Occasionally, the airways can become inflamed and narrower, leading to asthma, a disease whose cases have increased in Spain in recent years, probably in connection with industrial development.
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There is no known definitive cure, but there are ways to temporarily treat the symptoms (mucus, breathing problems, wheezing, etc.). Natural remedies can often help people with asthma control some of their symptoms. But they should only be used to help the medical treatment plan, not to replace it.
Some of the Best Bronchodilator Foods
Although the evidence suggests that there is no single food or nutrient that improves asthma symptoms on its own, for example, there are certain products that help maintain lung function:
- Onion: in this case it is not a matter of consuming it, but of taking advantage of what it emits into the environment. when we cut it, the cysteine contained in the onion reacts with some enzymes and gives rise to a gaseous compound called thiopropanal sulfoxide. If we put a cut onion in the room, it emits sulfoxide into the air and irritates our nasal cavities, stimulating a secretion that moistens the nose, making breathing easier.
- Garlic: this potent and pungent food is very beneficial for the lungs because it helps fight infections (as well as reducing cholesterol and inflammation in the body). It also clears up lung congestion, reduces airway inflammation and fights lung infections. This is thanks in large part to vitamin C, which neutralizes the molecules that cause airway constriction.
- Ginger: Mostly valued for soothing an upset stomach, ginger can also help relieve asthma symptoms thanks to certain compounds that relax the airways. It is also is attributed with the ability to reduce inflammation and raw ginger has been linked to anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin D: Fatty fish such as salmon and foods such as milk, eggs and orange juice contain this nutrient that strengthens the immune system response and may reduce airway swelling.
- Turmeric: It is considered a potential natural remedy for asthma due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research showed that, in adults with asthma, administration of 500 milligrams of curcumin a day for one month improved asthma symptoms. Experts also admitted that more research with more participants is needed.
- Spinach: Green leafy vegetables contain a significant amount of vitamins and minerals as well as folic acid. Folate may be especially important for people with asthma. Spinach in particular is full of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium and calcium. Magnesium deficiency is known to be common in people with asthma.
- Water: not being well hydrated and not having enough water vapor in the lungs causes the airways to constrict. Hydration is basic to respiratory health. It helps keep mucus moving. If mucus builds up in the airways and lungs, we are more likely to get an infection.
- Apples: The flavonoid content helps open up the airways and the quercetin can help relieve sinus symptoms. In addition, apples are loaded with nutrients, thanks to which we can reduce inflammation. Research published in Nutrition Journal shows that an apple a day may help keep asthma at bay because it is associated with increased lung function.
Although it’s not entirely clear, caffeine has also been associated with some lung health benefits. Experts liken it to theophylline, a bronchodilator drug used to open up the airways of the lungs, thereby relieving asthma symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
A review of the effects of caffeine found that even small amounts of caffeine can improve lung function for four hours, although more research is needed to corroborate this.
Lifestyle, key to respiratory health
Follow and maintain a balanced diet and regular physical exercise is essential to take care of our lungs. For the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), a healthy diet involves eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also lean or low-fat meats, as well as low-fat dairy products.
Processed and refined foods, which worsen asthma, should be avoided. Lack of fibre reduces probiotic bacteria, depletes stomach acid and hinders proper digestion. Thus, an inadequate supply of nutrients makes the body less able to neutralize toxins.
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