4 Superfood Groups for People with Asthma in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, & Conyers, GA
If you have asthma, you may be wondering if certain foods within your diet can help improve your symptoms. Read the tips from our expert allergists below. Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us. Our allergy & asthma specialists look forward to serving you!
Asthma and allergy specialists know that inflammation plays an important role in our patients’ symptoms, so it certainly makes sense to fuel the body with healthy foods that can fight off inflammatory damage. Although it is difficult to find conclusive evidence that one specific diet can affect the severity of asthma, there are some nutritious foods that help the body fight back against inflammation which is a key part of your asthma. Here are 4 Superfood groups that might help:
1) Vitamin D-rich foods: There are studies that have linked lower vitamin D levels with increased frequency of asthma attacks. It is important to eat foods such as milk, fortified orange juice, salmon and eggs that are enriched with Vitamin D. Vitamin D can also be found naturally from the sun, so take a little extra time to get out and get some sunshine.
2) Fruits and vegetables are great sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, D, and flavonoids. Some fruits can have anti-inflammatory effects as well. Here are some examples of these foods:
- Bananas have antioxidant properties and may improve wheezing, according to a 2011 UK study. The study found that just eating one banana a day can reduce wheezing by 34%.
- Apples are high in quercetin (a natural antioxidant), and eating just one a day may help strengthen the immune system.
- Avocados have a high concentration of L-glutathione. L-glutathione is a strong antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and prevents cellular damage.
- Kale is a great source of all-natural vitamin C. It can also help with blocking the free radicals that are responsible for causing contractions of smooth muscles in airway passages.
- Spinach is high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and magnesium. Magnesium is a smooth muscle relaxer. IV magnesium is used in the hospital setting to help with asthma attacks.
3) Spices such as ginger, turmeric and elderberry are strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
4) Omega-3 fatty acids help to decrease inflammation and reduce airway hyper responsiveness from asthma. Some sources of fatty acids are fish and chia seeds. Chia seeds are also a good source of quercetin and magnesium.
A diet rich in these foods may improve asthma and overall health but should be done in conjunction with other asthma care including medications and allergy trigger reduction.
Our specialists are happy to help you with other ways to control your asthma. Please book an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists near you in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, or Conyers Georgia by calling or booking an appointment online.
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