Asthma is a lung problem that causes wheezing and difficulty in breathing when airways get constricted due to inflammation. While there is no definite cure for asthma, but its symptoms can be managed by following a proper diet. While there is no single diet that can alleviate symptoms, there are indeed some foods to eat and avoid for asthma. Read on to know about these foods.

Foods to eat to manage symptoms of asthma

If you one has asthma, one should include the following foods in their diet to manage its symptoms.

1. Salmon: Fish like salmon, sardines, and herring are fatty fish that help manage symptoms of asthma. Vitamin D has been seen to lessen the frequency of attacks, especially in kids. So, it is advisable to have fortified milk, fortified orange juice, cold-water fish, and eggs.
2. Vitamin A-rich foods: Studies have shown that people with asthma had significantly low vitamin A levels. Therefore, it is recommended that one should add sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, leafy green veggies, and broccoli in their diet.
3. Apples: Apples effectively help prevent the aggravation of symptoms of asthma and boosts lung function.
4. Bananas: Studies have shown bananas to be useful for controlling wheezing in kids with asthma. This fruit has antioxidants and a high content of potassium that boost lung health.
5. Magnesium-rich foods: Since children with asthma tend to have low magnesium levels, it is best to include foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, dark chocolate, and Swiss chard in their meals.
6. Flax seeds: Flax seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The ground variety of flax seeds are the best and can be added to salads, soups, and smoothies.
7. Berries: These fruits offer a great mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that help in fighting inflammation.
8. Beans: These provide beneficial microbes that can survive in the alimentary tract and help reduce inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

Foods to avoid if one has asthma

1. Pickles: These contain preservatives and sulfites that worsen asthma symptoms and should be avoided at all costs. Other foods containing such sulfites are maraschino cherries, wine, and dried fruits.
2. Seafood: Seafood like shrimp and shellfish, especially the frozen varieties, contain sulfites as preservatives and are harmful to people with asthma.
3. Gas-causing foods: Foods like cabbage, garlic, onions, and fried foods may cause gas or bloating that may trigger asthma because they put pressure on the diaphragm.
4. Artificial ingredients: Any flavoring, coloring, or chemical preservative that is present in canned, packaged, or processed foods is harmful to those with asthma.
5. Salicylates: Some asthma patients are sensitive to salicylates that are found in coffee or tea.

These are some of the top foods to eat and avoid for asthma, and following it can successfully help prevent the aggravation of asthma symptoms.