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Is Broccoli Good For Asthma

The Best Foods To Help Reduce Asthma Symptoms

10 Bad Foods for Your Lungs (Avoid with Asthma and COPD)

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disorder characterized by the narrowing of airway passages leading to the lung, including the nasal passageways, mouth, nose, and larynx, which causes difficulty breathing. Certain triggers such as seasonal, environment or food-related allergies may irritate the immune system and cause an asthma attack in which the airway passages close and the person affected has trouble breathing.

Improves Bone And Teeth Health

Do you have bone issues or know anyone who does? Well, we can understand what a pain it can be. You cant just move around. And thats terrible. But you sure might find some solace in broccoli. Being an excellent source of vitamin K, calcium, potassium, and magnesium broccoli plays a role in maintaining bone mineral density .

Certain experts say vitamin K builds bones better than calcium. And a cup of broccoli contains 270 percent of the vitamin K you need in a day. This vitamin, along with calcium, also helps maintain your teeth.

This basically means broccoli can help fight osteoporosis . Plain and simple.

Improves Mens Sexual Health

Men need to thank the folate here. According to a Spanish study, an increased intake of folate can enhance semen production, leading to stronger orgasms and improved fertility. And the vitamin A in this veggie can enhance the sperm count.

Broccoli has also been found to prevent bladder cancer, which is three times more common in men than women .

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Foods You Should Be Eating

So eating plenty of fresh fruits and green leafyvegetables, along with beans, nuts, and seeds such as chia, pumpkin, hemp andsesame seeds is essential for not only helping control your asthma, but for eventuallyridding yourself of this problem.

Orange and red colored fruits and vegetablesin particular are rich in beta-carotene so be sure toeat lots of these.

Green leafy vegetables are rich in folate, which has beenfound in studies to reduce wheezing in asthmatics by 40%.

Broccoli is high in asubstance called sulforaphane, which helps to block the detrimental effects ofair pollution and make breathing easier for asthmatics.

A study of 68,000 womenalso showed that those who ate tomatoes, carrots and leafy greens had muchlower rates of asthma than women who didnt, so make sure you include plenty ofthese in your diet as well.

May Hurt: Dried Fruit

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There are some foods you may want to avoid if you have asthma, and dried fruits are among them. Though fresh fruit, especially oranges and apples, can help control your asthma, the sulfites that help preserve dried fruit could make the condition worse for some people. Alcohol , shrimp, pickled vegetables, maraschino cherries, and bottled lemon juice also often have sulfites.

Read Also: Can Gluten Cause Asthma Symptoms

Food Allergies And Asthma

Like asthma, food allergies are on the rise, with the American Academy of Family Physicians estimating that around 5.4 percent of children have food allergies today, which is about twice the rate of adults. The most common food allergy is peanuts, but nearly any food can cause an allergic reaction. Common items include eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, and wheat, but certain additives also cause allergic reactions.

The symptoms of the allergic reaction vary as well. For some people, food allergies are a life-threatening condition. Others experience little more than an itchy mouth and mild swelling. Some food allergies cause a reaction similar to an asthma attack, particularly wheezing.

Certain food additives may also cause an allergic reaction. Many patients are sensitive to Yellow No. 5, a common food coloring additive. Other additives that may cause asthma symptoms include benzoates, monosodium glutamate , and sulfites. Many people also experience asthma-like symptoms after consuming artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. These are not common asthma triggers, but if you notice a pattern after consuming such items, talk to your doctor.

Broccoli Each Day Keeps Asthma Away

Consumption of one or two cups of lightly steamed broccoli each day can help asthmatics breathe normally and prevent their condition from worsening, according to research from The University of Melbourne.

The study by Honours student Nadia Mazarakis and supervisors Dr Tom Karagiannis and Dr Simon Royce found that eating vegetables from the cruciferous family which also includes kale, cabbage, brussels sprout, cauliflower and bok choy reduces and even reverses lung damage.

Laboratory tests have shown that consumption of broccoli changes the formation of the airways and may make clear breathing easier for those who suffer from asthma and allergies, Mazarakis said. Blockages in the airway were reversed almost entirely.

The findings are part of the trend in healthcare research that looks to incorporate dietary treatments with prescription medication. Using broccoli to treat asthma may also help for people who dont respond to traditional treatment, Mazarakis said.

The research is still in the experimental phase, so the researchers warn that normal medical advice must be followed during an asthma attack or severe breathing issues.

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Additional Tips To Keep In Mind

Remember, the best way to keep your lungs healthy is to keep the rest of your body healthy. A healthy diet and regular exercise go a long way in improving overall health and stamina. Overly processed foods with extra fat, sodium, etc. often make you feel sluggish and unmotivated, reducing your health.

Remember that your body is merely a vehicle run by your mind. Just as important as bodily health is mental health. When both are in balance, you will find that it is far easier to maintain control of your asthma symptoms and triggers.

What is Aluna?

Aluna is an innovative, scientifically-accurate, and portable spirometer cleared by the FDA.

This device and management program is designed to help adults and children, 5 years and up, monitor their lung function and take control of their respiratory health.

Aluna automatically tracks your FEV1% over time. You can also monitor your symptoms, medication, exercise, and environmental factors.

With the Aluna app, you can easily

Aluna is seeking to shed light on asthma and other lung diseases by providing accurate and reliable data for healthcare providers and patients.

Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about Aluna and how this device can benefit you.

Studies Find Link Between Diet And Respiratory Disease

Asthma Diet – Diets For Controlling Your Asthma Symptoms

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Telling children to eat up their greens and giving them a helping of liver may be the best way to prevent them from developing asthma.

Researchers who examined the influence of diet on asthma found that people who did not get enough vitamin A or C from their food had a higher risk of becoming asthmatic.

Vitamin A is found in dark green and yellow vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and turnip greens, carrots, squash and sweet potatoes. It is also found in liver, milk, butter, cheese and eggs. Vitamin C is found in many of the same vegetables and in fruits including oranges, lemons, pineapple and strawberries.

Low levels of vitamin C in the blood were associated with a 12 per cent rise in incidence of the disease. Analysis also showed that those with asthma had an average daily intake of vitamin A which was between a quarter and a third of the recommended level.

Those with severe asthma had the lowest levels of vitamin A. No association was found with vitamin E.

The findings are from one of the largest reviews of research into the link. Scientists from the University of Nottingham found 40 relevant studies conducted around the world between 1980 and 2007.

Asthma, which affects an estimated five million people in Britain, is characterised by oversensitive airways in the lungs which react to irritants in the air such as pollution and tobacco smoke.

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Help Before Your Next Meal

Know your asthma triggers to avoid them from causing uncomfortable symptoms. Your doctor can help you figure out any foods to which you may be allergic or sensitive. When it comes to food-induced asthma symptoms, refrain from consuming the triggers. Severe allergies can lead to a life-threatening reaction, known as anaphylaxis.

Foods For Healthy Lungs And Help You Breathe Better

1. Water

Water plays a huge role in health and is the base of any cleansing action. Pure, clean water is essential to keeping blood flowing to and from the lungs. It also keeps our lungs hydrated and the mucus flowing. It may sound disgusting, but that mucus is important and needs to be the right consistency for the cilia to move italong with toxins, microbes, and pollutantsout.

A large part of the body is made up of water. When the body is dehydrated, our bodies start to feel the effect. Proper hydration is essential for more than just lung health. It helps to remove waste from the body, transport nutrients throughout the body, and regulate body temperature.

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14. Red Bell Pepper and Cayenne Pepper

These mild peppers are rich in vitamin C and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids have been shown to cut the risks of developing lung cancer.

Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin which helps to stimulate healthy secretions that protect the mucous membranes in the lungs. Try drinking cayenne pepper tea. Its also a great source of beta-carotene which is thought to reduce several symptoms associated with asthma.

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Vitamins That May Impact Your Asthma

Some scientists believe that asthma and vitamin deficiency are integrally linked. Researchers have looked into the role that certain vitaminslike vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin Eplay in the occurrence and severity of the disease. While it is clear that diet does influence the incidence and prevalence of asthma, what is less clear is whether vitamin supplementation can prevent asthma or improve its symptoms.

Foods To Promote Lung Health

Natural Asthma Remedies: Using Food as Medicine

These five foods have been shown to have a positive impact on lung health.

  • Apples

    Due to the presence of the antioxidant quercetin, apples have been proven to reduce lung decline and even reduce lung damage caused by smoking. Those who eat five or more apples per week were also at a reduced risk of developing COPD.

  • Beets

    Beetroot and beet greens have been shown to benefit lung function, relax blood pressure and optimize oxygen intake, all of which can help someone struggling to breathe. Beets are also packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote lung health, like magnesium and potassium.

  • Pumpkin

    Pumpkins are rich in carotenoids, which are associated with higher lung function. Carotenoids also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote overall health and comfort.

  • Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are one of the richest vegetable sources of lycopene, a carotenoid that has been associated with improved lung function. Consuming tomatoes and tomato products has also been linked to reduced lung decline and airway inflammation.

  • Leafy Greens

    Leafy greens such as bok choy, spinach and kale are a rich source of carotenoids, iron, potassium, calcium and vitamins. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce lung inflammation and promote overall health.

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    Asthma And Diet: What’s The Connection

    As the old adage goes, you are what you eat. If you have asthma, you might be wondering how certain foods and diet choices could affect your condition. Although theres no conclusive evidence that any specific diet plan affects asthma symptoms, some foods and lifestyle choices may help you manage your condition.

    Gassy Foods And Stomach Fullness

    Its normal feeling too full after the occasional large meal. When it comes to asthma management, eating too much may cause breathing difficulties. This is because your full stomach places pressure on your diaphragm. One way to prevent this effect is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. You can also decrease stomach fullness and the chances of wheezing by limiting gassy foods. Examples include broccoli, beans, cauliflower, onions, garlic and sausage.

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    If You Have A Tree Nut Allergy You May Want To Avoid Eating Almonds Every Day

    It should go without saying that you should avoid a food if youre allergic to it, but when it comes to almonds, things are a bit more complicated. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology , allergy to tree nuts is common in the United States, affecting 0.5 to 1 percent of all Americans. But because tree nuts are a very diverse group, being allergic to one tree nut doesnt mean youll have a reaction to the others. The AAAAI noted that some tree nuts are closely related and thus likely to cause identical reactions for example, cashews and pistachios or pecans and walnuts.

    Allergy to almonds specifically, however, appears to be quite rare, according to research published in the journal Nutrients in 2018. The researchers noted that, among Americans, walnuts and cashews were the tree nuts most likely to cause an allergic reaction.

    Luckily, under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, manufacturers must clearly state the exact type of nuts their product contains.

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    Diagnosis And Treatment Of Asthma

    Natural Treatment For Asthma – Get Rid of Asthma with these Home Treatments for Asthma

    Many times asthma gets undetected and this is the chief cause of the increasing number of asthmatic patients across the globe.

    However for diagnostic purposes a device known as Spirometer is used by the general practitioners. This device is used to measure the inhaled and exhaled air volume by the patient and helps to determine the severity of condition for an asthmatic.

    There are various medicines available to provide immediate and long-term relief in the case of asthma. These are:Immediate action : These include beta- adrenergic agonists or steroids

    Long-term action : These include corticosteroids like Beclamethasone, Budesonide, Flunisolide, etc.

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    Helps Slow Down Aging

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    One compound in broccoli, called nicotinamide mononucleotide , has been found to offer anti-aging benefits. NMN produces another compound important for energy metabolism this compound fuels energy in our bodies, potentially eliminating some of the signs associated with aging .

    And the vitamin C in the veggie fights free radicals that otherwise tend to speed up the aging process. Vitamin C also contributes to collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles.

    Broccoli is often considered better than sunscreen in protecting the skin against skin cancer. In fact, you could smear broccoli extract over your skin before bath. The sulforaphane in it works wonders on your skin.

    I 26 Best Foods For Asthma And Allergies

    When it comes to best foods for asthma, there is evidence that people eating diets higher in vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, magnesium, flavonoids, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids seemed to have lower risks of asthma. These substances are mainly antioxidants which can protect the cells from damage. Regardless of the connection between asthma and diet, we all know that good nutrition is crucial to anyone, particularly those people with chronic diseases. If you do not take the right nutrients, then your body might be more susceptible to ailments and not able to successfully fight the respiratory viruses which often trigger asthma attacks. Here are some of the most basic guidelines of healthy foods for asthma:

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    An Apple A Day Will Keep Symptoms At Bay

    It is commonly said that an apple a day will keep the doctor away. But it is equally true that a couple of apples a day will also keep asthma under control. So, this fruit is integral to any winter diet for asthma patients. But avoid having them on an empty stomach so that you dont face any digestive issues.

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    You May Not Want To Eat Almonds Every Day If Youre Worried About Kidney Stones

    Here

    Although almonds contain a number of health-promoting micronutrients, they also contain the anti-nutrient oxalate. According to Healthline, oxalate is an organic compound found in many plant foods. Oxalate binds to minerals usually calcium to create crystals, and these crystals leave the body through both stool and urine. In some individuals, however, these crystals collect in the kidneys and become kidney stones.

    While several substances can concentrate in the kidneys and become stones, the National Kidney Foundation notes that calcium oxalate accounts for 80 percent of all kidney stones. These stones can be extremely painful to pass and may require surgical removal. Theyre also much more common than you might think: Roughly 7 percent of women and 13 percent of men will get kidney stones at least once in their lives, and having one kidney stone puts you at a higher risk for additional stones in the future.

    For people trying to avoid kidney stones, the bad news is that almonds are very high in oxalate, so you may want to add them to your list of the worst foods for your kidneys. The University of Chicago noted that individuals eating a low-oxalate diet must limit themselves to no more than 11 almonds a day.

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    Imparts Luster To Hair

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    Broccoli seed oil contains a unique fatty acid composition that is similar to silicone found in shampoos, which is responsible for imparting shine to your hair. Also known as erucic acid, this omega-9 fatty acid gives your hair a smooth, natural sheen without leaving a residue of harmful detergents or chemicals in your hair follicles. Thus, it has an advantage over commercial shampoos and conditioners in this respect.

    We saw the many broccoli benefits. But you also need to know about the selection process and storage.

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