Diet for Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the lungs and respiratory passages get blocked with a heavy mucous discharge commonly known as phlegm. This happens especially in polluted conditions or after strenuous exercise in cold weather. Typically what happens is that the diameter of the airway constricts, allowing minimal air supply. This in turn gives the feeling of choking.

How can a change in diet help?

Just as illnesses such as diabetes, coronary disease and others are controlled largely by alterations in one's diet; Asthma can also be controlled by changing what one eats. For example, if one cuts down on cooling foods in the diet, chances of an Asthma attack are minimized.

Better Food Options for Asthma Patients

• Honey, according to ayurvedic medicine, is the most potent water absorber and thus is very helpful in killing germs. It has a unique property by which it dissolves mucous and so helps reduce Asthma symptoms, especially in young children.

• Garlic (lehsun) is known to help asthmatics a great deal. Raw garlic acts as a good antibiotic and helps prevent mucous formation. The easiest way to optimize its use is in soups, salads and other forms of cooking.

• Grapes help to maintain electrolyte balance which in turn reduces mucous build up in the lungs and respiratory tract.

• Turmeric (haldi) has wonderful medicinal properties. It can be used in everyday cooking as well as ingested with honey. This combination acts as a powerful antiseptic to ward of phlegm build up. It is better to use the un-powdered version and grind or pound it at home as the heat of a grinder can reduce its potency.

• Herbal teas such as chamomile, jasmine, peppermint and eucalyptus have a calm and soothing effect on the inflamed areas of the throat and chest. These teas help remove phlegm and catarrh.

• Triphala is a combination of three herbs - hara, behar and amla. It helps in all digestive and related problems. Ayurveda claims that all illnesses begin in the stomach and digestive tracts. So if that area is cleaned out well, then many illnesses can be averted.

• Other herbs such as long pepper, fenugreek (methi) seeds, asafetida (hing), saffron, pineapple juice, carrots, figs (anjeer), bitter gourd (karela) and Malabar nut are said to be 'good' for the Asthma patient.

Foods to avoid if you're Asthmatic

Several common food items in our diet are cooling and thus, detrimental to the health of an Asthma patient. Avoid maida (refined flour), rice, heavy milk (buffalo and cow), fried foods like chips and namkeens. The trans fatty acids cause congestion and mucous production. Avoid fruit juices but eat the fruit instead. Stay clear away from heavy meats like kababs but choose to eat lean cuts of meat, fish and chicken.

Most importantly, make it a habit to eat light dinners. This will most likely help avoid phlegm formation. Keep the body as warm as possible. These useful tips will help anyone suffering from Asthma, to improve their condition to very large extent.