6 Foods to Avoid for Asthma Patients
An asthma attack is not often triggered due to certain foods. However, sometimes the allergic reaction can be quite severe in which case it might look like an asthma attack. Here are some of the foods that can cause an extreme reaction in people with asthma.
Foods Containing Sulfites
Sulfites might not sound that bad but they are. Sulfites are preservatives that are used to ensure mold does not grow and the food remains fresh for a longer time. Foods that contain sulfites include shrimp, condiments, pickled food, wine, bottled lime juice, and dried fruits. It is found in some vegetables too. People with asthma should avoid sulfites because it can cause lung irritation and can trigger asthma symptoms.
Ready and Processed Meals
Buying ready and processed meals can be tempting at times but avoid the temptation. You should opt for cooking at home because you know what is going in your food. If you must buy ready meals then make sure you read the labels very carefully. If you find even a single product that triggers your symptoms, do not purchase that ready meal. It is best to be safe than sorry in such cases. Even when you eat out, make sure you know what is going in your food.
Foods That Cause Acidity
Foods that cause gas are not good for people with asthma. But thankfully, there are many things you can do about it. You should aim to eat small meals to ensure your diaphragm is not impacted negatively. You should avoid eating foods such as fried foods, cabbage, onions, beans, and carbonated drinks that can cause asthma flare-ups. For example, in some people, gas-causing foods can lead to chest tightness.
Trans Fats And Omega-6 Fatty Acids
You might have heard about how omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats are bad for you. This is especially true for people who have asthma. These can worsen your asthma symptoms and can also lead to other health problems such as heart disease. Trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids can be found in many processed foods and margarine, so stay away from any foods that have them.
Food High in Calories
When you have asthma, you want to stay away from a diet that is generally high in calories. If you are not exercising sufficiently, these high calories will turn to fat and increases your chances of becoming overweight or obese. Research states that obese people have a higher likelihood of experiencing severe asthma symptoms when compared to people with normal weight.
Salicylates
Not many people are allergic to salicylates, but it can still affect some people who have asthma. Salicylates are found in some herbs, coffee, spices, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Nuts and honey contain salicylates too. It comes in synthetic and natural forms which can affect people differently depending on the severity of the reaction.