Title: 5 Foods and Drinks That May Affect Asthma | Everyday Health
Headings: 5 Foods That May Trigger Asthma Flares
5 Foods That May Trigger Asthma Flares
Processed foods and certain high-fat foods have been linked to worse asthma symptoms.
Artificial Sweeteners
Processed Foods
Fatty Foods
Wine and Beer
Dairy
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Content: In addition to following a healthy diet, you might want to talk to your doctor about whether avoiding these seven types of foods and drinks could help improve your asthma management. Remember, no dietary changes should be used in place of asthma treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. If your symptoms are improving (or getting worse), talk with your doctor about adjusting your asthma treatment plan. 536
Artificial Sweeteners
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Though rare, food allergies can trigger asthma, notes the Cleveland Clinic. And the calorie-free sweetener aspartame, commonly used in diet sodas, is one of many food additives known to cause allergic reactions, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “Food allergy symptoms can mirror — or even worsen — the symptoms of asthma and vice versa,” says Peg Strub, MD, the chief of the allergy department at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco. It’s best for people with breathing difficulties to avoid chemicals, like aspartame, that can cause allergic reactions, she says. 537
Processed Foods
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Many processed foods contain preservatives and artificial colorings that may worsen lung inflammation. “A lot of highly processed foods, such as fast foods, deep-fried foods, packaged foods, and frozen foods, seem to increase asthma symptoms,” McCormack says. She advises her asthma patients to limit these foods and instead focus on in-season whole fruits and vegetables.