5 Foods That Can Be Harmful for Asthma
People with asthma should be attentive about their surroundings and also be mindful of what they eat. What one eats has a significant impact on their physical as well as mental health, so it’s important to follow healthy eating habits. People with an underlying disease like asthma should know about the various foods that are healthy but bad for asthmatics:
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are one of the foods that are healthy but bad for asthmatics. They are preserved using sulphites, which can worsen the symptoms in some people. The reactions to sulphite can vary from mild to severe in patients. Wine, pickled foods, bottled lime juice, and maraschino cherries have high levels of sulfites and should be avoided by asthmatics.
Beans
Beans are known as abundant sources of proteins, but they can trigger asthma attacks. Eating foods that cause gas, especially in large amounts, can also prove harmful for people with this respiratory condition. Gas puts pressure on the diaphragm, which can further lead to tightness in the chest and cause flare-ups. Some gas-causing foods that are best avoided by asthmatics are beans, cabbage, onions, fried foods, and carbonated drinks.
Foods with salicylates
Naturally present in certain food items, salicylates are also added in toothpaste, aspirin, and food preservatives. These chemicals are found in fruits, vegetables, tea, nuts, spices, and honey, which are some of the foods that are healthy but bad for asthmatics. Salicylates are associated with triggering asthma attacks in rare cases, so one can choose to avoid these foods after consulting their doctor.
Eggs
Although eggs are known as one of the most important foods in a healthy diet, it can trigger asthma symptoms in patients. It is a well-known fact that all food allergens should be avoided by people with asthma. So, if one is allergic to eggs and has asthma, there are high chances that they might experience serious asthma attacks if they consume these otherwise healthy foods.
Shrimp
Both frozen and cooked shrimp can be risky asthma triggers as they contain sulfites. One can easily avoid this food item when at home, but one should also inform people about their condition and avoid their consumption when eating at a restaurant. Patients can ask their doctor about some of the most common food triggers that they should avoid in an asthma-friendly diet.
These are a few foods that are healthy but bad for asthma patients. Avoiding these foods when formulating an asthma-friendly diet can help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and keep one in good shape. Also, patients must consult their doctor or a nutritionist for help, as they can suggest the right foods to eat and avoid to manage the condition effectively. Besides, knowing about any food allergies one has can help patients make healthy dietary choices.