For advertising information visit www.samplerpublications.com or call 859.225.4466 | July 2014
&
7
Does an increased
consumption of
processed foods
make asthma
worse?
Diet and
Asthma:
The Link
By Fiona Young-Brown
The last few decades have seen a
marked increase in the incidence of
asthma in the United States. Here in
Kentucky, 18.6 percent of adults and
approximately 12 percent of children
have been diagnosed with asthma.
Suspected reasons include air pollution, lifestyle changes, increased
consumption of processed foods, and
exposure to tobacco smoke.
While there is no specific diet
proven to help asthma, certain foods
do seem to either exacerbate or
improve symptoms. Healthy diet and
regular exercise are obviously beneficial, especially since excess weight is
associated with more severe asthma
symptoms. If the person with asthma
also has allergies, those triggers, be
they food or environmental, should
be avoided as allergic reactions can in
turn trigger an asthma attack.
The following list includes some
foods which may help reduce asthma
symptoms, and some which may
make them worse.
Caffeinated beverages can help to
open the airways during an asthma
attack. While some doctors claim
that the benefit is minimal and that a
rescue inhaler in more effective, some
people find that caffeine offers a helpful alternative. Multiple studies have
shown that caffeine’s effects may last
for up to four hours.
A 2007 study showed that children
who grew up eating a Mediterranean
diet were less likely to have asthma.
The diet is rich in nuts, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.
According to one British study,
people who eat two to five apples
each week have a significantly (32
percent) lower risk of asthma. This
may be due to the flavonoid khellin,
which helps open airways. Before you
rush to buy bushels, note that more
than five did not make any greater
difference.
Foods rich in vitamin C contain
antioxidants that are thought to
help protect against lung damage. A
Japanese study found a link between
higher vitamin C intake and lower
asthma risk.
Garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties might prove helpful. It also contains the antioxidant allicin.
Many people with severe asthma
have low vitamin D levels. Ask your
physician about a blood test to check
levels if you are concerned. For a
boost, seek exposure to sunlight
each day, and add milk, eggs, or fish
to your diet. Be aware that milk and
other dairy products may worsen
asthma symptoms in some people by
increasing mucus build up.
The following may worsen asthma
symptoms. Note that none of these
have been proven to have a negative
effect. Nevertheless, it may be worth
eliminating them for trial periods to
see if it makes a difference.
Sulfites trigger symptoms in some
people. Sulfite is used as a preservative and can be found in some wines,
in pickles, and in dried fruits. There
are several studies and much anecdotal evidence to support the theory
that sulfites should be avoided.
Egg allergies can cause reactions
including hives and respiratory discomfort. If you suspect an allergy,
be sure to read food labels to ensure
ILATES
PP L A C E
there are no egg products.
Peanut allergies can not only prove
fatal; they can also cause children
to develop asthma at an earlier age.
People with asthma who also have a
peanut allergy are more likely to be
hospitalized.
In a 2011 Greek study of 700 children, researchers found that there was
a 4.8 times higher risk of having asthma symptoms when salty snacks were
consumed more than three times per
week. Excessive salt intake causes
fluid retention which could contribute to the tightening of airways.
ILATES
PP L A C E
PILATES IS
CENTERING
CONTROL
IMPROVE YOUR BODY.
PILATES is designed to strengthen the
body’s core muscles through lowimpact fitness techniques.
FLOW
BREATHING
PRECISION
CONCENTRATION
All sessions are taught by Stott Pilates
trained health professionals. Flexible
hours to fit your busy schedule!
365 DUKE ROAD 859.266.3810
follow us on:
LOCATED IN THE POST OFFICE BUILDING
EMAIL US: [email protected] | WWW.PILATESPLACEKY.COM