Does anyone know what diet is good to eat for asthma patients?

Question

I have asthma and the only thing I have found is not to eat sugar, salt and milk. I was hoping somone could help me find a good diet or meal plan to help reduce asthma symptoms.

Answer 1

How did you decide not to eat sugar, salt and milk?

There are many ideas about diets for asthma, and many of them are not based on good science. I don't know of any reason why sugar or salt would be bad. Milk has a bad rep as supposedly increasing secretions (so you get more clogged up), but actually in many people, it's not a problem at all - and it's good for you, so don't give it up unless you're sure it is affecting you.

Fish oils (omega-3) have been proven to be good for reducing asthma symptoms. If you can't eat fish several times a week, get yourself a supplement. Two or three cups of coffee a day are also recommended, provided you're not sensitive to caffeine (ideally, don't have coffee any later than lunchtime).

Some people are allergic to some foods and additives. The only reliable way to check this for an asthmatic, is to give up the food for a week or so, then eat it, and then check your peak flow (using a peak flow meter, which I'm sure you have) 10 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour, and an hour after eating the food.

It's a good idea to check your peak flow after meals a few times before you try this test, so you know what happens after a regular meal. Some people find that their peak flow drops after a meal anyway, because their system is working on digesting. Once you know what your peak flow normally is after a meal, you'll know whether the particular food is worse than usual or much the same.

In general, avoiding the things that make you wheeze, and improving your fitness, will do more good than diet.

Answer 2

I also have asthma. I have found that drinking LOTS of water helps tremendously. There is a book on this at the bookstore, but I do not remember the title. Also, you may want to be tested for allergies. IF you have food allergies or even sensitivities, that could aggravate your asthma. Losing weight and engaging in exercise of a rhymical nature (running, walking, swimming) also helped me. Good luck!

Answer 3

See Let's Get Well by Adelle Davis. She has a chapter on Asthma and on Allergies.

Answer 4

actually salt would be considered a plus to those who have asthma. growing up my son would crave things with lots of sodium...it somehow helped his asthma...i could always tell when it was going to hit prior to the actual attack by his sodium intake.

my son outgrew most of his disease, but his health has improved a lot just cutting out all meat. he still has milk and cheese, eggs....just no meat. he has not had one attack since he has turned vegan.