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Breathing easy by eating right
Asthma, the most troublesome of respiratory diseases is characterised by recurrent attacks of coughing and shortness of breath.
It involves chronic inflammation and thickening of the bronchial tubes and nasal passages, which ultimately lead to muscle spasms, constriction of air passages and breathing difficulties.
A variety of factors causes asthma. It may be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, perfumes, and other irritants. Certain foods also cause allergic reactions. Prime suspects are wheat, eggs, chocolates, beans and sea food. There is also a psycholo-gical aspect. Studies have shown that about 25% of young asthmatics have a deep-seated emotional insecurity. Therefore, genes also play a role. A few diet tips to allevia-te or prevent asthmatic attacks:
Onions: In a laboratory test, the chemical diphenyl thiosulfinate present in the onion displayed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the popular drug prednisolone.
Peppers: It has long been known that capsaicin, (the hot stuff in chilli peppers) has an anti-inflammatory effect. It acts as a bronchodilator in mild asthmatics. Onions and garlic, too, have the same effect.
Caffeine: Some practitioners recommend coffee to dilate the bronchial tubes. Coffee
drinkers generally appear to have less asthma.
Fish oil: Cut down on fats but not on fatty fish. Researchers say that regularly eating fish high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids (which can also be found in chia seeds and flaxseeds), may help in preventing as well as in healing, as the fish oils suppress the inflammatory attacks on the air passages. Vegetables and fruits:
Vitamin C is the key word here. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. It is believed that vitamin C has antioxidant qualities which can neutralise oxygen-free radicals that may stimulate inflammation.
No MSG: If you are sensitive to MSG (monosodium glutamate) you could be prone to what some call the ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’. MSG has been known to trigger off an asthmatic attack according to researchers.