Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the world. It can afflict anybody – men, women, children, and elder people – and the asthmatic attacks that the patients experience can greatly reduce the quality of life they have and sometimes even be fatal if proper medical attention is not provided quickly. It is quite important to not take asthma lightly and do everything in our power to limit the harmful effects it has.

With the rapid urbanization and industrialization, more and more people are falling prey to asthma. During an asthmatic attack, hyperactive immune cells in the body react to an external stimulus and cause great inflammation of the airways which can lead to difficulty in breathing and in extreme cases even lead to suffocation. Because of the pollution that surrounds us these days, asthmatic attacks are becoming more and more common.

Our diets can have a significant impact on whether we fall prey to asthma or not. Even for those who suffer from asthma, a diet that strengthens the body will help to reduce the symptoms. With the right kind of medical treatment, you can reduce the risk of asthma by including the following foods in your diet:-

1. Fish

Fish and fish oil can have a massive impact on asthma; in a study conducted in Australia, it was shown that children who consume two servings of fish per week lowered the risk of asthma by one-third as compared to children who did not include fish in their diet.

Fishes are chock full of omega-3 fatty acids and these fats are quite helpful in preventing asthma, especially the inflammation of the lungs that causes so much pain and discomfort to asthma patients. By keeping a good balance of fats in the body, the risk of asthma can be greatly reduced.

To find out more about the health benefits of fish oil, click here.

2. Rosemary

This humble herb that is usually used as a seasoning for many dishes is actually one of the most powerful anti-asthmatic foods out there. A bit of rosemary sprinkled on your food can provide your body with much needed fortification against the nasty symptoms of asthma.

Rosemary is filled with a compound known as rosmarinic acid which works really hard to protect your body from asthma. Rosmarinic acid contains anti-oxidants that battle harmful free radicals which cause the airways to constrict and also generate mucus further making it difficult for the patient to breathe. In addition to neutralizing free radicals, rosmarinic acid also lowers the production of inflammatory substances in the body, thereby reducing the overall inflammation of the airways.

Rosemary is truly a must-have in any diet that aims to keep asthmatic attacks at bay; you can learn more about it here.

3. Olive Oil

The rates of asthma in Mediterranean countries is frequently found to less than in other parts of the world and researchers suspect that the reasons behind that is their abundant use of olive oil in dishes.

Unlike other cooking oils, olive oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties which are essential in controlling the crippling constriction of airways during an asthmatic attack. However, olive oil should be mainly used as a dressing for salads as upon frying, many of its health benefits are lost.

You can learn more about the nutritional qualities of olive oil by clicking here.

4. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are extremely rich sources of vitamin E. And if you’re wondering how vitamin E can help you fight against asthma, here’s how – vitamin E is an anti-oxidants, but one with special qualities. While other anti-oxidants attack free radicals that are water soluble, vitamin E destroys the free radicals that are fat soluble. Sunflower seeds are therefore a good addition to your diet to complement other types of anti-oxidants. Also, vitamin E increases lung function which is helpful for patients of asthma.

To find out more about the health benefits of sunflower seeds, click here.

Asthma is a debilitating disease that can have terrible consequences. Increase your chances of escaping it by eating a nutrient rich diet designed to combat this horrid disease!