Nutrients That Help Minimize Asthma Frequency

Nutrients That Help Lower Asthma Symptoms:
Omega-3
- When dietary omega-3 levels are low, it creates pro-inflammatory conditions in the body which is one of the trigger factors for asthma.
- Omega-3 fats exert an anti-inflammatory effect on mucous membranes and lower the risk of an asthma flare-up.
- Studies show that taking omega-3 is linked to a lower risk of asthma in both children as well as young adults1,2.
Antioxidants
- Inflammation of the airways in asthma patients leads to severe stress and damage to the delicate lining of lung tissue. Antioxidants like carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E help prevent harm to the lung and bronchial tissues.
- Studies have linked asthma and other upper respiratory issues to low fruit and antioxidant intake3.
Vitamin D
- Studies show that vitamin D strengthens your immune system and helps your body defend itself against a cold or the flu4. By reducing your risk of a cold and the flu, you lower your risk for asthma flare-ups.
- A recent study revealed that vitamin D brought down asthma flare-ups by about 300% in children5.
- A 2016 review of several clinical studies found that taking vitamin D supplements along with regular asthma medications may help lower the frequency of asthma attacks6.
Magnesium
- Magnesium has been found to help the bronchial cells relax and ease symptoms in children with asthma7.
- Studies show that magnesium stimulates nitric oxide production which helps increase blood flow to the lungs. It also improves the production of prostacyclin, a hormone that promotes healthy blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs8.
References:
1. Fish and Fish Oil Intake in Relation to Risk of Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2013; 8(11): e80048
2. Intakes of long-chain omega-3 (n−3) PUFAs and fish in relation to incidence of asthma among American young adults: the CARDIA study, 2013 Jan; 97(1): 181–186
3. Dietary antioxidants and asthma in adults, 2006 May; 61(5): 388–393
4. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data, 2017 Feb 15;356:i6583. doi: 10.1136/bmj.i6583
5. Rapid vs Maintenance Vitamin D Supplementation in Deficient Children With Asthma to Prevent Exacerbations, 2017 Sep;152(3):527-536. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2017.06.021. Epub 2017 Jun 23
6. High quality evidence suggests Vitamin D can reduce asthma attacks
7. Oral magnesium supplementation in asthmatic children: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, 2007 Jan;61(1):54-60. Epub 2006 Jun 21
8. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of acute asthma in the emergency department, 1989 Sep 1;262(9):1210-3