Most Doctors recommend a healthy diet for treating Asthma and its symptoms. This along with exercise can go a long way. One should not stop or reduce the medications that are prescribed by the Doctor, but along with regular prescriptions, one must follow a healthy, wholesome diet and exercise. This helps in preventing the worsening of the condition and in fact minimizing the problem.

There are certain foods that one must eliminate from their diet and similarly, there is a list of foods that should be incorporated in the daily meal plan. Many medical practitioners and studies on Asthma, suggest that the eating pattern that has changed in the last few decades, from healthy fresh foods to processed foods has led to the rise in Asthma cases.

Healthy foods and nutrients can give us the energy to stay active throughout the day, supports our immune system and improves our health—even our lung health! All nutrients in your diet can help you breathe easier, and in some cases, help minimize asthma symptoms.

Foods To Add To Your Diet

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is very important in boosting immune system responses and helps to reduce airway inflammation. Low levels of vitamin D have been increased the risk of asthma attacks in children and adults. Always add vitamin D supplements in your daily routine such as protective effects against acute respiratory infection and reduced rate of exacerbations needing treatment with systemic corticosteroids. Food sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, salmon, orange juice and eggs and egg yolks.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E contains a chemical compound called tocopherol, which may low the risk of some asthma symptoms like coughing or wheezing. Vitamin E Rich Foods are almonds, raw seeds, kale, broccoli and hazelnuts. Beta-carotene Rich vegetables are such as carrot and leafy green added to the diet.
• Magnesium Rich foods: Children with low magnesium levels also tend to have low lung flow and volume. Children can improve their magnesium levels by eating magnesium-rich foods such as:
  • Spinach
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Swiss Chard
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Salmon

Foods To Avoid In Your Diet

• Artificial Sweeteners: The artificial sweetener known as aspartame, which is commonly used in diet sodas and juices, is among the food additives, which cause allergic reactions or aggravates asthma.
• Processed Foods: All packed foods that are found in grocery stores and at fast-food restaurants also add preservatives and artificial sweeteners that may cause lung inflammation.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oils are used in manufactured products such as cakes and salad dressings – contain the preservative benzoate. Although adverse reactions to benzoate are rare, its use has been associated with increased inflammation of the lungs.
• Milk: Milk-based products like milk and ice cream trigger asthma symptoms because they increase the production of mucus in the lungs. 
• High calories: Going overboard with calories not only causes danger to overall health but also triggers asthma attacks in its patients.
• Other Dietary Triggers: Avoid some Foods that cause gas or bloating, which often make breathing more difficult. This may cause chest tightness and trigger an asthma attack. Food items that should be avoided include beans, carbonated drinks, onions, garlic and fried foods. One should also avoid the following:
  • Sulfites, which are found in wine and dried fruits
  • Foods that can cause gas, including beans, cabbage, and onions
  • Artificial ingredients, such as chemical preservatives or other flavorings

After the do’s and don’ts being discussed, one should always talk to their Health Care Provider or a Health Professional before doing any drastic changes in their regime which are related to their health.