HEALTH - WHAT AILS YOU ? AND HOW FOODS CAN HELP

ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES

These two conditions are not the same although both asthma and allergies are characterised by an immune response to certain substances that act as triggers in certain people. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder. When the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs become con-stricted, causing a difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing it is an asthma attack. When the bronchial tubes of the lungs are inflamed, even in mild cases, it plays a key role in all forms of the disease. There is purportedly a link to a genetically inherited tendency for asthma. It is possible also that asthma is caused by allergies..... but not all people with allergies have asthma.When a chemical called histamine is released it can cause many of the physical manifestations of both asthma and allergies like inflammation, congestion, muscle contraction in the airways as well as excessive mucus.
There are many irritants that can set of asthma and allergies like.....dust, dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander and cockroaches. Other triggers are COLD AIR, humidity, tobacco smoke, exercise or food as also respiratory infections such as colds, flu, etc.

HOW FOOD CAN HELP

It is important to eat a low fat diet which is rich in vegetables and fruits as they are linked to respiratory health.

Including foods rich in Vitamin C, quercetin, magnesium and selenium will help the lungs to relax and also reduce inflammation. Quercetin has anti-allergenic abilities and is also known to reduce the release of histamine and therefore is an important lung protector.

Quercetin is found in APPLES, BERRIES, CHERRIES AND RED ONION

Magnesium rich foods are avocados, sunflower seeds, amaranth and quinoa.

Selenium is found in brazil nuts, fish, oysters and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin C rich foods are citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries and broccoli.