Studies show that certain foods can help prevent or minimize common asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Likewise, there are foods that can trigger these symptoms or make them worst.
Here are 11 Best & Worst foods for asthma sufferer:
1. Apples – Best
An apple a day may indeed keep the doctor away. Apples have khellin — a compound that opens up airways. Hence, apple tops the list of good foods for asthma.
RELATED: Beyond Your Inhaler: 5 Foods That Help Fight Asthma
2. Potatoes — Worst
If you wheeze after a bite of mashed potatoes, there’s a reason. Many types of potatoes contain sulfites — chemicals used to preserve food — but they can cause an array of asthma symptoms.
3. Orange — Best
Vitamin C does more than help your immune system ward off nasty colds. It’s also essential in healthy lung function.
4. Wine — Worst
For centuries, wine has been made with sulfites. It may be wise to stay away from it.
5. Sunflower Seeds — Best
Sunflower seeds have a ton of Vitamin E. That vitamin is an antioxidant and can significantly improve lung function.
RELATED: 3 Asthma Triggers Hiding In Some Of Your Favorite Foods
6. Dried Fruit — Worst
Dried fruit has high levels of sulfur dioxide, and even a small amount of this chemical can cause breathing problems.
7. Salmon — Best
Salmon is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce lung inflammation.
8. Shrimp — Worst
Shrimp is another sulfite-heavy food to abstain from.
9. Rosemary — Best
Rosemary is a go-to spice when it comes to asthma. It has rosmarinic acid, which stops chemicals that inflame the lungs from producing and encourages cells to make prostacyclins — molecules that help keep your airways open.
RELATED: Air Pollution & Your Diet: 5 Foods That Help You Breathe Easier
10. Asparagus — Worst
Although sulfites aren’t added to asparagus to preserve it, the vegetable naturally has them.
11. Olive Oil — Best
Olive oil has more natural anti-inflammatory properties than many of the common vegetable oil options, which is good news for your lungs.
