Asthma Food

Asthma can be summed up as a respiratory ailment that causes the air passage to constrict because of inflammation of the airways.  The narrowed airways make it hard for air to pass to and from the lungs thus a series of asthmatic symptoms become evident: wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. Mucus may also be produced then accumulate in the air passage making it more difficult for the asthmatic to breathe. When these asthma symptoms are evident, medication is needed.

What Causes Asthma?

There are many causes why a person can develop asthma and four of the major reasons are:  genetics, environmental factors (i.e. pollution, tobacco smoke), obesity and allergies. It has long been debated as to which comes first, the allergies or asthma. As allergic reaction causes the airways to constrict too there is no clear line if allergies cause asthma or asthma causes allergies.

What are the foods that can cause an allergic reaction?

There are foods that are noted to cause allergic reactions even to non-asthmatics. The more notable allergic-causing food are: egg, milk, peanuts, soy, fish, shrimps and other shellfish, wheat and sometimes, fresh fruits and vegetables. Note that food intolerance is different from food allergy. As defined, food intolerance can cause stomach ache, diarrhea or make you vomit.

Allergic reactions are not confined to food per se but could also be triggered by the additives in the food that you eat. The most common food additives are: tartrazine, monosodium glutamate, sulphites and sulphur dioxide, benzoic acid, salicylates and aspirin. These are preservatives that are found in potato chips, beer, wine, artificial and carbonated drinks, dried fruits and vegetables and pickled food  to name a few.

Allergic Reactions to Asthma Food can Lead to an Asthma Attack

Having presented these facts it could be assumed that asthma food could trigger an asthma attack. The food that you eat could be a factor on the onset of an asthma attack. Asthmatics are usually allergic to a particular food and not to a whole food group though. If you have asthma and history tells that you have an adverse reaction to a particular food, it is best to avoid eating that asthma food. You should also check the labels of canned, bagged and frozen food to identify preservatives that you are allergic too. Avoid all asthma food trigger!

How do you know what allergens you are sensitive to?  An allergologist can do a sensitivity test on you to measure your body’s reaction to a particular allergen. Knowing your sensitivity to certain chemicals, plants and animals would help in limiting exposures to such allergens.

Certain food can help minimize asthma attack. Eating certain food and the elimination of some, may help in preventing the inflammation of the airways that leads to an asthma attack.  Go for an all-natural diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid preserved food.  Eat fish and other food that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Choose a low salt and low fat diet (see asthma diet).

More articles:

• Food for Asthma – Vegetables And Fruits
• Food and Asthma
• Asthma Diet – Eliminating Meat
• Watch Out For Delayed Asthma Attacks
• Raw Cow’s Milk Eliminates Asthma
• The Basics of Allergy Treatment Options
• Understanding your Allergy Medicine
• How Food Can affect Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Choosing a Natural Allergy Treatment
• The Best Home Remedies for Allergies