In Western societies there is a significant increase in the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases. Among the many causes for this increase have been reported some characteristics that define the current models of life, including physical inactivity, reduced contact with nature and nutrition .
Indeed, in the affluent societies of the West, traditional eating habits are gradually being replaced by a high-calorie diet rich in salt and fat and low in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Oxidants and Antioxidants
Early studies of basic scientific evidence came from what was already suspected for all researchers linked to the issue of allergies and asthma: diets rich in fruits, vegetables, antioxidants and beta-carotene were associated with a beneficial effect on asthma. Conversely, a high salt diet and fats had a negative effect.
The fruits and other vegetables - tomatoes, carrots, apples, pears, other fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, among others - are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene. It is believed that these substances have a protective action on the respiratory mucosal inflammatory processes accompanying the asthma, such as those caused by respiratory aggressors such as ozone, pollution vehicle and tobacco smoke. A diet rich in antioxidants seem to reduce the prevalence of asthma.
Rather, the specific consumption of fats and margarines found in milk products - polyunsaturated fatty acid omega-6 - is associated with asthma increased; opposite effect was found in diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 found in fish. These facts advising the reduction of first food (margarine, and dairy products) and increase the second (fish) in the normal diet of the patient with asthma.
Other food constituents found primarily in fish, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables - magnesium, manganese, flavonoids, selenium, copper and zinc - seem associated with a beneficial effect in allergic diseases.
The Mediterranean Diet
In a recent study by Portuguese scientists proved that the so-called Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduction of about 80 percent of the risk of asthma patients have their disease poorly controlled.
The so-called Mediterranean diet - the traditional form of power of the peoples of the Mediterranean Sea basin - is known to integrate a range of foods with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Traditionally is connected to a better control of many chronic diseases.
Includes fruit and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and fresh fish. Rather it is a diet low in alcohol, dairy products, red meats and processed products.
Similarly, the growing trend of Western populations for obesity is indicated as element to facilitate asthma. Obesity , often resulting from sedentary lifestyle and high calorie diet may not only be at the root of many cases of asthma, and hamper enforcement.
Breastfeeding seems to have a preventive effect of obesity that occurs in many children and adolescents.
Read our article about causes of bronchial asthma for more information and discussion of our users.