Asthma - The World's Healthiest Foods

Asthma, a condition that strikes the small air passages of the lungs in episodes called asthma attacks, affects the lives of many people in this country.

Asthma attacks occur when smooth muscle cells clamp down on air passages, closing them off. This makes it much harder to get air in and out of the lungs, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing. If the attack continues, the patient may pass out or even die from suffocation.

Although asthma patients may be symptom-free between attacks, they must live with the fear that another asthma attack may happen at any time. Fortunately, healthy food choices may help reduce attacks and alleviate symptoms caused by this debilitating condition.

A Mediterranean Diet approach to food has been shown to have unique benefits in bringing asthma under control. The great antioxidant support provided by fresh fruits and vegetables is very likely to be a major source of lung and airway support in a Mediterranean Diet, as are the rich array of anti-inflammatory compounds found in signature foods like extra virgin olive oil.

Eat more

• Organically grown fruits and vegetables
• Cold water fish including cod, salmon, mackerel, herring and halibut
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Flax seeds
• Rosemary, ginger and turmeric

Eliminate milk and other dairy products which have been most commonly cited as increasing the severity of asthmatic symptoms.

Description

What Is Asthma?

Researchers estimate that as many as 10-15% of children in the United States live with asthma, and the numbers are rising. Roughly 40% of cases are estimated to be mild cases, and around 50% are estimated to be moderate cases.

Unfortunately, as many as 10% of all cases are considered very severe. Very severe asthma which does not respond quickly to medicine can lead to time in the hospital, emergency room visits, and, in some cases, death. This condition not only threatens the lives and well-being of many children, young adults, and even adults in this country, it can also put serious limitations on normal living, something that others take for granted.

Asthmatic patients may be unable to participate in sports, may have trouble sleeping because of symptoms, and may need to take medications that have negative side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and susceptibility to infections. They live with the fear and anxiety of knowing that they may experience another asthma attack at any time. The good news is that there are ways, through healthy dietary changes, to prevent the incidence of asthma or to lessen the symptoms of this sometimes debilitating condition.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/zpjocor