Specific triggers aggravate the lungs. The result? Swelling and wheezing – more commonly
Specific triggers aggravate the lungs. The result? Swelling and wheezing – more commonly known as asthma. There can be several causes of asthma varying from person to person. The medical condition could be hereditary, or triggered by a source the possibilities of which are limitless.
Food allergies may qualify as one of the causes of symptoms pointing towards asthma. Certain foods prompt a reaction in your immune system, but if you do not have particular food allergies, it is unlikely that you’ll suffer an asthma attack because of it. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimated around 6% of children and 2% of adults suffering from food allergies – it’s definitely rare. Still, if you face difficulty in breathing after consuming a particular food item, it is definitely worth discussing it with your doctor.
The most commonly caused food reactions result from the presence of Tartrazine or the Yellow No. 5 additive, or sulfites present in food. Other components that may trigger asthma according to the American Academy of Family Physicians include: monosodium glutamate (MSG), benzoates, and salicylates.
Here are six foods that can trigger your asthma. Foods that asthma patients with food allergies need to avoid include:
Pickles
Don’t we all just love a bit of pickle, relish, and peppers in our lives? But this deliciousness is high in sulfite content – that murky liquid is a sign! Therefore, if your body reacts adversely to sulfite, stay away from the pickles.
Artificial Sweeteners and/or Lemon Juice
Always go for fresh squeeze lemon juice, it is ten folds better than the ones you buy off the rack. Why? Because these ready to use lemon juices contain tartrazine that can trigger your allergies, or worse an asthma attack.
Shrimps
Eating frozen shrimps cause wheezing? It is the sulfite! Sulfite is the main ingredient used to keep black spots from developing on the shrimps. It is always better to invest in better health by opting for the fresh ones.
Processed Potatoes
Frozen food has definitely made our lives easier, but if you are an asthma patient you need to stay away from those packaged potatoes. Those ready to cook French fries, hash browns, and dried potatoes, you love so much, are rich in sulfites – not good for your condition. A healthier alternative? Go for freshly roasted potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes with a dash of olive oil.
Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider
In some cases hard cider, wine, or beer can also cause troubled breathing. It’s the sulfite component in the beverages that triggers the uneasiness. If you don’t duly avoid these drinks, despite the condition, you may be escorting yourself into a possible asthma attack.
Foods Containing Natural Sulfites
Foods like salmon, asparagus, eggs, chives, leeks, corn starch, garlic, tomatoes, maple syrup, soy, and lettuce contain naturally occurring sulfites. If you ever suffer from difficulty in breathing, and wheezing after consuming these foods, you should visit the doctor immediately to avert a possible asthma attack. It’s needless to say, that you need to avoid these foods in the future.
Although uncommon, food allergies may prove serious asthma triggers for some patients. Good thing is, getting medical aid is easier with organizations like The Rx Helper providing prescription assistance to under-insured and/or uninsured asthma patients.
With medication taken care of, you can splurge on a healthier lifestyle to keep away from unexpected asthma attacks.
