Managing your child’s asthma means more than just making sure their control medication and albuterol inhaler are refilled regularly. It’s also important to create a diet for them that promotes lung health, keeps airways open and reduces the effect their illness has on their quality of life.
Apples
In addition to being a good source of fiber, apples are also a smart dietary choice for asthma sufferers. That’s because a British study found that apples are rich in a flavonoid called khellin, which has the effect of opening up the airways.
Pumpkin Seeds
One study found that magnesium sulfate has the effect of moderating the severity of asthma attacks. As such, making pumpkin seeds a regular part of your child’s diet is a good idea because of their high magnesium sulfate concentration.
Bananas
A British study found that children who ate one banana a day were 34 percent less likely to develop asthma-related symptoms, such as wheezing, than those that did not. This is due to the fact that bananas have a high vitamin B6 content, which helps the body produce a coenzyme that relaxes bronchial tissue.
Flaxseed
It’s become widely known that cereals low in nutrients and high in sugar and refined grains should not be a dietary staple for kids. However, cereals made with flaxseeds are another story. Not only are flaxseeds loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, they are full of potassium and magnesium, both of which promote good lung health.
Cantaloupe
While we think of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons as being rich in vitamin C, cantaloupes are also a great source of that particular essential nutrient. Since vitamin C has been found to fight bronchoconstriction, a few slices of cantaloupe make an ideal breakfast for kids with asthma.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens, as well as being a solid source of vitamin C and E, are also good for asthma sufferers. Mustard greens possess properties that allow them to combat the effects of chest-tightening free radicals.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have a variety of properties that are helpful for asthma sufferers. They include being an all-natural bronchodilator, reducing nose and throat congestion and increasing the body’s resistance to respiratory illnesses like bronchitis.
Carrots
As childhood obesity has reached epidemic portions in the U.S., parents may be concerned that their asthmatic child will not get enough exercise. Making carrots a regular part of your child’s diet may help with this issue as its high beta-carotene content can protect against exercise-related asthma attacks.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for asthmatic kids because they are rich in lycopene, a phytochemical that can reduce lung inflammation. That means adding tomato based foods and beverages like lasagna, V-8 and gazpacho can help your child breathe a little easier.
While making sure your child maintains a diet that is mindful of their asthma is important, it doesn’t take the place of proper medical treatment. Contact us today to set up an appointment with Dr. Shukla. He has the expertise to create a personalized treatment plan that will give your child the highest possible quality of life.
