An asthma attack -- in which one can't get enough air -- can be an extremely frightening experience. So, of course, you'd do anything to avoid one. And it turns out watching your diet may be one such thing.
According to internist Dr. Alan Gaby, an unrecognized food allergy or intolerance is a contributing factor in at least 75 percent of childhood asthma cases and about 40 percent of adult cases.
"As early as 1959, Dr. Albert H. Rowe, a pioneer in the field of food allergy, successfully treated 95 asthmatic patients with dietary changes alone," says Gaby.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the pathways that carry air in and out of the lungs. When a person has asthma, those airways become inflamed and sensitive to a variety of substances (in air, food and the environment). The response is similar to an allergic reaction, which is one reason asthma is often linked to allergies.
The immune system of someone with asthma mistakenly identifies substances, such as pollen, dust, dander and certain foods, as being dangerous. It overreacts to protect against the substance by creating inflammation in your lungs and narrowing your air passages. Muscles around the airways tighten up, allowing less air in; the airways become even more swollen and narrow, and it becomes harder to breathe.
Dairy products top the list of foods most likely to provoke asthma. Other suspects include tree nuts (such as cashews, almonds and walnuts), milk, eggs, soy, chocolate, wheat, corn, citrus fruits and fish. Tartrazine (yellow dye No. 5), which is used in many foods, including cereals and soft drinks, is believed to be a trigger for thousands of people. And, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, foods with sulfites -- such as beer, dried foods, processed potatoes, shrimp and wine -- may also trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible people.
Knowing that some foods can make asthma worse, you might wonder if there are foods that can help calm asthma symptoms.
You may not be able to completely wipe out asthma symptoms with food, but emerging evidence points to the fact that higher intakes of omega-3s and vitamin C from food (especially fresh fruit) and supplements can certainly help.
Because asthma is an inflammatory condition, to fight that response make sure your diet contains foods rich in natural anti-inflammatories, such as omega-3's (found in cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna) is a really good idea. The plant flavonoid quercetin, found in apples and onions, is highly anti-inflammatory, as is the spice turmeric.
"In my experience, increasing the intake of plant-based fat (avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, almonds), fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help considerably", says nutritionist Cynthia Sass. She adds that probiotic and omega-3 supplements may also help.
Another supplement that might be helpful is the oil of the shea nut. Shea nut oil extract with a high tripertene content has been shown in more than 30 clinical studies to be highly anti-inflammatory. It is available in an over-the-counter supplement called FlexNow.
Low intakes of vitamin C from food or supplementation can lead to increased risks for asthma. A 2005 study done by researchers from the Asthma and Allergy Research Institute in Australia found that the blood concentrations of vitamin C were markedly lower in patients with severe asthma. A review article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that "symptoms of ongoing asthma in adults appear to be increased by exposure to environmental oxidants and decreased vitamin C supplementation."
Studies have shown that one to two grams of vitamin C per day is most helpful. This level is also helpful for those suffering from allergies. Foods high in vitamin C include peppers (green and red), kale, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, guavas, oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, peaches, oranges, strawberries and pineapples. Although it's best to get your vitamins from food, you may need to include supplements in your diet to get adequate amounts.
Following a Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve asthma control, possibly because of the high content of omega-3's and vitamin C. This diet is full of fresh fruits and vegetables. The ones mentioned above can help you get your requisite C, and omega-3s are plentiful in the olive oil, nuts, avocado and fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, which the diet features. A 2008 study in the journal Allergy found that high adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of noncontrolled asthma by a whopping 78 percent. Those people who were controlling their asthma had significantly higher intakes of fresh fruit in their diet.
And, since these foods are so good for you anyway, they certainly couldn't hurt.
July 27, 2010
July 19, 2010
Money Saving Tips
If your out of toothpaste, then fill a glass with hot water and put tube for 1 minute then squeeze immediately.
If low on lotion, then cut off bottom of tube.
If your printer says no more ink, print anyways, because more often than not it has at least 20% of ink. If the ink isn't enough, then blow dry the cartridge, place it back, and use immediately.
If condiments like mustard, ketchup, etc are running low then add a couple of capfuls of white vinegar and shake.
If laundry detergent is low, then remove cap and water, close then shake.
To remove stains from T-shirts, add an aspirin to the wash once its full of water.
If low on lotion, then cut off bottom of tube.
If your printer says no more ink, print anyways, because more often than not it has at least 20% of ink. If the ink isn't enough, then blow dry the cartridge, place it back, and use immediately.
If condiments like mustard, ketchup, etc are running low then add a couple of capfuls of white vinegar and shake.
If laundry detergent is low, then remove cap and water, close then shake.
To remove stains from T-shirts, add an aspirin to the wash once its full of water.
July 15, 2010
What is your body telling you?
Mouth
White tongue coating
Could mean: You have a yeast infection—the oral type, that is, says Bruce Robinson, M.D., of the American Academy of Dermatology. Your mouth maintains a fine yeast-bacteria balance, but when foreign stuff (think: antibiotics) throws that out of whack, the yeast portion grows unchecked and coats your tongue. A prescription antifungal rinse should clear things up. If it doesn't, revisit your doc.
Inflamed gums
Could mean: You're knocked up. "Your dentist is often the first to know," says Sassan Rastegar, D. D. S., a dentist in New York City. "Swollen gums are one of the early side effects of the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy." If your gums are puffy or bleed when you floss—and your period is late—it may be time to take a pregnancy test.
Your guide to a perfect smile.
Cracked mouth corners
Could mean: You're vitamin deficient, says Wilma Bergfeld, M. D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. ("Otherwise," she says, "you're a big lip licker. Stop that!") A lack of B vitamins— specifically, B2, B6, and folic acid—can dry out the sensitive skin on the outer corners of your mouth, causing unseemly cracks on your kisser. Adding nutrient-rich eats such as leafy greens and watermelon to your regular diet should smooth out any rough patches, says Vandana Y. Bhide, M. D., a board-certified internist in St. Augustine, Fla.
7 Pains you should never ignore.
Eyes
Sparse outer eyebrows
Could mean: Your thyroid isn't pumping out enough hormones, says internist Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! More than 27 million Americans have thyroid disorders, and eight out of 10 of those are women. The right prescription meds should get your hormones—and brows—back on track.
Dark under-eye circles
Could mean: You have allergies, says Jennifer Wider, M. D., of the Society for Women's Health Research. Nasal congestion from allergies can dilate and darken the veins around your eyes and nose. Once you pinpoint and treat your allergen culprits—often with OTC meds—your under-eye shadows should fade.
Hair
Thinning hair
Could mean: You have a thyroid issue. If you've been noticing more breakage when you blow-dry, head to your G. P. for a thyroid test, says Kent Holtorf, M. D., founder of the Holtorf Medical Group in Los Angeles. Brittle hair can also be a sign of malnourishment—specifically, deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A. So for the love of your hair (and your health), steer clear of any lownutrient crash diets.
Skin
Brown splotches
Could mean: You've had a self-tanner mishap... or you have a benign condition called melasma that's often associated with oral contraceptives, says Dina D. Strachan, M. D., a dermatologist in New York City. Doctors aren't sure why some birth-control pills cause these dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip, but they do know UV exposure makes them worse. Your M. D. might recommend a hydroquinone cream.
Small yellow bumps
Could mean: You're looking at fat deposits caused by high cholesterol, says Svetlana Kogan, M. D., an internist in New York City. The yellowish bulges can appear anywhere (yes, on thin people too) but are most common on the knees, elbows, hands, and feet. Make an appointment with your doc for a simple blood cholesterol test.
A rash on your rump
Could mean: Celiac disease, which is triggered by eating gluten, can manifest itself as an itchy red rash or blisters on your derriere. Ten to 15 percent of people with gluten intolerance get this inflammation, which can also appear on your elbows and knees, says Howard Sobel, M. D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Fortunately, once you cut pasta, wheat bread, and other gluten sources from your diet, you'll kick the butt blisters too.
Build a better backside with this leg and booty-busting workout.
Nails
Brittle nails
Could mean: Your frail nails might indicate nutritional deficiencies like low calcium, vitamin D, or zinc, says Andrea Cambio, M.D., a dermatologist in Cape Coral, Florida. Sporting nude nails more often and maintaining a balanced diet may help. Or you can try soaking your nails in water for five minutes at night before moisturizing them with an alpha hydroxy cream.
White tongue coating
Could mean: You have a yeast infection—the oral type, that is, says Bruce Robinson, M.D., of the American Academy of Dermatology. Your mouth maintains a fine yeast-bacteria balance, but when foreign stuff (think: antibiotics) throws that out of whack, the yeast portion grows unchecked and coats your tongue. A prescription antifungal rinse should clear things up. If it doesn't, revisit your doc.
Inflamed gums
Could mean: You're knocked up. "Your dentist is often the first to know," says Sassan Rastegar, D. D. S., a dentist in New York City. "Swollen gums are one of the early side effects of the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy." If your gums are puffy or bleed when you floss—and your period is late—it may be time to take a pregnancy test.
Your guide to a perfect smile.
Cracked mouth corners
Could mean: You're vitamin deficient, says Wilma Bergfeld, M. D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. ("Otherwise," she says, "you're a big lip licker. Stop that!") A lack of B vitamins— specifically, B2, B6, and folic acid—can dry out the sensitive skin on the outer corners of your mouth, causing unseemly cracks on your kisser. Adding nutrient-rich eats such as leafy greens and watermelon to your regular diet should smooth out any rough patches, says Vandana Y. Bhide, M. D., a board-certified internist in St. Augustine, Fla.
7 Pains you should never ignore.
Eyes
Sparse outer eyebrows
Could mean: Your thyroid isn't pumping out enough hormones, says internist Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! More than 27 million Americans have thyroid disorders, and eight out of 10 of those are women. The right prescription meds should get your hormones—and brows—back on track.
Dark under-eye circles
Could mean: You have allergies, says Jennifer Wider, M. D., of the Society for Women's Health Research. Nasal congestion from allergies can dilate and darken the veins around your eyes and nose. Once you pinpoint and treat your allergen culprits—often with OTC meds—your under-eye shadows should fade.
Hair
Thinning hair
Could mean: You have a thyroid issue. If you've been noticing more breakage when you blow-dry, head to your G. P. for a thyroid test, says Kent Holtorf, M. D., founder of the Holtorf Medical Group in Los Angeles. Brittle hair can also be a sign of malnourishment—specifically, deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A. So for the love of your hair (and your health), steer clear of any lownutrient crash diets.
Skin
Brown splotches
Could mean: You've had a self-tanner mishap... or you have a benign condition called melasma that's often associated with oral contraceptives, says Dina D. Strachan, M. D., a dermatologist in New York City. Doctors aren't sure why some birth-control pills cause these dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip, but they do know UV exposure makes them worse. Your M. D. might recommend a hydroquinone cream.
Small yellow bumps
Could mean: You're looking at fat deposits caused by high cholesterol, says Svetlana Kogan, M. D., an internist in New York City. The yellowish bulges can appear anywhere (yes, on thin people too) but are most common on the knees, elbows, hands, and feet. Make an appointment with your doc for a simple blood cholesterol test.
A rash on your rump
Could mean: Celiac disease, which is triggered by eating gluten, can manifest itself as an itchy red rash or blisters on your derriere. Ten to 15 percent of people with gluten intolerance get this inflammation, which can also appear on your elbows and knees, says Howard Sobel, M. D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Fortunately, once you cut pasta, wheat bread, and other gluten sources from your diet, you'll kick the butt blisters too.
Build a better backside with this leg and booty-busting workout.
Nails
Brittle nails
Could mean: Your frail nails might indicate nutritional deficiencies like low calcium, vitamin D, or zinc, says Andrea Cambio, M.D., a dermatologist in Cape Coral, Florida. Sporting nude nails more often and maintaining a balanced diet may help. Or you can try soaking your nails in water for five minutes at night before moisturizing them with an alpha hydroxy cream.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)