About 25 million Americans suffer from the respiratory disease asthma, including children and adults. This condition causes the inside walls of the airways to become inflamed and swollen, making the airways sensitive to irritations and susceptible to allergic reactions. When a reaction occurs, it restricts the airways even further and triggers the overproduction of mucus. Asthma and allergies go hand in hand, and can be triggered by exercise induced asthma, smoke, perfumes, and foods.
Even though this may seem unconventional, avoiding certain foods can help and may even prevent asthma and its symptoms:
1. Eggs
Although food in generally may not cause asthma, many different foods can cause such a severe reaction that it can mimic an asthma attack. This can be either from an allergy or intolerance of a certain food item, such as eggs. Eggs are used in both savory and sweet dishes and may be hard to avoid. However, cooking your own meals and looking at the nutritional labels will help. Ways to replace eggs in your diet can include using applesauce or mashed bananas in recipes.
2. Dairy products
Much like eggs, dairy products have also been known to cause severe reactions, much like an asthma attack. Avoiding dairy products, especially milk and cheese, can really help prevent these kinds of attacks. Although companies have to label if there is dairy present in the food, it is always a good idea to double check the ingredient list on the back of the food’s packaging. Cooking at home is also a great way to make sure your meals and snacks are dairy-free. Different ways to replace dairy in your diet can include drinking almond or soy milk and eating soy cheeses.
3. Wheat
Another big food group that can cause an adverse action is wheat. Much like dairy, wheat has to be listed on the back of a food label. Watching your wheat intake can be challenging, as most processed meals and snacks contain wheat. Like the other foods listed to avoid, cooking and baking your own food could help simplify eating a diet without wheat. Ways to replace wheat in recipes include using corn tortillas instead of flour, eating Ezekial bread instead of white or wheat bread, and making a cauliflower crust instead of a flour-based crust.
Overall, helping treat and prevent asthma symptoms could aid both children and adults alike. Avoiding eggs, dairy, and wheat are all ways to keep asthma attacks from surfacing as often. Staying away from these foods can help create a new asthma diet that can become a part of your lifestyle in the battle against asthma. Always contact a medical professional with any questions and issues regarding your health.
