With an estimated 300 million people the world over suffering from asthma symptoms at any given time, a way to better control asthma is always in high demand. For many sufferers, the key to relief might actually be found at their local grocer. Research is showing that fruits and vegetables can make a positive difference in asthma and the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
About Asthma
Asthma is a very common condition that involves inflammation in the airways in the lungs. When the airways become swollen and constrict, a higher level of mucus is produced. This, in turn, can cause the airways to block up and make breathing very difficult.
While there is no known cure for asthma, there are many ways to control the asthma symptoms. Some people require strict pharmaceutical regimens to control asthma symptoms that may include:
- A tightening in the chest;
- Pain;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Wheezing or whistling during breathing;
- Coughing.
While rescue asthma inhalers and other medications are important for controlling some cases of asthma, researchers are finding there is another solution. Dietary changes can make a difference in symptoms related not only to asthma, but also bronchitis (asthma diet)
Vitamin C Is The Key
Researchers have found that people who consume a lot of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C tend to have fewer problems with asthma and bronchitis. When at least 300 milligrams of vitamin C is consumed daily, the risk of wheezing associated with those two breathing conditions goes down by as much as 30 percent.
Vitamin C is believed to have such a strong impact on breathing conditions for a few reasons. This particular vitamin is believed to lessen the inflammation found in the airways of asthmatics and bronchitis patients. It is also known to be a powerful antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals that could exacerbate inflammatory conditions. In addition, this particular vitamin tends to speed up the metabolism of histamine, which is indicated in some attacks.
In addition to helping lessen the impacts of breathing conditions, vitamin C is required by the body for a number of other reasons. This particular vitamin is considered essential in daily diet because it helps bolster the immune system, protects against cardiovascular disease and can even help prevent premature wrinkling of the skin.
Food Medicine for Asthma – Working Vitamin C Into The Diet
The daily recommended dose of vitamin C is about 90 milligrams a day. Research, however, points to a need to take more. In regard to asthmatics, an asthma diet that contains at least 300 milligrams of vitamin C a day is often recommended. Some researchers suggest higher doses of up to 1,000 milligrams a day might be useful in relieving constriction in the bronchial passages.
Working this amount of vitamin C into the daily routine doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. Supplements can help bolster the daily figures, but it is also important to gain this vitamin from natural sources.
These fruits and vegetables are rich, natural sources to consider:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- All citrus fruits
- Brussels sprouts
- Red peppers
- Melons
- Strawberries
Living with the fear of asthma attacks isn’t always necessary. Eating the right food for asthma can help keep symptoms at bay. When higher doses of vitamin C are worked into the daily routine asthmatics may discover that a natural path to relief does exist.
More articles:
- Food and Asthma
- Watch Out For Delayed Asthma Attacks
- Asthma Food
- Asthma Diet – Eliminating Meat
- Using Vitamin C To Fight Off Bronchitis
- Raw Cow’s Milk Eliminates Asthma
- Which Fruits and Vegetables Can Prevent Various Cancers
- How Do Vegetables Help Prevent Heart Attacks?
- Fruits and Vegetables: The Delicious Way to Lower Blood Pressure
- Vegetables and Fruits Send Blood Clots Packing