that relaxes the airways.
5. Spinach
Spinach is considered a superfood that is full of amazing nutrients including potassium, iron, beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E. When it comes to spinach and allergic asthma, there is one vitamin that can help and that is folate. In a 2016 study by the Annals of the American Thoracic society, scientists discovered that children who do not get enough folate and vitamin D are eight times more likely to experience a serious asthma attack than those that do.
6. Tomatoes
Lycopenes, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, is great for fending off cold viruses in airways. Researchers have concluded that there is a positive reaction when antioxidants that are mixed with asthma cells are exposed to the cold virus.
