Whole Grains

• According to parents.com, some researchers believe that a diet high in meat and poultry may contribute to the likelihood of asthma. In one study, researchers found that children who received the majority of their calories from cereal and rice and most of their protein from cereals, nuts, starches and vegetables were most protected against the wheezing caused my asthma. Asthma sufferers should limit their intake of meat and increase their intake of whole grains, like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain cereal and whole-wheat pasta. (See References 2.)
  
  

Vitamins

• Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that the risk of developing asthma was increased dramatically among people with a diet low in vitamins A and C. According to the study, men with asthma were lacking 26 percent of their daily vitamin-A requirements, while women with asthma were lacking 30 percent of theirs. The results of this study show that asthma sufferers should aim for a diet high in both vitamins A and C. Information published on parents.com recognizes that foods rich in vitamins A, C and E help clean out the immune system. By reducing tissue damage and inflammation in the airways, these foods decrease the severity of asthma. Good sources of vitamin A include cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt and certain types of fish, such as salmon, herring, anchovies and tuna. Good sources of vitamin C include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, such as kiwi, oranges, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. (See References 3.)
  
  

Fatty Acids

• The most common types of fatty acids consumed are omega-3 and omega-6. WebMD explains that while omega-3 fatty acids have a number of health benefits, omega-6 fatty acids can actually make asthma worse. (See References 1.) Omega-3 fatty acids work by calming the airways, either preventing asthma or drastically lessening its severity. However, omega-6 fatty acids actually inflame the airways, making the lungs very sensitive to irritants. This inflammation drastically increases the likelihood for asthma attacks. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, canola or olive oil, and walnuts. Avoid foods like prepackaged cookies, chips, fast food, salad dressings and margarine, as these are quite high in omega-6 fatty acids.