Asthma is an inflammatory disease where the airways of the lungs become narrow, leading to problems breathing. It is a pretty common condition. The symptoms of asthma include tightness in the chest, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It can be triggered by a variety of factors such as allergies. There is no evident link between food and asthma, but the right kind of diet can certainly help in keeping the condition under control.
Top foods to manage asthma and allergies include the following:
1. Apples
A study states that those who ate two to five apples had a lower risk of developing asthma risk by 32% in comparison to others who ate fewer apples. The fruit contains beneficial compounds, specific flavonoids, such as khellin, which help open airways. It is one of the key foods to manage asthma and allergies.
2. Carrots
This antioxidant-rich option is at the top of the list of top foods to manage asthma and allergies. The beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps in the case of exercise-induced asthma. Vitamin A is great for the eyes and its disease-fighting ability helps combat conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Caffeine
While most dietary plans include decreasing the coffee intake, in the case of asthma patients, the opposite may be true. A cup of coffee improves the airways for up to four hours. Black tea works as well so here is another reason to sip on these beverages and do yourself a world of good.
4. Avocado
Avocado is one of the superfoods and people can’t have enough of it. It contains high levels of L-glutathione and acts as a protective shield against free radical damage such as histamine. Have it any way you will, from avocado on toast to a delicious healthy smoothie, the food item must be included in the diet plan to help manage asthma.
5. Honey
Honey is one of the popular foods to manage asthma and allergies as it helps to get rid of the phlegm from your throat. Just drink a blend of a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to help get the symptoms under control.
6. Kale
Kale features in most lists of the healthiest foods on the planet because of its wide-ranging benefits. It is rich in vitamin C and it helps reduce muscle contraction in the airway passages. This vegetable contains nutrients such as beta-carotene and is one of the best foods to manage asthma and allergies.
It is essential to ensure you are not allergic to any of the foods mentioned here. If you have your doubts, consult your doctor to figure out the right foods that can help with the condition as each case is different and one rule does not apply to all.