World Health Organization reports that asthma is a major non-communicable disease. It is a chronic disease of the air passages of the lungs which inflames and narrows them. Some 235 million people currently suffer from asthma. It is a common disease among children. Most asthma-related deaths occur in low and lower-middle-income countries. According to WHO estimates released in December 2016, there were 383,000 deaths due to asthma in 2015. Dieudonne’ Bukaba, a private nutritionist at Avega Clinic Remera, says asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. He says, for some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. “Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled as asthma often changes over time, it’s important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed,” he states. FOODS TO ADD TO DIET Bukaba says that there’s no specific diet recommended for asthma, but there are some foods and nutrients that may help support lung function. For instance, vitamin D. He notes, getting enough vitamin D may help reduce the number of asthma attacks in children ages, six to 15. Sources of vitamin D may include salmon, milk and fortified milk, fortified orange juice, and eggs, among others. Those who are allergic to milk or eggs, Bukaba urges to avoid them as a source of vitamin D because allergic symptoms from a food source can manifest as asthma. He adds that vitamin A is important to asthmatic children, because higher levels of vitamin A, is corresponded to better lung function. Good sources of vitamin A are; carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, kale, spinach, and broccoli. “An apple a day may keep asthma at bay. Apples are associated with a lower risk of asthma and increased lung function. Bananas might decrease wheezing in children with asthma. This may be due to the fruit’s antioxidant and potassium content, which may improve lung function,” he says. He also explains that children aged between 11 and 19 who had low magnesium levels also had low lung flow and volume. Kids can improve their magnesium levels by eating magnesium-rich foods like; spinach, pumpkin seeds, salmon. PREVENTING ASTHMA FROM WORSENING When it comes to controlling asthma symptoms, he says, prevention can go a long way. Since asthma may be life-threatening, it’s critical to identify your triggers and avoid them. Tobacco smoke is an asthma trigger for many people. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. If someone in your household smokes, talk to them about quitting. In the meantime, make sure they smoke outdoors. Bukaba says you can take more steps that may help prevent asthma attacks if you create an asthma action plan with your doctor and follow it. Get pneumonia and flu shot each year to avoid illnesses that could provoke asthma attacks. He urges asthmatic patients to take asthma medications as prescribed. Track your asthma and monitor your breathing to identify early warning signs that your asthma is worsening. He also notes, use an air conditioner to reduce your exposure to dust mites and outdoor pollutants and allergens such as pollen. Bukaba adds, use dust covers on your bed and pillows to reduce dust exposure, lessen pet dander by regularly grooming and bathing your pets, cover your nose and mouth when spending time outside in the cold, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep humidity in your home at optimal levels, clean your house regularly to eliminate mould spores and other indoor allergens. Eating a healthier diet may improve your asthma symptoms, but it depends on many factors. For example, the overall impact may depend on your general health, how consistent you are in making changes, and the severity of your symptoms. At the very least, most people who start following a healthier diet usually notice improved energy levels, he says. Having a healthier diet may also lead to benefits such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improved digestion. FOOD TO AVOID According to Private Kamanzi, a dietician at Amazon Wellness Centre, Remera, some foods may elicit asthma symptoms and, therefore, it should be avoided. It should be noted that it is best to consult a nutritionist before you start eliminating certain foods from your diet. He notes sulfites are a type of preservative that may worsen asthma. They are found in wine, dried fruits, pickled food, bottled lemon, and lime juice. FOODS THAT CAUSE GAS Kamanzi explains that eating large meals or foods that cause gas places pressure on your diaphragm, especially if you have acid reflux. This may cause chest tightness, thus producing asthma flares. These foods include; beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, onions, garlic, and fried foods. He also notes, on a rare case, some people with asthma may be sensitive to salicylates found in coffee, tea, and some herbs and spices. Salicylates are naturally occurring chemical compounds, and they are sometimes found in foods. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
