Breathe Easier with These Nutrients
Recent research has indicated that a number of nutrients may lower the risk, or ease the symptoms of asthma.
Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, with the rate increasing dramatically since 1980. Asthma accounts for one-quarter of all emergency room visits in the U.S., and about 5,000 deaths each year.
A handful of studies now being published are adding to a growing body of science linking various nutrients and food intakes to a reduction in the risk or asthma, or improvements in the symptoms associated with the condition.
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1. Higher levels of folate may reduce the risk of having asthma by 16%.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children's Center reported in the upcoming Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology,"Our findings are a clear indication that folic acid may indeed help regulate immune response to allergens, and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms."
According to the findings of the study, higher folate levels were associated with lower levels of IgE antibodies (the main antibody associated with an allergic response), as well as fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and lower likelihood of asthma.
The researchers report that people with the lowest folate levels had a 40% increase in the risk of wheezing , a 31% higher risk of allergic symptoms, and a 16% higher risk of having asthma, compared to those with the highest folate levels.
2. Low dietary intakes of vitamins A and C may increase the risk of developing asthma.
After analyzing a total of 40 previous studies, researchers found that low blood levels of vitamin C and lower dietary intake of vitamin C-containing foods were associated with a 12% heightened risk of asthma.
In addition, the results showed that vitamin A dietary intakes were significantly lower among asthmatics than in those who had not been diagnosed with the disease. And, people with severe asthma had significantly lower vitamin A intakes than people with mild asthma.
3. Fruit and vegetables may cut adult asthma risk.
A diet rich in vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables, could cut the risk of adult asthma by about 20%. This certainly ties in with the earlier two studies, as eating fruits and vegetables would also increase the daily intake of folate/folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin A.
The new study, which looked at the dietary habits of 68,535 women over eleven years, found that women who consumed more than 3 ounces per day of leafy vegetables had a 22% lower risk of asthma than those who ate less than 3 ounces. Tomatoes were associated with a 20% risk reduction and carrots, 18%. The World Health Organization recommends eating 14 ounces of fruit and vegetables a day.
4. Children with insufficient vitamin D levels may be at higher risk of developing asthma.
In the study, led by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, "lower vitamin D levels were associated with increased markers of allergy and asthma severity." Low vitamin D levels in the children were also associated with increased frequency of hospitalization.
5. A combination supplement containing omega-3, vitamin C and zinc may improve children's asthma symptoms.
The three nutrients were associated with improvements in asthma measures, lung function, and markers of inflammation in the lungs, according to the study. "Children with moderately persistent bronchial asthma may get benefit from their diet supplementation with omega- 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin C," wrote the researchers.
Omega-3 and zinc are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, and vitamin C is an antioxidant that may counteract oxidant stress and reduce the external attacks in the lung.
Taking Action
While none of the research is conclusive enough that doctors are recommending supplements to prevent or counteract asthma, the foods and nutrients discussed – folic acid; vitamins A, C and D; fruits and vegetables; omega-3 fatty acids; and zinc – all have numerous known health benefits, and should be an integral part of your daily diet. To be sure you are getting enough of these key nutrients, eat plenty of leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables daily, and take a complete nutritional supplement program, such as Basic Nutrient Support
On a related note, about 70% of those with asthma also have allergies, and nearly half of all asthmatics suffer specifically from allergic asthma. Because of this, addressing the causes and symptoms of allergies can have a very beneficial effect on asthma as well. For more information on dealing with allergies, read the Histamet – Your Springtime Solution article.
