Can diet help manage asthma symptoms? Try these seven food items

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease that occurs when allergens are inhaled, causing the airways to constrict and restricting airflow. Asthma can be managed by taking proper medication and inhaling meds too as per a doctor’s advice. Meanwhile, diet also plays a prominent role in ensuring your respiratory health. However, most asthma patients do not realise the significance of eating a healthy diet to manage their symptoms. Some food items can effectively reduce asthma symptoms, boost immunity and strengthen the lungs. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, especially those containing vitamin D, should be included in your regular diet. These are the seven foods that should be included in your diet if you are an asthma patient.

Fatty fish
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids have amazing anti-inflammatory properties, and they can reduce inflammation in the airways. Consuming fatty fish like salmon at least twice a week can help control the symptoms of asthma.
Leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. These can effectively fight the free radicals that damage lung tissues and cause inflammation.

Berries
Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain flavonoids and antioxidants that can reduce the oxidative stress in the lungs and improve respiration.
Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are rich in a compound called sulforaphane, which reduces inflammation in the airways.

Food rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency could worsen the symptoms of asthma. So, including fortified milk, egg yolk and mushrooms in your regular diet would boost the body’s immunity. Moreover, these foods can clear the airway by reducing the inflammation. Vitamin D is essential to ensure the healthy functioning of the lungs. So, those suffering from asthma should strictly include foods rich in vitamin D in their diet.

Whole grains
Whole grains like oats, rice with bran, and pulses contain fibre, which reduces inflammation. These foods are also great for weight loss, which in turn eases the stress on the lungs.
Food with water content
Drinking lots of water will make mucus milder and improve the functioning of the lungs. Vegetables with water content, such as cucumber, watermelon, and citrus fruits, will keep the body hydrated and improve respiratory health.