Foods to Control the Symptoms of Asthma and Allergies in Children
Asthma, a chronic and fatal disease, can also be observed in children and infants. Many believe that it is a hereditary disease, which means that asthma and allergies pass on from parents to children. Asthma and allergies can lead to several life-threatening issues that can hinder a child’s growth. Moreover, clinical treatments for these diseases have serious side effects.
Most times foods that are essential for the growth of a child may also trigger the symptoms of asthma and allergies. The only method to prevent these issues is to introduce preventive foods to manage asthma and allergies.
Some foods that can prevent the triggers for asthma and allergies are:
1. Fruits and vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables are known to prevent and manage asthma and allergies among children. Fruits and fresh vegetables generally boost a child’s immune system to combat infections. The vitamins in fruits and vegetables work as antioxidants, which help to reduce stress in the airways and also prevent tissue damage.
2. Milk
Many studies have shown that children who consume more calcium generally have a lower chance of having asthma and allergies. Milk is also another source of magnesium, an essential mineral that prevents and eliminates asthma and allergies among children.
3. Fish and walnuts
Children need two types of unsaturated fats, namely omega-6 and omega-3, for their development and growth. Corn and sunflower or safflower oil contain a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids. On the other hand, fish and walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids. These two unsaturated fats can help your children fight against asthma, allergies, and other conditions. You may have observed that many physicians recommend these preventive foods to help manage asthma and allergies in children, as they rarely have any side effects.
4. Honey
Honey is a great food option to protect children from asthma and allergies, and it is reported to cause no major side effects. Children should consume a small amount of honey in the morning with lukewarm water or bread to prevent asthma and allergies. However, overeating honey can cause a stomach upset. Moreover, honey shouldn’t be given to infants who are younger than six months old, as they could have digestive problems.
While some foods should be introduced to a child’s diet, some should be avoided. These foods include:
5. Trans fat
Children often crave processed or fast foods without knowing of their side effects. As a parent, one should limit the consumption of fast or processed foods to ensure their good health. Try to introduce healthy yet tasty snacks to satisfy their cravings.
6. Carbonated drinks
You may be surprised to know that carbonated drinks or sodas can also cause asthma and allergies in children. Children often choose carbonated drinks over water, so it could be challenging to stop them. Many physicians often strictly ban carbonated drinks for children for this very reason.
Since some foods can trigger while some can prevent the symptoms of asthma and allergies, it is important to understand the moderation between them. It is better to consult a physician before implementing or eliminating foods from a child’s diet.