6 foods that make asthma worse (and what to eat)

Foods that can worsen asthma symptoms are those that stimulate inflammation in the body, such as sweets, sausages or alcoholic drinks, for example.

The asthma diet must be healthy and varied, with priority being given to eating fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, oranges and guava, as they are rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, nutrients that reduce inflammation, relieving asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing.

In addition, foods rich in omega 3 and vitamin E, such as sardines, avocados or olive oil, should also be consumed, as they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that strengthen the immune system and alleviate asthma symptoms. Discover other types of anti-inflammatory foods.

6 foods that make asthma worse

Foods that increase inflammation in the body and can worsen asthma are:

1. sweet foods, such as soft drinks, sugar, cookies, ice cream, jellies, and cakes;
2. Foods rich in bad fatssuch as margarine, packaged snacks, fast food meals, French fries and ready-made sauces;
3. Sausagessuch as salami, sausage, ham, mortadella and sausage;
4. Refined cerealssuch as white rice, white bread and white pasta;
5. Proteins with a lot of fatsuch as picanha and beef ribs, lamb and pork;
6. Alcoholic beveragessuch as wines, sparkling beer.

Furthermore, during asthma attacks it is also recommended to avoid foods that can increase gas production in some people, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carbonated drinks, garlic and beans, because excess gas increases belly bloating, which can make breathing difficult. See other foods that can increase gas production.

What to eat to control asthma

Foods that should be prioritized are those rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin E and omega 3, nutrients that strengthen the immune system, helping to alleviate asthma symptoms.

Therefore, the foods that should be consumed by those with asthma are:

• Fresh fruit, such as orange, guava, acerola, pomegranate, watermelon, strawberry and lemon;
• Vegetables and vegetables, such as carrots, watercress, pumpkin, arugula, tomatoes, spinach and kale;
• Whole grains in moderationsuch as brown rice, oats, quinoa and whole grain bread;
• Fish rich in omega 3such as sardines, herring, tuna and salmon;
• Low-Fat Dairysuch as semi-skimmed milk, semi-skimmed yogurt and white cheeses;
• Low-fat proteinssuch as chicken, tofu, eggs and turkey;
• Healthy fatssuch as olive oil, flaxseed oil and avocado oil;
• Plant-based drinkssuch as rice, soy, oat and almond milk;
• Seeds and nutssuch as linseed, pumpkin and chia seeds, Brazil nuts and walnuts.

It is also important to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, as it facilitates the dilution and elimination of secretions. In addition, some home remedies such as ginger, thyme and cat’s claw tea can also be used to relieve coughs and discomfort. See home remedies that help relieve asthma symptoms.

Although it is believed that milk and dairy products can stimulate mucus production, worsening asthma, studies ^{(1) (2)} Recent studies prove that this relationship does not exist and that the mixture of saliva with milk, forming a thick liquid in the mouth and throat, is what causes a sensation of increased mucus production.

It is important to remember that food does not cure asthma and, therefore, should be used to complement the treatment recommended by the pulmonologist.

Which specialist to consult

The most suitable specialist to guide the diet in case of asthma is the nutritionist, who will create a menu adapted to each person’s needs.

3-day asthma menu

The following table provides an example of a 3-day menu to help treat asthma:

This menu is just a model, where the types and quantities of food may vary according to each person’s age, sex and health status. Therefore, it is advisable to have a consultation with a nutritionist so that a complete assessment can be carried out and a diet according to individual needs can be carried out.