There’s no specific meal plan to cure asthma. But multiple studies show that eating certain foods can bolster lung function, boost the immune system, and alleviate asthma symptoms. Some of these foods are listed below. That said, eating healthy isn’t a substitute for medications. Hence, we’ve also included some medicines.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best foods for combating asthma. It’s a fatty fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids – healthy fats linked to decreased inflammation in people with asthma. Salmon is also an excellent source of magnesium and vitamin D. While magnesium can help improve lung function, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels helps reduce asthma symptoms.
Apples
Eating fresh fruits, in general, is a great way to keep asthma symptoms at bay. But, if there’s one fruit every asthma patient must eat, it has to be an apple. Apples contain certain antioxidants that help the lungs function optimally and alleviate symptoms of asthma. The fruit is also rich in fiber, which can further benefit the lungs.
Bananas
Here’s another fruit that can help control severe asthma. Bananas contain high levels of antioxidants and potassium, both of which can lower asthmatic symptoms, particularly wheezing in children. Moreover, the fruit is stuffed with soluble fiber, which produces anti-inflammatory effects in the airways.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense veggies on the planet. The leafy green is packed with many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including asthma-friendly nutrients like vitamin A and C, magnesium, and folate (a type of B vitamin). Since magnesium, vitamin A, and folate deficiency are common in asthma, eating spinach can help control the symptoms
In addition to these foods, one can also consider using the below two home remedy food options:
Ginger
Ginger has long been used to treat several ailments, including asthma. Recently, researchers discovered that it contains certain compounds that help airway muscles, keeping asthmatic symptoms in check. A great thing about ginger is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be had in several ways. One can sip a delicious, healthful ginger tea or add fresh ginger roots to stir-fried vegetables.
Honey
This healthful fluid has been used for centuries to get rid of a slew of health issues. In the case of asthma patients, honey can remove phlegm from their throat. It may also effectively reduce symptoms of nocturnal asthma, characterized by chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing at night. An excellent way to have honey is to add three tablespoons to warm water and squeeze one tablespoon of lemon juice.
Here are some medications that can prevent the worsening of asthma symptoms:
Combivent Respimat
This medication is primarily used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. But, in some cases, Combivent Respimat may help control severe asthma symptoms. It comes in the form of an inhaler meant to be used multiple times a day. It’s advisable to speak to a doctor before taking this medication.
Omalizumab (Xolair)
Unlike Combivent Respimat, which is an inhaler for asthma control, Omalizumab is an injectable medicine. It’s popularly sold under the name Xolair and is used to treat moderate to severe persistent asthma. Patients usually need an Omalizumab injection every two to four weeks for long-term asthma management.
NUCALA Autoinjector
The NUCALA Autoinjector is a potent alternative to inhalers. It is mainly prescribed to people who suffer from severe eosinophilic asthma. The injection is designed to deliver medication that reduces the number of eosinophils in the blood to counter the effects of asthma.
Tezepelumab
Developed by Amgen and AstraZeneca, Tezepelumab belongs to a class of anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody medications that are used to treat severe asthma. But the medication is yet to receive FDA approval.