Asthma is simply caused by  the narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to inflammation, thereby making  breathing difficult. Shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing are symptoms of asthma.  There is no complete cure for asthma but hopefully, its symptoms can be controlled by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

With an increase in environmental pollution, incidents of asthma attack has gone up. According to World Health Organization, Asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 and caused 461000 deaths. Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries, where under-diagnosis and under-treatment is a challenge.

In this post, I will highlight 14 simple asthma natural cure foods that can go  a long way in reducing the severity of asthma attacks and inflammation around your airways.

Does this sound like something you have been looking for?

Let’s dive right into it.

Research has shown that natural foods can be extremely helpful in controlling asthma symptoms and providing relief. Below are some of the natural foods that will  be of help;

1.   Turmeric

Turmeric is versatile and widely used in preparing foods.  It is what gives curry its yellow color. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric and it plays a major role in enhancing the functioning of the lungs It helps with conditions like asthma and other respiratory diseases. Curcumin helps in reducing the inflammation of the airways and chest tightness associated with asthma.

2.   Onions

 

Onions is a vegetable found in every household and is extensively used in preparing meals. It is rich in minerals and vitamins and equally contains vitamin C in large quantity which makes it an immune builder. Onions contain quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound that may help reduce swellings in the airways associated with asthma.

3.  Honey

 

The anti-inflammatory properties contained in honey may reduce the severity of asthma attacks by reducing the swelling in the airways. Honey also has anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

4.  Garlic

 

One of the most outstanding benefits of garlic is its ability to reduce inflammation. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can fight inflammation associated with asthma symptoms. It also lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol.

5.  Ginger

 

 

Ginger is a common spice used in preparing foods and drinks. It is well known in the treatment of colds and sore throat. The anti-inflammatory property of ginger helps in fighting inflamed airways associated with asthma and other respiratory diseases.

6.  Fatty Fish

 

 

Fatty fish are a good source of Omega -3 fatty acids  and protein. so fishes such as salmon and sardines  that contain omega-3 fatty acids are recommended to asthmatic patients because these fatty acids help reduce inflamed airways associated with asthma .

7.  Berries

 

Berries are edible fruits and ranges from blueberries to strawberries, blackberries and crawn berries. They are rich in antioxidants and also contain anti-inflammatory agents. in other words, it helps  fights inflammation associated with asthma or other respiratory diseases.

8.  Broccoli & Cauliflower

These are common vegetables and are widely used in preparing meals. They belong to the cabbage family along with kale, brussels, and sprouts and they are known as cruciferous vegetables. Studies has shown that cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that fights inflammation.

9.  Avocados

 

This fruit is very common especially in Nigeria. it can be eaten alone as well as in the combination of other foods. It is a good source of fibre, potassium, magnesium, and heart-healthy fats. when eaten over time may reduce inflammation.

10.  Peppers

Peppers are common and is widely used in various homes. Chilli peppers and Bell Peppers are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

11.  Grapes

Grapes are plump fruits that grow in bunches. They can be eaten raw but is widely used in the production of wine. Grapes are loaded with various minerals and vitamins and also contains anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation. Studies show that resveratrol, an antioxidant compound which is also gotten from grapes decreases inflammation.

12.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy oil that has a unique flavor and aroma, rich in heart -healthy fats and loaded with antioxidants. It is used in baking , roasting and frying. Research has it that it could combat heart diseases and reduce inflammation as seen in asthmatic patients.

13.  Raw Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants. Studies show that cocoa may be useful for asthma patients because it contains anti-asthmatic compounds such as theophylline and theobromine.

14.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that improves lung health. whether consumed as a diet or taken as juice , studies show that tomatoes reduce inflamed airways in people with asthma.

Can spicy food trigger asthma?

Spicy foods may trigger heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux. Acid reflux is a situation where the stomach content flows backwards into the esophagus thereby affecting the linings of the throat and the airways of the lungs causing symptoms like coughing and inflammation associated with asthma.

Is rice good for asthma?

Whole grains are recommended because they are rich in fiber, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Brown rice also contains vitamin E, selenium, and essential fatty acids, which are healthy for the lungs. A typical example of brown rice grown in Nigeria that is unpolished and not genetically modified is ofada rice. 

 

So far I have mentioned 14 natural foods that can help relieve inflamed airways associated with asthma. In addition to all these asthma natural cure foods mentioned above, its also important to avoid foods that can worsen asthma symptoms. Also read: what foods aggravates asthma.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the ultimate to good health so take the necessary steps today. Think this article was helpful, leave us a comment below.

If there is anything I omitted or you want me to write about, kindly leave a comment for us in the box below.