9 Best Foods for Asthma Patients
The first step taken toward treating asthma is identifying triggers, followed by avoiding them. Therapy for this condition also includes tracking breathing patterns, taking medications, and using an inhaler for quick relief. Along with taking such steps to manage the condition, here are a few foods you can have to reduce and moderate the symptoms of asthma.
Garlic
Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help the body fight allergic reactions. It also helps in alleviating symptoms of asthma. It does so by reducing the production of histamine that is responsible for allergic reactions.
Turmeric
The medicinal implications of turmeric are still under a microscope. That said, this powder has been used in Chinese and East Asian medicine for generations. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which is an active ingredient that soothes inflammation in asthmatic airways.
Ginger
Ginger has medicinal applications for several conditions, including asthma. You can mix the root of this ingredient with honey and consume it to reduce inflammation. The nutrients and bioactive compounds of ginger also come into play just when you consume it as a tea.
Apples
Apples are great for relieving the symptoms of asthma. Research shows that the fruit contains beta carotene and vitamins C and E that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs. Two servings of apples or citrus-based fruits like oranges a day for two weeks has proven to reduce symptoms of the condition.
Beans
Beans are rich in fiber content, which helps increase the growth of healthy gut bacteria in the body. And maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is known to alleviate asthma, among other autoimmune disorders. Adding half a cup of beans to your daily meals will give the best results.
Salmon
High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help reduce inflammation in asthma patients. Other than omega-3s, salmon is rich in another inflammation moderator—vitamin D. Studies show that salmon can make up for 71 percent of your food value in a three-ounce serving.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes do a pretty good job when it comes to regulating the symptoms of asthma. They are rich in the antioxidant lycopene and are low in calories, making them excellent asthma-fighting foods. You can try regularly drinking tomato juice to significantly help your airways relax.
Spinach
Among all the leafy green vegetables out there, spinach can ward off symptoms of asthma quite well. This food contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and folate, which are vital nutrients for people suffering from asthma.
Pomegranates
Having pomegranates or drinking its juice is known to reduce damage in lung tissues. This fruit contains several antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Honey
Honey is an excellent source for regulating the symptoms of asthma. This naturally sweet and viscous liquid can soothe the airways and reduce itching in them to avoid coughing in patients. The best part is that honey can be mixed with the herbs mentioned above to alleviate asthma symptoms.
Medications can also be used to treat asthma and reduce the symptoms. Common medications are:
Combivent
The Combivent inhaler uses two medications to treat asthma. One ingredient of Combivent is albuterol, which helps with short-term or quick relief from asthma. Ipratropium bromide, the other ingredient, acts on a different part of the airway to keep asthma under control.
RESPIMAT®
Another medication that can help ease the symptoms of asthma is SPIRIVA® RESPIMAT®, commonly known as tiotropium bromide. This medication is not used as a rescue or quick-relief medication. It contains tiotropium among other ingredients. Tiotropium is used to prevent wheezing or shortness of breath by relaxing the muscles around the airway. Common side effects of RESPIMAT® include dry mouth and dizziness.
Omalizumab (Xolair)
Omalizumab (Xolair) is an immunomodulator. It is typically used as asthma maintenance or preventive medication. It prevents allergens from triggering an attack that can lead to shortness of breath or breathing issues. Omalizumab (Xolair) needs to be injected every two to four weeks.
FASENRA® (benralizumab)
FASENRA® (benralizumab) is used along with other treatments for patients aged 12 years or older. It is prescribed for those with severe eosinophilic asthma. FASENRA® is effective in improving one’s breathing and reducing asthma attacks. The use of FASENRA® helps lower the dependency on oral steroids.
DUPIXENT® (dupilumab)
DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) is classified as a biologic that is processed in the human body through a different process when compared with steroids and oral treatments. To ensure that DUPIXENT® is effective, it is administered in patients in the form of an injection.