Nutrition Guide for Asthma Sufferers:

Your one-stop source for information on the optimal diet, the top 19 foods, and the best recipes for preventing and relieving asthma symptoms.

Asthma is a respiratory disorder affecting the airways of the lungs. The airways of asthma sufferers occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and start making more mucus, often in response to an allergen (such as cold air, exercise, infection, tobacco smoke, or emotional stress). This may result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing (especially at night), trouble breathing, or a feeling of constriction within the chest. Some asthmatics may have no symptoms for long periods of time but are then suddenly attacked by asthma symptoms, while others experience symptoms more frequently. Asthma has gained much public attention in recent years, as the condition is rapidly becoming more prevalent, afflicting almost 20 million Americans today.

The most effective way of controlling asthma is identifying triggers of the attacks and limiting exposure to them. However, if trigger avoidance is insufficient, a number of drugs are available. Moreover, nutritional choices may also help reduce attacks and the severity of symptoms.

This Nutrition Guide for Asthma Sufferers aims to provide comprehensive information on how to fight asthma naturally at home with food and proper nutrition. The page you are currently viewing is the home page of the Guide — all the latest news and tips are published here, so be sure to bookmark this page! Other sections provide information on dietary habits and foods that can help fight and alleviate asthma symptoms as well as delicious anti-asthma recipes. You can navigate this Guide by using the menu on the right.

Are you stuck in a routine, using the same old smoothie ingredients week after week? Did you know that you can easily upgrade your anti-asthma smoothies by adding some chia seeds to the mix? Chia seeds, which are available both as whole seeds and as ground powder, are an excellent dietary addition for people with asthma. These tiny powerhouse seeds are loaded with asthma fighting omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin and magnesium.

If you have the opportunity to choose between a gas stove and an electric one, opt for the electric stove if someone in your household suffers from asthma. Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, which is a potent asthma trigger. Even if the bedroom of the asthmatic individual is on a different floor, away from the kitchen, the levels of nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves may be high enough to trigger asthma symptoms. Electric stoves don't produce nitrogen dioxide.

If you are a regular reader of this nutrition guide, you may already know that broccoli is one of the best foods for people with bronchial asthma. What you may not know, however, is that in order to maximize the vitamin C content of your broccoli dishes, you should opt for fresh broccoli instead of frozen broccoli. According to a study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture in 2000, broccoli loses about 50-55% of its vitamin C content during blanching and subsequent freezing.

Why You Shouldn't Love Your Inhaler (Guest Article)

While you shouldn't throw out your rescue inhaler, you shouldn't use asthma inhalers on a regular basis, argues the author of this article.
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Garlic and Asthma: Is Garlic Good for Asthma Sufferers?

'Learn how garlic can help prevent asthma attacks by inhibiting histamine release and promoting easy breathing.
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Benefits of Not Eating Wheat

Could your asthma-like symptoms be related to the consumption of wheat?
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Mugwort-Induced Asthma and Cross-Reactivity with Foods

Learn which foods cross react with mugwort pollen, a common cause of asthma symptoms.
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Birch Pollen Allergy and Asthma

List of foods that may aggravate asthma symptoms and oral allergy symptoms in people allergic to birch pollen.
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What Are Hypoallergenic Foods?

Benefits of hypoallergenic foods and a list of some of the least allergenic foods.
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Produce that is in season locally tastes better, has more nutrients and is generally cheaper. The following table shows which antioxidant foods are currently in season in the selected regions (may include foods that are available from cold storage or foods grown in greenhouses). As you probably already know, antioxidants are beneficial to people with asthma as they help neutralize free radicals which cause contraction of airway smooth muscles. However, you should keep in mind that even some antioxidant foods may cause allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals, so stick to those seasonal foods that you know are safe for you. Please note: some of the lists provided below may not be fully accurate for some regions due to unpredictable weather conditions and other factors.

You can find great seasonal produce in the UK and Ireland in May. Healthy, antioxidant-rich foods in season include cauliflower, wild garlic, lettuce, watercress, calabrese broccoli, beets, cabbage, rosemary, rhubarb, mint and purple sprouting broccoli.

In Australia, May heralds in many antioxidant-laden fruits and berries such as pears, apples, bananas, lemons, limes, quinces, grapefruit, mandarines, oranges, custard apples and kumquats. Herbs like thyme, marjoram, mint, dill, parsley, rosemary, sage and chives are also in season. When cooking with fresh Australian produce in May, you can also enjoy watercress, cauliflower, fennel, swedes, Brussels sprouts, garlic, avocado, beets, broccoli, mushrooms, leeks, pumpkins, cabbage, kohlrabi, lettuce and carrots.

Locally-grown antioxidant-rich foods in season in May include mushrooms, squash, chard, spinach, thyme, lettuce, radishes, arugula, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and sprouts.

Healthy, antioxidant-rich foods in season in Michigan, Illinois and Iowa this month include rhubarb, arugula, lettuce, parsley, carrots, chard, radishes, beets, fava beans, spinach, parsnips, onions, and potatoes.

May heralds in a wide range of antioxidant-loaded foods in the southern / southwestern states of Texas, Arizona and California. In most of these states, the following foods are in season this month: carrots, celery, leeks, tomatoes, grapefruit, oranges, cucumber, beets, chard, lettuce, onions, parsley, potatoes, basil, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, radishes, and strawberries.

Locally-grown antioxidant and other asthma fighting foods currently available in Florida include: lemongrass, parsley, potatoes, cabbage, guava, lettuce, leeks, tomatoes (and tomatillos), thyme, zucchini, Chinese cabbage, grapefruit, limes, oranges, collards, radishes, cucumbers, eggplant, carrots, onions, basil, oregano, green beans, blueberries, broccoli, squash, strawberries, celery, celeriac, and chard.