ASTHMA AND YOU
Sattvic (pure) foods form the ideal diet for an asthmatic. Diet and Pranayam, both are nourishing. An asthmatic's diet should ideally be lacto-vegetarian. Research has proven that a predominantly vegetarian diet is best for them. Non-vegetarians may start by cutting down on red meat, then gradually eliminate it altogether.
An asthmatic's diet should ideally contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins (they are acid-forming), with liberal helpings of alkaline foods like fresh fruits, green vegetables and germinated grains and pulses. Have plenty of dried fruits, like prunes, oranges or berries or a few black raisins with honey. Also have lots of salads of raw vegetables like beets, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, lettuce and wheat bread with one or two green vegetables, sautéed or slightly cooked.
Asthmatics should always eat less than their full capacity as it bears down upon the chest, resulting in a feeling of over-fullness and discomfort. Besides, they should pay careful attention to eating slowly, chewing their food well.
Vitamins and Minerals for Asthma
1. Vitamin A plays a vital role in curing asthma. Beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A is found abundantly in carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots, broccoli, and spinach.
2. Vitamin B6 enhances the autoimmune function and formation of hemoglobin. It is amply found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals.
3. Vitamin C is another highly beneficial ingredient. Apples, apricots, avocadoes, oranges, lemon, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, kiwifruits, melons, peaches and pears are rich in Vitamin C.
4. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that increases the blood capacity to carry oxygen. It is found in wheat germ, nuts, seeds, olives and vegetable oils.
5. Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 oils are extremely beneficial in reducing inflammation and alleviating asthma attacks. They are found abundantly in vegetarian foods like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds.
6. Tulsi or Holy Basil is one of the most beloved Ayurvedic herbs that helps to reduce mucus and symptoms of irritability.
Other Dietary Tips on Asthma
1. Common food allergens that tend to trigger an asthma attack include eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, chocolate, citrus fruits(Specially at night), food preservatives and coloring.
2. Remember an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. They are rich in flavonoids that function as antioxidants and reduce inflammation.
3. If you have a tendency to produces excess mucus, avoid dairy products.
4. Other foods that tend to produce phlegm are rice, sugar, pickles, chutneys, ice and iced drinks and curds, as also fried stuff and are difficult to digest and best avoided.
5. Spicy, fried, fatty foods, too much tea and coffee are best avoided.
6. The evening meal should preferably be finished before sundown or at least two hours before bedtime.