Improper dietary habits are one of the main reasons for the increase in number of asthma patients. If the person’s diet is high in salt, oil, instead of a balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, the severity of asthma tends to increase. Proper diet for asthma patients can help in reducing the activeness of the immune cells thus by reducing their reaction to allergies. There are certain nutrients that help in reducing the severity of asthma attacks and improve the overall functioning of the lungs.
What Basic Care Should Be Taken By Asthmatics?
One of the basic precautions that asthma patients should take is that they should always eat slightly less than their capacity. Eating to full capacity can result into feeling of overly full stomach and discomfort in the chest area. They should avoid drinking liquids during meals but consume at least six to ten glasses of water everyday. Diet for asthma patients should ideally contain restricted quantity of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and it should be high in alkaline foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits, sprouts, and grains. Below is a detailed description of what important food types should be included in an asthmatic person’s diet.
What Foods To Include In Diet For Asthma Patient
Apart from including large amounts of green vegetables, there are many other foods that are important for an asthmatic person’s body.
- Fresh fruits form an integral part of a diet of a person who is suffering from asthma. Fruits are full of antioxidants that help in protecting the body against the dangerous effects of air pollution and other allergic substances. Fresh fruits are also very high in vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene that is very helpful for the proper functioning of lungs.
- Bio-flavonoids which are found in high quantity in fresh green vegetables offer great help in reducing free radicals in the body.
- Also, diet for asthma patients should include significant quantity of omega-3 fatty acids that are great source of protein. They help in reducing the inflammation of lungs.
- Increase the intake of extra-virgin olive oil in the diet by using the olive oil for salad dressings.
- Garlic and onion are two vegetables that have components that have great antioxidant power so they should be consumed daily.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the diet.
- Increase the use of natural spices such as coriander, fenugreek, basil, oregano, etc. These spices not only give fresh flavor to the food but also contain antioxidant substances that help in neutralizing free radicals.
These are the food substances that need to be included in the daily diet for asthma patients. Apart from taking these foods, there are certain other food allergens that can trigger an asthma attack, including eggs, fish, milk, dairy products, sweets, chocolate, preservatives, food colors, and citrus foods. Also, asthmatic patients should preferably take their evening meals early, at least two to three hours before going to bed.