Asthma is a disease that attacks the respiratory tract that cause it to inflame or become narrow, causing shortness of breath. Classified as a chronic disease, asthma is known to have a mortality rate of about 1.77 percent based on data released by WHO in 2014. Not only attacking adults, this disease can also be experienced by children.

In addition to shortness or difficulty breathing, other symptoms commonly experienced by asthmatics include chest pain, coughing, and wheezing. Until now, it is not clear what is the main cause of asthma. However, several factors are known to trigger asthma, such as smoking, dust, cold air, to viral infections. Not only that, based on the results of a review published in 2019, it is known that obesity can also be a factor that triggers asthma. Obese people can reduce asthma symptoms by losing weight.

Until now, the use of inhalers is considered effective enough to help relieve asthma symptoms. However, it is not enough, because the symptoms can come back. In a recent study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, it was found that plant-based diets can help reduce the risk of developing asthma andrelieve symptoms. As the name suggests, this diet prioritizes plant-based foods.

In the study, it was found that foods such as fruits and vegetables can help prevent asthma and relieve symptoms. Meanwhile, researchers found that intake of eggs and dairy products can increase the risk of asthma. Researchers explain that intake of foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and unsaturated fats can improve the performance of the immune system involved in the pathophysiology of asthma.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Alwarith, J., Kahleova, H., Crosby, L., et al (2020). The role of nutrition in asthma prevention and treatment. Nutrition Reviews, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa005.
• Medical News Today - Can eating a plant-based diet alleviate or prevent asthma? (2020). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-eating-a-plant-based-diet-alleviate-or-prevent-asthma#Plant-based-foods, 13 April 2020.