Yogic Diet for Asthma

Yogic Diet for Asthma
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Yoga lays great emphasis on diet and insists on avoiding common
dietary errors. Sattvic (pure) foods form the ideal diet for an
asthmatic. They are both, nourishing as well as easy to digest.
An asthmatic’s diet should ideally be lacto-vegetarian. Research
has proven that a predominantly vegetarian diet is best for
them. Meat proteins take longer to digest and tend to be put a
burden on the metabolic system. Non-vegetarians may start by
cutting down on red meat, then gradually eliminate it
altogether. Later, as they develop a taste for vegetarian fare,
they will find themselves giving up other meats, poultry, fish,
and eggs, too. However, seafoods, if not fried, have been
proven beneficial to asthmatics.

An asthmatic’s diet should ideally contain a limited quantity
of carbohydrates, fats and proteins (they are acid-forming),
with liberal helpings of alkaline foods like fresh fruits,
green vegetables and germinated grains and pulses. Have plenty
of dried fruits, like prunes, oranges or berries or a few black
raisins with honey. Also have lots of salads of raw vegetables
like beets, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, lettuce and wheat
bread with one or two green vegetables, sautéed or slightly
cooked.

Asthmatics should always eat less than their full capacity as
it bears down upon the chest, resulting in a feeling of
over-fullness and discomfort. Besides, they should pay careful
attention to eating slowly, chewing their food well. They
should also drink anywhere between six to ten glasses of water
daily, but avoid liquids during meals.

Vitamins and Minerals for Asthma

1. Vitamin A plays a vital role in curing asthma. Beta-carotene
A precursor to Vitamin A is found abundantly in carrots,
pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, cantaloupe, pink
grapefruit, apricots, broccoli, and spinach. The more intense
the color of a fruit or vegetable, the higher is the
beta-carotene content.

2. Vitamin B-6 enhances the autoimmune function and formation
of hemoglobin. It is amply found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs,
meats, fish, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals.

3. Vitamin C is another highly beneficial ingredient. Apples,
apricots, avocadoes, breadfruit, blackberries, blackcurrants,
blueberries, kiwifruits, jujubes, melons, cantaloupess, peaches
and pears are rich in Vitamin C.

4. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that increases the blood
capacity to carry oxygen. It is found in wheat germ, corn,
nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus, and other green leafy
vegetables and vegetable oils.

5. Zinc is an immune-enhancer that supports the adrenal glands.
It is found in profusion in the following: baked beans, raisin
bran, black, dried, peas, oatmeal and mixed nuts, particularly
unsalted, roasted peanuts, almonds and walnuts.

6. Selenium is an antioxidant that protects the immune system
from hypersensitivity. Brazil nuts, dried, oatmeal, brown rice,
whole wheat bread, black, dried, walnuts are all selenium rich
foods.

7. Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 oils are
extremely beneficial in reducing inflammation and alleviating
asthma attacks. They are found abundantly in vegetarian foods
like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin and flax seeds.

8. Tulsi or Holy Basil is one of the most beloved Ayurvedic
herbs that helps reduce mucus and symptoms of irritability. The
chemical eugenol, found in Tulsi is one of the most active
constituents that contributes to its therapeutic effects.

Other Dietary Tips on Asthma

1. Common food allergens that tend to trigger an asthma attack
include eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, chocolate, citrus fruits,
food preservatives and coloring.

2. Remember an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. They are
rich in flavonoids that function as antioxidants and reduce
inflammation.

3. If you have a tendency to produces excess mucus, avoid dairy
products.

4. Other foods that tend to produce phlegm are rice, sugar,
pickles, chutneys, ice and iced drinks and curds, as also fried
stuff and are difficult to digest and best avoided.

5. Spicy, fried, fatty foods, too much tea and coffee are best
avoided.

6. The evening meal should preferably be finished before
sundown or at least three hours before bedtime.

About The Author: Kevin Pederson, authors web content for
Yogawix; your online guide on yoga,
fitness and
wellness. This article "Diet for Asthma" explains about asthma
and diet therapy for healing asthmatics. He also writes on
natural home cures, hair-n-skin care and many more health
sites.

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