Asthma is an ancient Greek word which means “Short drawn breath”. It can be quite troublesome as it causes chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Patients suffering from asthma have more trouble exhaling carbon-dioxide than inhaling oxygen because the air passages of the small bronchi become clogged, making it difficult to breathe. Most asthma patients face more difficulty breathing during the night time.
Modern medicine has not been able to find a cure for this troublesome respiratory disease. Drugs and vaccines help in reducing symptoms and provide temporary relief. Allergy is a major cause of asthma but it can be managed with proper diet and lifestyle such as eating foods which are easy to digest and adapting lifestyle methods such as yogic kriya – which helps in proper assimilation of food, strengthening of lungs, digestive and circulatory system.
Which Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Asthma?
While there are foods which can help you alleviate the symptoms of Asthma, here are some which you must avoid at any cost.
- Sugar: Sweet carbonated drinks, candies, cakes, biscuits and all the foods which are rich in sugar increase coughing and wheezing in children. Sugar attacks the immune system of the airway which causes narrowing of airways and mucous production. Instead of sweets, Include jaggery and coconut sugar
- Junk Foods: like burgers, pizza, red meats, fries, etc. which are loved by a large part of the population, worsens asthma symptoms. These foods make one overweight and the lungs have to work harder, making it difficult to breathe. Include simple, homemade foods instead of junk foods
- Alcohol: Sulphites is one of the allergens which is present in many alcoholic beverages which worsens asthma symptoms. It increases wheezing and breathing difficulty. Include more natural beverages like lemon water and coconut water instead of beer and wine.
- Beans: cause gas in our body and puts pressure on diaphragm and increases acid reflux. It is better to avoid beans and other foods like cabbage, onion and garlic which are gas forming.
- Tea and coffee: Another allergen, Salicylates, is found in tea and coffee. Though it is rare, some asthmatic patients are allergic to salicylates and find difficulty in breathing. As an alternative, you can include herbal teas like chamomile tea and passionflower tea instead of regular tea and coffee.
- Shrimp: contains sulphites which is an allergen. Yes SULPHITE again! It can worsen asthma symptoms.
- Salt: is one of the worst foods for asthma. It can tighten the airways, cause inflammation and fluid retention, making it a very serious lung complication. Include natural flavouring ingredients like cumin, turmeric and chilli flakes instead of salt.
We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on Asthma, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play.
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