Asthma is a disease caused by chronic (ongoing) inflammation of the airways. The airways become red and swollen, making breathing difficult. Since the most important cause of asthma is inflammation in the airways, anti-inflammatory foods can reduce this swelling and redness in the airways. At the same time, oxidative damage occurs during this inflammation. It is important to include foods that reduce this damage in the diet of patients with asthma. However, since food allergy may accompany asthmatic patients, consult your pediatric allergist who monitors the diet list for asthma.
Scientific studies on nutrition depend on race, differences in absorption in individuals, the accuracy of diet lists, and blood measurements of some foods are difficult. or it is difficult to interpret because it is not possible. However, asthmatic patients should have a balanced diet, especially from the following food groups, and most importantly, in a way that does not cause obesity.
Which foods should be in my child's diet?
1-Vitamin B6 ( A diet rich in pyridoxine is an important component of nutrition for asthma. Pyridoxine has been shown to reduce the duration and intensity of asthma attacks. In asthma, bronchial smooth muscles contract and the airways narrow. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which contribute to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles. Although pyridoxine is found in many foods, banana is the most important source of this vitamin.
2-It is important to increase foods containing vitamins C and E. With its strong anti-oxidant content, vitamin C contributes to the clearance of free radicals that occur during inflammation in asthma and damage the airways. These free radicals cause the smooth muscles in the airways to contract. Due to this contraction, asthmatic patients experience shortness of breath. Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C reduce the release of histamine (the component that causes allergic reactions) and increase the breakdown of histamine. Histamine increases inflammation in the body in patients with asthma and causes contraction of the smooth muscles around the airways. Vitamin E is another anti-oxidant and helps breathing. It contributes to the improvement of asthma symptoms such as fever, cough and wheezing. Consuming Vitamin C and Vitamin E together is more effective. Foods containing vitamin C; orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, kiwi and foods containing vitamin E; almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.
3. Foods containing quercetin should be included. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid with powerful anti-oxidant, anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. There are experimental and clinical studies showing that it reduces asthma and allergic disease symptoms in asthmatic patients. Good sources of quercetin in the diet are apples, yellow and red onions, capers, broccoli, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, tea, raspberries and cranberries.
4- While omega 6 consumption should be reduced, omega 3 consumption should be increased. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids necessary for the body. However, their excess can increase the inflammation seen in asthma. However, in the western diet, while the amount of Omega-6 fatty acids is high, Omega-3 fatty acids are not consumed in sufficient amounts. Increasing the amount of omega-3 in the diet has been found to be especially effective in exercise-induced asthma. To increase the amount of omega-3 in the diet, consumption of the following foods should be increased. However, it should not be forgotten that omega-3 from animal sources is absorbed in the body much better than those from plant sources.
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Walnuts (7 walnuts, 28 grams, 2542 mg)
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Flaxseed (1 tablespoon, 2338mg)
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Salmon (Norwegian (Atlantic salmon) has shiny skin, orange flesh and hard, 2230 grams of Omega per 100 grams. -3)
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Sardine (100gram, 1480 mg)
5. Consume spices rich in rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is a substance with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity that may be good for asthma symptoms. The anti-oxidant activity of rosmarinic acid is higher than vitamin E. Rosmarinic acid opens the airways in asthma and increases prostacyclins, which allow breathing more easily.
Rosmarinic acid is found in rosemary, sage, marjoram, mint and thyme.
Attention: Spices can be contaminated with bacteria and mold. Before the spices are put on sale, they are cleaned with heat treatment (irridation) or ethylene oxide gas (EtO). they are offered for sale. Cleaning these bacteria and fungi on spices is essential to prevent infections that may arise from them. However, before purchasing spices, using the steam sterilization method may be a better alternative since chemicals are important for asthmatic patients.
6-It is important to consume foods rich in carotenoids. It reduces free radicals that cause contraction of airway smooth muscles in asthma. Vitamin A is a powerful anti-oxidant produced in the body from beta-carotene. Good dietary sources of beta-carotene are yellow/orange and green vegetables, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, melons and apricots. Lycopene is also a carotenoid with strong anti-oxidant activity and has been shown to be partially effective in exercise-induced asthma. Sources of lycopene in the diet are tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit and watermelon.
7-A diet rich in magnesium and potassium should be consumed. Magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways. It is also necessary for potassium to be at adequate levels. Potassium is important in lung functions. Foods containing potassium are root vegetables.
8-Increase kefir consumption. It has been shown that the development of allergic asthma or allergic disease in children is related to bacteria in the intestine. Fermented dairy products such as yoghurt and kefir are foods containing probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms important for intestinal health. Using antibiotics in the early stages of life reduces the rate of these beneficial bacteria and increases the risk of allergic diseases. Again, in studies conducted on mice, allergic markers in the blood decreased in the group given kefir orally compared to those fed with water and non-fermented milk. Make sure your child consumes fermented dairy products (kefir, yoghurt).
9- There are many clinical and experimental studies showing that turmeric reduces the inflammation seen in asthma and the long-term effects of asthma. However, oral absorption of turmeric is not sufficient. It should definitely be consumed with black pepper and olive oil to increase its absorption
Which foods should not be in my child's diet?
1-High salt (sodium) ) intake may increase asthma symptoms by increasing the sensitivity of the airways to allergens. ir. The incidence of asthma has also increased in regions where salt consumption increases. It is also necessary to pay attention to the "hidden" salt in food. Particular care should be taken not to consume packaged and processed products.
2- It has been shown that some food additives and preservatives trigger asthma in some patients. Some substances that can worsen asthma symptoms are benzoate, tartrazine, monosodium glutamate, and sulfites. Benzoates are a protective antimicrobial used in many products, especially beverages. Tartrazine is a colorant used in confectionery, beverages, sauces, rice, pasta, butter and marinades. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavor enhancer often used in Chinese restaurants. Sulfites are a preservative that can be found in many packaged foods. The most rational way to avoid all these substances is to consume unprocessed and organic food as much as possible. Perhaps the most important point to be considered in children with asthma is to prevent the consumption of foods that contain additives, are packaged and have a long shelf life.
As a result,
The patient diagnosed with asthma should be prevented from becoming obese with a balanced diet.
The diet of children with asthma should include seasonal vegetables and fruits as much as possible.
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