Plant-Based Diet Helps Manage Asthma

Source- Gulf News

Asthma is a respiratory problem and is responsible for shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing in patients suffering from it. The airways of the person become inflamed and narrow which also leads to excess mucus production, making it difficult for the person to breathe. 

With COVID-19 spreading like wildfire, asthmatic patients have become more vulnerable so it is important to take necessary precautions to keep yourself safe from such health complications. A research study has shown that making dietary changes has helped people control their symptoms and can reduce the risk of complications by a significant percentage. 

Consuming whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and high fiber food and cutting out dairy from diet keeps the symptoms of asthma under control. Here are the effects that were observed after a group of patients adopted a plant-based & no dairy diet: 

 

  • Improvement in vital capacity 
  • Reduced inflammation in lungs 
  • Improved lung function 
  • Improvement in expiratory rate 

The studies were conducted on both, adults and children suffering from asthma, and the improvement in their health was recorded after a year of changing their diet. People who consumed saturated fat and low fiber showed signs of inflammation and poor lung functioning. 

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged people to pay attention to their diet during this time and making necessary changes to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus. Apart from this, asthmatic patients have been advised to stock up on their supplies and medications and not to step out in crowded places during this pandemic.