
Top Recommended Nutrients for Managing Asthma
If you have asthma, it can impact your day-to-day life and limit your activities. It is a chronic respiratory condition, and it can affect people differently. You have to ensure that flare-ups do not occur, and you should also be aware of the conditions that can trigger the symptoms. Experts believe that a healthy diet should be maintained if you have asthma as it primarily helps you deal with an asthma attack better.
Some nutrient-rich foods can ensure that your diet is healthy and balanced and keep your body strong, while some foods can negatively impact your health and trigger asthma symptoms.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Research suggests that higher consumption of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is linked to better asthma control. In many cases, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for managing asthma as it reduces the swelling of the airways. You can try incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet by eating foods like flaxseed and salmon. They are a great substitute for omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats as they can increase the severity of asthma in some cases.
2. Magnesium-rich diet
A magnesium-rich diet can be particularly useful for children who have asthma. Research shows that low levels of magnesium were linked with low lung volume and airflow. Eating magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate, spinach, pumpkin seeds can increase the magnesium content in your body. While magnesium sulfate is used to treat asthma, you can eat a magnesium-rich diet to ensure that your body is strong enough to deal with asthma symptoms.
3. Vitamin D
Foods that contain vitamin D promote antimicrobial properties in your body. They can reduce the severity of inflammation in your airways, and since they are good immunity builders, they reduce the frequency of colds. Red meat, eggs, and milk are recommended foods that you can eat to ensure that your body has the required components to prevent or reduce the severity of asthma.
4. Beta-carotene
Foods that contain concentrated minerals and vitamins to deal with asthma are commonly referred to as asthma superfoods. Beta carotene is the compound that gives a red-orange pigment in vegetables, and it is also an antioxidant. They help in combating free radicals in the body and can reduce the risk of asthma. Choose vegetables like carrots which contain beta carotene, and choose the darker colored ones. Sweet potatoes and mustard greens are also asthma superfoods that contain beta-carotene.
5. Potassium
Potassium is essential for the body to ensure that the muscles needed for breathing are working properly. The deficiency of potassium can lead to shortness of breath, and you should ensure that the potassium levels are proper so that your asthma symptoms are not triggered. Fruits like a banana with high potassium levels can be consumed, and its antioxidant properties can also help reduce swelling in the airways.