This article will discuss the best foods to eat as a part of your overall asthma treatment plan.
lt will also discuss foods to limit and avoid.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What’s the Impact of Diet on Asthma Symptoms?
Verywell / Jessica Olah
These foods are rich in compounds and antioxidants that can fightinflammationandoxidationcaused by toxins we’re exposed to daily.
Diets high in omega-3 fatty acidsplant-sourced unsaturated fatscan help decrease the production of leukotrienes.
Thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin A can help fight oxidative stress and support a healthyimmune system.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system and can reduce airway inflammation.
Studies also show thatvitamin D supplementationmay reduce the rate of asthma attacks requiring treatment withcorticosteroids.
It also can decrease symptoms of asthma such aswheezingand coughing.
Good sources of vitamin E include nuts, mustard greens, broccoli, and kale.
Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants can protect your cells against damage and support healthy lungs.
It’s important to also keep in mind food allergens and restrictions will vary among individuals.
These may cause gas or bloating, making it more difficult to breathe.
This can result inchest tightnessandasthma attacks.
Things such as sauerkraut, dried fruit, and pickled foods are very high in sulfites.
Beverages like wine, alcohol, and grape juice are also high in sulfites.
These products can worsen symptoms and lead to adverse reactions in some people with asthma.
Salicylates
Salicylates are chemicals naturally present in tea, coffee, and some spices.
Though it’s very rare, some people with asthma may be sensitive to foods or beverages with salicylates.
For those with asthma, it can pose greater health risks and worsen symptoms.
Some people find it helpful to join asupport groupto connect with others living with the condition.
For some, there are trigger foods that may worsen symptoms and should be avoided.
A Word From Verywell
Changing your diet can be scary.
It’s important to give yourself grace throughout the process and make slow, gradual changes.
If you’re living with asthma, know that you’re not alone.
For most people with asthma, drinking a moderate amount of coffee is fine.
However, in rare cases, the salicylates in coffee may trigger symptoms.
2018;23(10):901-913. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/resp.13339
American Lung Association.Reduce asthma triggers.
