Asthma is a condition that is characterized by a narrowing of airways of the lungs. This is usually coupled with inflammation of the and sometimes mucus making the airflow in and out of the lungs more difficult. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.
Recent studies suggest that asthma in children is related to the consumption of the supposedly healthy “polyunsaturated” fats found I margarine and vegetable oils. How could these fats be causative factor in asthma? It is well known that certain foods may promote inflammation in the body, and the omega-6 fats found in the fast foods, baked products margarine and vegetable oil (e.g. sunflower and corn oil), appear to do this. It is this inflammation that initiates the underlying process that leads to the lungs constriction that is characteristic of asthma. One study found that, in the world in general the increased rate of asthma coincided with a fivefold increase of polyunsaturated fats, particularly of the omega-6 type.
In contrast, the consumption of what are known as omega-3 fatty acids(such as oily feeds ) is associated with lower risk of asthma in Mediterranean and Scandinavian countries (where omega-3 fats consumption is high), rates of asthma are much lower. Avoiding margarine, vegetable oils, processed and convenience foods, coupled with the inclusion of inclusion of omega-3 supplement (since oily fish isn’t that easily available here) in a child’s diet may help to control asthma symptoms with time.
While the right fats are important, food sensitivity is another key factor. The idea is this simple: that symptoms of asthma are triggered by certain foods your child eat and in that the most common culprit s are the dairy products milk and cheese in particular and wheat. A dairy and wheat free diet has helped to control asthma symptoms within a few weeks.
A British study has also shown that children who spend hours in front of the television are more likely to develop asthma than those who are more active. It seems that inactive children don’t inhale deeply and regularly enough, which helps to stretch the airways, and may make them prone to asthma.
So get the young ones out- it may help to keep asthma away. Don’t forget to check the links.
