Healthy Diet May Help Prevent or Control Asthma

Diets high in fruit may cut the risk of developing asthma. Kids who eat lots of fruit also have less wheezing, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

By: Coastal Allergy & Asthma, PC | WSAV-TV
Published: January 30, 2009

Recent studies have shown that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, heart-healthy oils, whole grains, and beans, and low in meat, may cut the risk of developing asthma by as much as 78%. Kids who eat lots of fruit, especially grapes, tomatoes, oranges and apples, also have less wheezing, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

High amounts of other fats, such as those found in corn, soybean, and safflower oils and in meats and processed foods, can actually induce inflammation, an underlying cause of asthma, and promote the disease.

In addition, if you are overweight or obese, your odds of developing asthma are 50% greater than if you maintain a healthy body weight. Researchers estimate that excess weight accounts for 250,000 new cases of asthma every year. Obesity has also been found to increase children’s risk of developing the disease.

Bottom Line: Eat well to breathe better!

Source: USAWeekend.com and scientific sources cited

Coastal Allergy & Asthma, PC will be offering free asthma screenings at their booth at the Southern Women’s Show, Feb 6-8.