Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (97 page)

ARTHRITIS

See OSTEOARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

ASTHMA

Asthma is characterized by spasms in the airways in the lungs. This impedes the exhalation of air, causing coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty in breathing. The spasms are caused by chronic or excessive inflammation or by sensitivity of the airways to outside stimuli such as cold air, pollution, pollen, chemicals, cigarette smoke, animal dander, etc. Other triggers include stress, exercise, laughing, and respiratory infections.

UNDERLYING CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Hereditary factors.

Fatty acid imbalance—essential fats can have an anti-inflammatory effect, while saturated and processed fats can have a pro-inflammatory effect.

Nutritional deficiencies—magnesium, vitamins B
₆
, B
₁₂
, vitamin C, and selenium are often found to be low in asthmatics.

Food intolerances or allergies—mucus-forming foods are a particular problem. Dairy products, eggs, soy, chocolate, corn, and wheat may all be culprits. (See page
178
.)

Sensitivity to chemicals in food additives, preservatives, and colorings or in household cleaning products, carpets, etc.

Inhalant allergies—pollen, animal hair, smoke, and dust mites.

Insufficient stomach acid—asthmatics often have low stomach acid and this in turn can lead to food intolerances and nutrient deficiencies.

Action plan

Many asthmatics are put on various medications by their GP. However, there is much the asthmatic can do to reduce or relieve symptoms through diet.

EAT/DRINK

Fruit and vegetables—these are high in potassium, which counteracts the effects of sodium. They are also the best sources of vitamin C needed to reduce inflammation.

Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring, and mackerel. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is good for the inflamed asthmatic.

Garlic, red onions, and apples—these contain quercetin, which inhibits inflammation.

Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium. This trace mineral has an anti-inflammatory effect and several studies have linked its consumption with relative protection from asthma.

Green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are all good sources of magnesium: constriction of the airways in the lungs is a feature of asthma. The mineral magnesium can help to prevent this by promoting relaxation in the muscles that line the airways.