Could that peanut butter and jelly sandwich you pack in your child’s lunch box be contributing to his asthma? Or maybe it’s the high fructose corn syrup in her fruit juice that’s making her wheezing problem worse? Most people are unaware of the powerful role that diet and nutrition play in controlling and preventing asthma, even though just by incorporating certain foods into our lifestyle, can not only ease asthma symptoms naturally, but can also reap long term health benefits.
Here are six of the most beneficial foods:
BANANAS
Research has shown that children who eat a banana each day have a 34% lower chance of going on to develop asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. Bananas are one of the best sources of vitamin B6 which produces compounds that have been shown to help relax bronchial muscle tissue.
AVOCADOS
Avocados contain a substance called glutathione which is known to protect cell damage from free radicals. It also works to detoxify the body of pollutants which can lead to breathing problems. They are also a rich source of vitamin E. Avocados can help in stabilizing blood sugar levels, improving cardiovascular health and protect the eyes against age related degeneration.
GARLIC
Garlic is another super-food that has many health benefits, including maintaining cardiovascular health, preventing cancer and reducing high blood pressure. It is has high levels of vitamin C, which neutralizes free radicals that can cause contraction of the airways in asthma patients. Raw garlic also reduces the amount of histamines produced in the body which can help ease the inflammation, which can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics.
SALT
You probably wouldn’t think it, but breathing in salt is also beneficial in easing the symptoms of Asthma. Salt therapy which has been around for over 3000 years, has various natural benefits. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and helps to loosen and break up mucus. It also helps to remove pathogenic agents like airborne pollen from the airways and reduce IgE levels which can cause oversensitivity of the immune system.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Asthma patients can also benefit from eating sunflower seeds on a regular basis. They are packed full of nutrients including potassium, magnesium and Vitamin E. In addition one cup contains a third of the daily recommended amount of selenium which is a mineral that is known to help individuals that struggle with asthma, by reducing various symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing.
PARSLEY
Parsley loosens phlegm and can help to rid the airways of a build-up of mucus. Eating parsley can relieve tightness across the chest muscles and soothe sore throats that can be aggravated by coughing bouts when the mucus has been expelled.
