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Asthma is a condition in which the lungs and airways are inflamed and swollen, making breathing difficult.
The most important thing when fighting asthma with food is to introduce as much vitamin C and beta-carotene as possible into the diet. These nurtients go straight to the lungs and help to fight off respiratory diseases. Foods high in antioxidant-producing vitamins C and E are believed to reduce swelling and inflammation. Citrus fruits, orange juice, broccoli, squash and brussels sprouts are excellent foods to obtain these antioxidant substances from vitamin C. When choosing fruits and vegetables, buy those with the richest coloring for the highest concentration of vitamin C.
Vitamin E is found for the most part in cooking oils, which should not be consumed in large amounts. Since the necessary amount of vitamin E is not always easy to get in foods, wheat germ can be added to many foods before or after cooking. Wheat germ contains highly concentrated amounts of vitamin E and is often added to breads, meatloaf and pasta dishes. Sunflower seeds, kale, almonds and most whole-grain cereals have smaller amounts of vitamin E.
Raw onions and scallions contain sulfur compounds which have been shown to reduce inflammation for asthma-sufferers and those with other respiratory ailments.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce lung inflammation and can also reduce tissue damage that results after repeated asthma attacks. The omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, mackeral and the oily type fishes.
The trace element Selenium is also believed to have an inflammation-reducing effect on the lungs. Combined with Selenium, vitamins C and E have an even stronger effect. Brazil nuts have the largest concentration of Selenium but chicken, seafood and meats also have adequate amounts. Since Selenium is a trace mineral, the body only needs a small amount to get the benefits.
Many foods high in magnesium help to smoothe the respiratory airways so that more air can pass through. Magnesium also reduces the inflammation-causing cells in the body. Magnesium-rich foods include oysters, mackeral, spinach and halibut.
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