Can the foods you eat help to better manage your asthma?

Millions of adults are living with asthma — a chronic respiratory condition that causes your airway to narrow and makes it difficult to breathe. Adult asthma is often managed with medication maintenance, avoiding environmental triggers and having a rescue inhaler on hand, just in case. But can food also help reduce asthma flare-ups?

Daniel Markley, MD, a pulmonologist and asthma specialist at Atlantic Health, says, “There’s growing research that suggests diet, nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce asthma symptoms and airway inflammation in the lungs.”

The connection between weight and asthma

Dr. Markley explains that excess weight seems to have the clearest impact on breathing and chronic respiratory conditions. While there isn't one recommended “asthma diet,” a Mediterranean-style diet can help you maintain a healthy body weight and lead to better asthma control.

Here are a few foods to stock up on if you plan to follow a Mediterranean-style diet:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Fish and seafood
• Limited processed foods and red meats

"As obesity rates have increased over the years, asthma rates have also increased right alongside them. Although we can't say one directly causes the other, the correlation between asthma and obesity is very strong," says Dr. Markley.

How your diet affects breathing

Diet is one of the most effective ways to manage weight. Research shows that adults with healthy eating patterns are more likely to have better asthma control and fewer asthma symptoms and hospitalizations. Some data also suggests that it may reduce medication use.

“Eating well to lose or keep off excess weight lightens the load on your lungs and allows you to breathe more comfortably and efficiently — and also brings with it other health benefits, too,” says Dr. Markley.

Nutrients that matter

A few nutrients that may be beneficial for people with asthma include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C, D and E. These have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can potentially protect the lungs from pollutants and environmental irritants.

Dr. Markley also notes that sulfites — preservatives found in wine, dried fruit and processed foods — may trigger asthma symptoms. This is especially true in people with sulfite sensitivity. Also, if you have a food allergy, avoid eating that food because allergic reactions can potentially worsen asthma.

Building blocks for nutrition and lung health

• Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
• Choose whole grains over refined grains.
• Add healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil.
• Limit highly processed foods and sugary beverages.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Avoid foods that trigger allergy symptoms.
• Follow your prescribed asthma treatment plan.

"Even if you're making healthy lifestyle changes, it's important to continue taking your asthma medications as prescribed and work closely with your doctor to manage your medications and identify potential triggers,” says Dr. Markley. "Nutrition is a valuable part of an overall asthma management plan, but it's only one piece of the puzzle."