An estimated 19 million Americans today have mild to moderate asthma. And for most people, there are certain food allergies and intolerances that worsen the symptoms. Many commonly consumed foods trigger inflammation or result in the narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Note that any drastic changes in daily eating habits will not necessarily be of help. However, moderation and abstinence lower the risk of flareups. Here are 5 such foods that trigger breathing difficulties with asthma.
Foods that are rich in fats
Red meats are heavily processed and contain saturated fats, one of the worst types that leads to an increase in LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels in the body. Most saturated and processed fats tend to worsen symptoms like inflammation causing difficulty in breathing. The risk is high among people who suffer from conditions like asthma or COPD.
Dairy foods and beverages
Whole milk (the full fat one) can trigger an excess production of mucous when the body breaks down the dairy product during digestion. Mucous buildup in the lungs increases the risk of an infection and worsens the inflammation linked to asthma flareups.
Preservatives and artificial sweeteners
Most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with preservatives and additives to increase their shelf life. These include different types of sulfites found in pickled foods/snacks, frozen seafood, and dried fruits or vegetables. Additives can trigger asthma flareups. Also, one of the more commonly used artificial sweeteners, aspartame, is the leading cause of food allergies that develop with asthma.
Foods that are rich in salt
Excess consumption of salty foods leads to an imbalance in sodium levels in the body. This increases the risk of edema, a common swelling condition that causes blood pressure levels to rise. High blood pressure results in pulmonary hypertension, one of the risk factors associated with common respiratory disorders that trigger breathing problems.
Alcohol
Wine, beer, and any other alcoholic beverages also contain sulfites that can flare up asthma symptoms. Regular consumption worsens chronic breathing problems. It is advisable to consume in moderation or avoid alcohol during ongoing treatment.
If the symptoms flare up persistently even after modifications and changes in daily food regime, immediate medical attention is advisable. It could indicate a sharp increase in food intolerances. Asthma cannot be cured but early diagnosis and treatment will help improve overall quality of life.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/expert-answers/asthma-diet/faq-20058105
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/asthma/7-foods-to-avoid-with-asthma
https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/food-allergies-and-asthma
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/adult-asthma/foods-avoid/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/copd-pictures/foods-that-worsen-copd.aspx
