Asthma is a chronic disease where the airway becomes inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing. According to Healthline, the common symptoms of asthma are coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, difficulty talking, and frequent infections. Apart from environmental factors like exposure to smoke, pollution, and genetic conditions, diet also plays an important role in this disease.
According to WebMD, there is no particular diet for asthma, but certain foods can have good or bad effects on a patient. Foods that are rich in vitamin D, beta-carotene, and magnesium help reduce the symptoms of asthma. Leafy vegetables, salmon, and carrots are also good for supporting lung functions. But did you know desserts can trigger the symptoms of asthma? Not only this, but there are many food items that are bad for asthmatic conditions.
From alcohol to processed meat, here are five foods that can be harmful to asthma patients:
Alcohol
Alcohol, including wine, contains sulphites, a commonly used preservative that can worsen asthma conditions. Homoeopathy expert Dr Sital Tongase, in this YouTube channel, says that sulfites increase the symptoms of asthma and can have adverse effects on your lungs. This preservative is also found in dried fruits, shrimp, and pickles.
Artificial Sweeteners
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which is commonly used in diet sodas, can cause allergic reactions that can trigger the asthma condition. Therefore, an asthma patient must avoid artificial sweeteners and focus on natural sweeteners like sugar and jaggery.
Dairy
Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and cheese can also aggravate asthma. Though the chances are low, milk is a common allergen that can lead to lung diseases. According to Healthline, dairy can cause more mucus in the lungs, which can worsen asthma. Replace your regular milk with almond or coconut milk to curb the symptoms of this condition.
Fatty Foods
Maintaining a healthy weight is very important to curb the symptoms of asthma, and foods like desserts and red meat should be limited as they contribute to obesity. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), high fat intake can lead to airway inflammatory and functional changes, which can have adverse effects on asthma conditions.
Processed Meats
Foods high in saturated fats, including processed meats like sausage, bacon, and salami, are very harmful to people who have asthma. They trigger excessive inflammation in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. You can consume these foods in moderation, but it is often suggested to replace them with lean meats, poultry, and fish.
