The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world: between 10% and 15% of children and between 10% and 12% of adults has asthma. That is almost 1 in 6 children and 1 in 10 adults! We spent $606 million on asthma annually, approximately 1.2% of all health expenditure and 411 people died due to asthma in 2009.
Asthma is a condition where the airways become inflamed and irritated. As a result they become narrower and produce extra mucous. This makes it more difficult for air to flow into and out of the lungs and causes the symptoms of asthma.
Recent research has highlighted a very astonishing fact – that up to 68% of asthmatic children are vitamin D deficient1. Compared to healthy children, asthmatic children were far more likely to have either a moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency. Who would have thought that a lack of sunshine could have such a huge impact on a child’s health?
Another natural treatment for asthma is magnesium and research says its role in managing acute asthma is well established2. Magnesium is highly beneficial as it relaxes tight muscles and reduces spasms within the airways.
Increasing dietary sources of the omega 3 essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect3. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition so this is a perfect example of the power of food as medicine. These foods include oily fish, avocado, nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil.
What You May Not Know:
- A diet including trans fatty acids and saturated fats doubles the risk for asthma so avoid them at all costs
- A high sodium intake sensitizes the lungs to histamine and increases bronchial hyperactivity
- Dehydration significantly exacerbates asthma due to thickening of mucous and difficult expectoration
- Metabisulphites are common food preservatives and are a leading trigger in childhood asthma. They are found in dried fruits, preserved meats, sausages, wine, beer, fruit juices and smoked foods
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