Affecting one in every nine Aussies, asthma is no small issue.
While there’s no set “diet” that’ll cure your asthma, chowing down on the right foods can be a massive step in the right direction when it comes to keeping symptoms at bay. Here’s what to munch on…
Eggs.
Eggs are an awesome source of vitamin D, a nutrient which may help reduce the number of asthma attacks in children. Ensuring you have enough vitamin D in your diet is super important as evidence suggests people who suffer from more severe asthma may have low vitamin D levels. Some other delicious vitamin D-rich foods include milk and salmon. But if these don’t tickle your fancy, get outside into the sunshine to boost your vitamin D levels!
Spinach.
This humble salad leaf packs a mighty punch of magnesium, a nutrient that can help to relax the muscles surrounding the airways, keeping them nice and open. Asthma attacks are triggered when the airways become restricted, so munching on magnesium-packed foods such as spinach, pepitas, almonds and dark chocolate is a great way to help ease asthma symptoms. One study also found that children aged 11–19 who had low magnesium levels also had lower lung flow and volume. All the more reason to whip up a delicious green smoothie!
Grapefruit.
Zingy and refreshing, these guys are bursting with vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals in the body, helping to prevent lung damage. A study conducted in Japan also discovered that preschool-aged children who had a higher intake of vitamin C, were less likely to suffer from asthma than those with a lower intake. Other great sources of vitamin C include kiwifruit, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. It’s also particularly abundant in citrus fruits, so next time you are making a salad, why not toss in some grapefruit segments for a fresh twist?
Carrots.
Ever wondered what makes carrots so orange? It’s beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body is able to convert into vitamin A. And for asthmatics, beta-carotene has been proven to be of benefit as it may help to reduce the incidence of exercise-induced asthma and improve quality of life. This powerful antioxidant also helps to keep our eyes and immune system in tip-top condition! Find beta-carotene not only in carrots but in other brightly-coloured fruits and veggies like pumpkin, red capsicums, dark leafy greens and sweet potatoes.
But remember, variety is best!
Although these particular foods can help to ease your symptoms, there isn’t one specific food that treats asthma on its own. It’s best to eat a well-balanced diet full of colourful fruits and veggies!
Have you tried any of these foods to ease your asthma? Let us know in the comments below.
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