About the Author
Jamie Johnson, RDN, is a board-certified registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Ingraining Nutrition, where she partners with food companies and health outlets to provide evidence-based nutrition information and recipe development services. She focuses on prenatal and pediatric nutrition and is well-versed in nutrition for diabetes, weight loss, and digestive health.
Certain foods can worsen allergic asthma symptoms, especially for people with food allergies. While there’s no specific diet for allergic asthma, you can make some dietary changes to help manage your symptoms.
Start by identifying and avoiding food allergens, such as wheat, soy, and dairy, because allergic reactions exacerbate asthma symptoms. Then, focus on improving the quality of your diet by prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods, like fruits and vegetables. These foods help enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve allergic asthma symptoms.
Identify Food-Related Allergens
Having a food allergy increases your chances of having allergic asthma.
Having food allergies and asthma can worsen allergic reactions and put you at higher risk of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction.
If you’re living with allergic asthma, you might have to cut out one or more of the top nine food allergens:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame
However, it’s also possible that you’re allergic to other foods that are not in these categories. If you don’t know your allergic asthma triggers, talk to a healthcare provider about having allergy testing.
I also recommend getting help from a dietitian, especially one with experience in food allergies and elimination diets. These diets can be tedious, so having an expert guide you is helpful.
Food Intolerance or Sensitivity Can Trigger Allergic Asthma
Certain foods you may have an intolerance or sensitivity to can trigger allergic asthma symptoms. For example, you might feel better avoiding highly processed foods or those containing many additives and artificial ingredients that contribute to inflammation.
Sulfites (sulfur-based compounds used as preservatives in some foods and beverages) can trigger asthma attacks in some people. Consider steering clear of foods and drinks containing these compounds. Examples of such include:
- Bottled lime and lemon juice
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Packaged potatoes
- Pickled foods
- Shrimp
- Wine and beer
Prioritize Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Manage Symptoms
While no specific diets exist for people with allergic asthma, certain eating patterns, such as plant-based or Mediterranean diets, emphasize anti-inflammatory foods.
When you have asthma, your airways get inflamed, making it harder to breathe. Anti-inflammatory foods can fight inflammation and reduce allergic asthma symptoms.
Here are some examples of anti-inflammatory foods:
- Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pomegranates, cherries, avocados
- Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale; and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts; carrots, peppers, and tomatoes
- Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, farro
- Legumes: Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, edamame, green peas
- Healthy fats: Salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, avocado, avocado oil, olive oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds
- Fermented foods: Tofu, tempeh, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir yogurt
More research on specific foods to eat for allergic asthma is necessary, but in general, eating anti-inflammatory foods is a good idea for almost everybody to combat inflammation and get enough vitamins and minerals.
Look for Foods With Specific Vitamins and Nutrients
Anti-inflammatory eating patterns emphasize foods with the following nutrients:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s can be found in cold-water fatty, oily fish like salmon, tuna, and herring. Walnuts and flaxseeds also have high omega-3 content.
- Vitamin C: Foods with vitamin C have antioxidant and immune-boosting benefits. Examples of such foods include citrus fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes.
- Vitamin D: Most people get vitamin D from sun exposure. However, food sources include fish and fish oil, mushrooms, and fortified foods. This vitamin supports immune function.
- Vitamin E: Green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and vegetable-based oils (like olive and avocado oil) have antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.
- Fiber: This carbohydrate found in plant-based foods, such as broccoli, sweet potato, and nuts, may help reduce asthma symptoms.
Supplements for Allergic Asthma
Some research shows that vitamin D, E, and C supplements may benefit people with asthma, especially those deficient in these vitamins. However, more research is necessary to confirm this.
If you have asthma and a vitamin deficiency, talk to a healthcare provider about supplementing vitamin D, vitamin E, or vitamin C.
Allergies and asthma are overlapping conditions; treating one can help manage the other. If you have food allergies or sensitivities that trigger symptoms, avoid them whenever possible. Aside from that, it’s best to eat a balanced diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, lots of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats to help manage allergic asthma through your diet.
As told to Sarah Bence, OTR/L
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Managing Allergic Asthma Through Diet
Allergic asthma is a condition where food allergies can exacerbate struggles with asthma. While no specific diet exists for managing allergic asthma, certain dietary changes may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
Understanding Allergic Triggers
Individuals with food allergies face an increased risk of exacerbating their asthma symptoms. A combination of food allergies and asthma can lead to heightened allergic reactions and a greater chance of severe reactions like anaphylaxis. It is essential to identify and avoid the top nine food allergens, which include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame
Additionally, other undiagnosed food sensitivities could contribute to allergic asthma symptoms, highlighting the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for allergy testing.
Food Intolerances and Asthma Symptoms
In some cases, food intolerances can trigger asthma-related symptoms. Highly processed foods that contain numerous additives may lead to inflammation, so it’s advisable to limit these foods in your diet. For instance, sulfites—the sulfur-based preservatives found in certain foods—can provoke asthma episodes. Foods to monitor include:
- Bottled lime and lemon juice
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Packaged potatoes
- Pickled foods
- Shrimp
- Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer
Incorporating Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Though no diet is recommended specifically for allergic asthma, adopting eating patterns that emphasize anti-inflammatory foods can be beneficial. Diets such as the Mediterranean or plant-based styles focus on reducing inflammation, which can help ease breathing difficulties in asthma patients. Examples of anti-inflammatory foods include:
- Fruits: Berries, cherries, avocados, and pomegranates.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes.
- Whole grains: Options like brown rice and quinoa.
- Legumes: Beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
- Healthy fats: Fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
- Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
Research on specific diets for allergic asthma is ongoing, but incorporating anti-inflammatory foods is a practical strategy for most individuals to support their health.
Nutritional Focus for Asthma Management
When considering foods for allergic asthma, emphasize those rich in:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, omega-3s combat inflammation effectively.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and vegetables like broccoli offer important antioxidant benefits.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin, crucial for immune function, is available in fish and fortified foods.
- Vitamin E: Present in nuts and green leafy vegetables, this vitamin supports your immune defenses.
- Fiber: Found in whole grains and vegetables, fiber can assist in managing asthma symptoms.
Considerations for Supplementation
There is emerging evidence that vitamin D, E, and C supplements could offer benefits for individuals with asthma, particularly for those who are deficient in these nutrients. If you suspect a deficiency, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on supplementation.
Conclusion
For individuals dealing with allergic asthma, managing food allergies is key to minimizing symptoms. Avoiding allergens and focusing on a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, vitamins, and healthy fats can help in managing the condition effectively. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
As contributed by Jamie Johnson, RDN, a board-certified registered dietitian nutritionist.
