Asthma is a disease that causes airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity, so it’s important for these people to eat foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as omega-3-rich foods, for example. High sugar content should be avoided, as carbohydrates consume more oxygen when digested, increasing respiratory work and muscle fatigue.
All of these nutritional recommendations are aimed at relieving symptoms and reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. The diet alone does not cure asthma but improves it, as it complements the pharmacological treatment indicated by the pneumonologist.
People with asthma, adults, and children should follow a healthy diet, so follow these recommendations:
Anti-inflammatory foods reduce the production of substances in the body that stimulate inflammation of lung tissue. In addition to promoting the immune system, they make the body more resistant to other diseases such as the flu or a cold for example.
Omega-3s, vitamin C, vitamins A and E, allicin, polyphenols, among other substances, are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, certain foods that may include salmon, tuna, sardines, olive oil, oilseeds, oilseeds, avocado, orange. , kiwi, guava, broccoli, tomato, tomato, onion, among others.
Learn more about foods with anti-inflammatory properties
In some cases to treat asthma if steroids are used, this type of medication can increase protein degradation in the body, so when administering it it is important to increase the consumption of protein-rich foods, especially in children. are in the process of growing.
Protein-rich foods include yogurt, sandwiches, milk, white meats, fish and fish. See a list of high-protein foods.
To help soften and eliminate the secretions produced by asthma more easily, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of liquid a day, being able to consume water, even with natural yokes without sugar.
It is important that asthma avoids salt and foods high in simple sugars and saturated fats, in addition to industrial products, especially in times of crisis, these foods are pro-inflammatory because they promote inflammation in the body and eliminate defenses, making the body more difficult to fight asthma.
In addition, excessive consumption of high-sugar foods can interfere with breathing, as during their metabolism they use more oxygen to digest and release more carbon dioxide, causing fatigue of the respiratory muscles.
Therefore, the consumption of soft drinks, white sugar, biscuits, chocolates, cakes, sweets, snacks, pre-cooked and fast food should be avoided.
It is important that omega-6 consumption at sea is higher than omega-3, as it could also increase inflammation of the body based on the results of some studies.
Examples of omega-6-rich foods are: accepted by soybeans, accepted by maize and accepted by sunflower.
Excess weight in asthmatics can make breathing difficult, as body fat puts pressure on the chest and promotes the deterioration, both structurally and functionally, of the respiratory musculature, so it is important in these cases to eat a balanced diet and a reduction in the calories to be consumed. , that’s why I should help a nutritionist achieve a nutritional plan tailored to the needs of the individual.
There are some exercises that help increase breathing capacity and improve asthma, as well as help maintain the weight of overweight people to improve card frequency. They work in swimming, walking and yoga.
Before doing any physical activity, you should talk to your doctor to tell you what strategies to follow.
The table below provides a 3-day menu for an asthmatic person
Day 3
The corners of the menu vary by age, gender, physical activity and associated diseases, as it is ideal to help a nutritionist make a full assessment and calculate the nutritional plan but according to your needs.