When our airways are inflamed, they become narrower, which can cause a lung disease called asthma.
It’s one of the most common long-term diseases affecting children, though adults can have it too, it is often linked to genetic, environmental and occupational factors.
Though there is no known cure, there are, however, ways to temporarily treat symptoms when they occur.
If you produce a lot of mucus, have trouble breathing, are constantly wheezing, or feel chest tightness, these superfoods might just help.
1. Avocado
2. Honey
Mixing 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water (three times a day) removes phlegm from your throat and treats asthma symptoms. It also reduces cholesterol levels, prevents and treats gingivitis and digests pre-accumulated fat. You can even add 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon to 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the warm water for an energizing shot (that might be linked to weight loss.)
3. Kale
Kale has more vitamin C per cup than an entire orange; this vitamin reduces muscle contraction in our airway passages. This veggie is also loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant phytochemical, which, among with alleviating asthma symptoms, also has packed levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, B6, manganese and more.
4. Coffee
Caffeine can open up the airways in the lungs for up to four hours, which can alleviate asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Coffee can immediately treat asthma attacks or symptoms as they happen by making it easier for you to breathe. Coffee has high amounts of caffeine, but it can also be found in tea, cola drinks and cocoa.
5. Spinach
Spinach is largely considered the “king of super foods” because it is stuffed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is common among those who suffer from asthma, as the vitamin can help with airway resistance.
6. Apple
A study revealed that expectant mothers who ate apples might prevent asthma and wheezing in their newborns. The study also found that eating one banana per day (along with drinking apple juice) “improved wheezing occurrences.”
7. Banana
Eating one banana a day reduces asthmatic symptoms because they can prevent the formation of free radicals. Most likely because bananas, rich is potassium and fiber, can help lower blood pressure and fight cancer. (Did I mention that bananas also strengthen heart health?)
8. Garlic
If you don’t mind stinky breath: Garlic obliterates lung congestion, reduces airway inflammation and fights lung infections. This is largely due to vitamin C, which neutralizes the molecules causing airway constriction. To make a healthy concoction, crush three cloves of garlic, add to two cups of hot water, boil until one cup is left, let sit for five minutes and enjoy!
