January 8, 2008

Your Asthma Diet Should Include Plenty Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

Asthma dietactually can be no different from a regular well balanced and nutritious meal. The patients need to carefully monitor their diet, keep journals and identify possible foods that can trigger an attack. This will help them greatly reduce the incidence of the attacks as they consciously avoid food allergens.

Foods That Are Good For People With Asthma

One topic that many agree about is that the asthma diet has to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It was found during various studies that people who had generous helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables were less prone to respiratory disorders and asthma attacks than those whose diet consisted mainly of processed foods. It is because they are anti-oxidants that help keep the body free from toxins.
 
Vitamin C and E are also said to be beneficial for people with asthma. Vitamin b12 has also been very beneficial to some asthma patients. It can help if the asthma diet has helpings of foods that are rich in both the vitamins and people can also take their supplements. Foods that are rich in beta-carotene, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended. Coffee and tea are also recommended as they are recognized as bronchodialators. Some also recommend spicy foods such as chili and mustard. Onion and garlic too can be tried. Sunflower seeds and banana are also taken by some. Dried fig is also recommended as it is said to offer relief from wheezing.
 
Some people caution that foods such as cow's milk, nuts, foods containing yeast and mould, fish and eggs are not to be included in the asthma dietas they are considered potent triggers. Food coloring, preservatives and additives are known triggers too. Beer and shellfish are best avoided. Include plenty of apples, grape fruit and oranges if you are sure that they are not allergens!
 
Patients are recommended to keep a journal that will help them identify if any food item that they consumed acted as a trigger, bringing on an asthma attack. If they are able to pinpoint what they are allergic to and what kind of foods kept them healthy and asthma symptom free, they may use their asthma diet to control and manage their condition.
 
It is recommended that they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep the bronchial passage moist. It is always recommended that patients consult their doctor before trying any new food item or asthma medication that has been recommended to them. This is because some people are allergic to certain foods and if they consume it unwittingly they may become victims of extremely severe asthma attacks that may be life threatening if not treated on time. Just make sure the diet has generous helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables and that you eat regular nutritious meals. Keep track of your condition by using a peak flow meter and learn to identify signs and symptoms that may alert you of an imminent attack. If you plan on eating outside, be sure to take your reliever as it can come in handy if you unwittingly eat an allergen. Plan your asthma dietwith care and learn to identify possible allergens and stay away from them.

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