9 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS TO EAT WHEN YOU HAVE ALLERGIC ASTHMA

Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD

People with allergic asthma experience asthma symptoms and attacks when exposed to pollen, dust, or pet dander. Though no food can cure or treat asthma, anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial for people with allergic asthma. 

Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Eating fruits and vegetables frequently may lower the risk of developing asthma and asthma symptoms like wheezing.

1. Fruits

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve asthma symptoms and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. Fruits provide several healthy nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which lower inflammation and improve immune function. 

People who eat fruits are less likely to develop asthma and experience asthma symptoms like wheezing. 

Healthy fruits for people with allergic asthma include:

• Apples
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Berries
• Melon 

2. Vegetables

Vegetables are a healthy choice for everyone, especially those with allergic asthma. Diets rich in vegetables can lower the risk of asthma and reduce inflammation. People who eat a wide variety of vegetables are likelier to maintain a healthy weight. This is important for asthma management because obesity can make asthma symptoms worse. 

Consider adding the following vegetables to your diet:

• Leafy greens
• Broccoli 
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes 
• Bell peppers 
• Mushrooms 

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in fiber and may reduce asthma symptoms. People who eat healthy diets, including whole grains, report fewer asthma symptoms and better symptom control than those who eat calorie-dense diets. 

Examples of healthy whole grains include:

• Whole wheat bread, pasta, and crackers
• Oatmeal
• Brown rice
• Barley 
• Buckwheat 

4. Legumes

Eating a diet rich in legumes may reduce the risk of asthma and asthma attacks. Legumes are plant-based foods rich in fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Research shows that a fiber-rich diet lowers inflammation and may improve asthma symptoms. 

Healthy legume options include:

• Black beans
• Kidney beans 
• Pinto beans 
• Chickpeas 
• Peas 

5. Selenium-Rich Foods 

Selenium is a mineral and powerful antioxidant that may reduce asthma symptoms. Research found that people with low levels of selenium may be more likely to have immune issues. They may also experience more oxidative stress, which can strain the lungs. Having a healthy level of selenium in the blood may improve lung function and asthma symptoms. 

Foods rich in selenium include:

• Brazil nuts
• Fish 
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Turkey 
• Eggs
• Bananas 

6. Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is a mineral the body needs for healthy lung function. One study found that regular magnesium supplements may reduce inflammation and relax the airways. This can make breathing easier and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. 

Magnesium-rich foods include:

• Pumpkin seeds
• Spinach
• Cashews
• Salmon 
• Low-fat dairy products 

7. Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants are compounds found in plants that fight free-radical damage in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants reduces inflammation in the body and may benefit people with allergic asthma. 

Eat a diet rich in the following antioxidants:

• Vitamin A and beta carotene: sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, dark leafy greens 
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli 
• Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, nuts, fortified cereals, juices 

8. Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for immune function. It may also reduce inflammation in the airways and improve asthma symptom management. Research shows that taking a vitamin D supplement daily may reduce the number of asthma attacks a person experiences and lower the need for corticosteroids to treat an attack. 

In addition to supplements, foods with vitamin D include:

• Salmon 
• Herring
• Sardines 
• Fortified milk 
• Fortified orange juice
• Eggs 

9. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve blood vessel function. While saturated fats can worsen asthma symptoms, healthy fats may improve symptoms. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, produce fewer leukotrienes, which drive allergic inflammation. Fats from vegetable oil, fried food, and margarine contain omega-6 fatty acids, which produce more leukotrienes.

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Avocados are a good source of fat, vitamins, and minerals. 

Examples of healthy fats include:

• Olive oil
• Avocados 
• Nuts
• Fatty fish 

Types of Anti-Inflammatory Diets

People with allergic asthma may benefit from following an anti-inflammatory diet. A nutrient-dense diet of fruits and vegetables may improve asthma symptoms and prevent the condition. However, more research is necessary to determine if a certain diet is an effective treatment option for asthma. 

The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, olive oil, fruit, fish, whole grains, and legumes; following it may lower the risk of asthma. 

A plant-based or vegetarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may also improve asthma symptoms.

Takeaway

In addition to anti-inflammatory foods, people with allergic asthma may also benefit from anti-inflammatory drinks. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking green tea may also improve immune function. 

Foods to Avoid 

Certain foods can trigger an asthma attack or make symptoms worse. Avoid the following types of foods if you have allergic asthma:

• Sulfites: Preservatives found in dried fruits, pickled foods, shrimp, and wine
• Salicylates: Compounds found in tea, coffee, herbs, and spicy foods
• Common allergens: Avoid known allergens, such as milk, shellfish, wheat, and tree nuts. 
• Fast food: Highly processed food that contains high levels of saturated fat, salt, and sugar
• Calorie-dense foods: Foods high in fat and calories and low in nutrients raise the risk of obesity; people with obesity are at a greater risk of asthma attacks 

Takeaway

In addition to certain trigger foods, people with allergic asthma should plan to avoid the following irritants: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen)
• Cigarette smoke
• Fireplaces or campfires
• Air pollution
• Pollen
• Dust 
• Pet dander 

Summary 

Allergic asthma causes an allergic response that includes wheezing and other asthma symptoms. People with allergic asthma may experience asthma symptoms when exposed to common triggers such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Food allergies may also cause asthma symptoms. 

There is no specific food or diet that treats asthma. However, eating a healthy diet is important for allergic asthma management. Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Vitamins and minerals helpful for people with asthma include vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as magnesium and selenium.

Read the original article on Verywell Health

2025-03-12T16:32:06Z