Top 10 Foods That Help Asthma Symptoms

Asthma is a chronic disease of the human respiratory system. It is a long term condition that affects the smaller airways of the lungs, the bronchioles. During an asthma attack, these small airways constrict (become narrower). This causes coughing and wheezing.

People with asthma also become breathless and develop a feeling of tightness across their chests. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and asthma attacks can last for an hour or so, or persist for days or weeks. The severity of the symptoms depends on how narrow the airways have become. If the airways become completely blocked, immediate hospitalisation is required and sadly people have even died from asthma attacks.

Asthma is usually diagnosed in childhood. In the UK, around 1 in 20 adults and 1 in 10 children have asthma. Asthma tends to run in families, but this is not always the case. Some people find that they are the only member of their family that has asthma.

This disease occurs due to certain triggers that cause, among other things, serious difficulty in breathing. Although there is still no medical cure for asthma, it is possible to control the symptoms with medications. Research is gradually revealing that you may be able to control asthma through your diet. Here we suggest 10 foods that may help to fight asthma.

1. Avocado

Avocados are suggested as an excellent option for asthmatic people, especially for those whose asthma is associated with walnut allergies. Avocado contain glutathione which is an element that protects cells from free radicals. It also has a great detoxifying abilities. Avocado can be eaten in a variety of salads or as guacamole.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is certainly one of the so-called superfoods that deliver multiple health benefits. Recent studies have suggested that eating broccoli can protect you from developing asthma and can help to control the disease if you already have it. It is thought that broccoli helps prevent inflammation in the respiratory tract and also helps eliminate free radicals. This may alleviate the conditions that can trigger an asthma attack occurring.

3. Apples

Apples are another recommended natural product that may be beneficial for asthmatics. Experts are discovering that this may be because they contain large amounts of bioflavonoids. These act as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory for respiratory tracts. This may allow the body to counteract the effects of certain allergens (such as house dust mites) that can trigger an asthma attack and may interfere with the physiological processes that cause an asthma attack to take place.

4. Bananas

Some studies have shown that bananas can help people breathe more easily. For this reason, they may be highly useful for people who suffer from asthma. Bananas contain a substance called pyridoxal, which is commonly known as vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps relax the smooth bronchial muscle and this allows air to pass into the lungs more freely. This may help ease asthma symptoms.

5. Ginger

Asthmatics may derive some relief of symptoms by eating ginger. Researchers have found that ginger contains anti-inflammatory substances which may prevent the unpleasant symptoms associated with asthma.

6. Spinach

Spinach is a very well known as a healthy food but did you know that it may also help to prevent asthma. It is not fully understood how this works but it is likely that the large amount of nutrients and vitamins in spinach help the proper functioning of the respiratory tract.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is prised for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant. Rosemary may be very useful for asthmatics as it may prevent chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract.

8. Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds contain plenty of vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. However, some people are allergic to sunflower seeds so you have to exercise caution.

9. Mint

Mint helps to keep the respiratory airways open. This is great for people that suffer from asthma. In fact, this product is often used in medicines for respiratory diseases.

10. Vitamin C

People with asthma are encouraged to eat foods rich in vitamin C. This has great benefits for your overall health and that includes the respiratory tract.