What is an Ideal Food for People That Have Asthma?

Almost 23 million people in the United States have asthma, according to the American Lung Association. Asthma attacks, which are characterized by shortness of breath and chest tightness, can be triggered by environmental conditions such as exposure to secondhand smoke, or living in the inner city. A diet plan can provide significant relief for asthma suffers.

A Vegetarian Diet Plan

• According to Dr. Larry Altshuler in his book "Balanced Healing," vegetarian diets have been shown to offer significant relief to asthma suffers. It takes at least one year following such a diet to provide benefits.

Selenium and Magnesium

• broccoli

  Selenium and magnesium have been shown to reduce asthma symptoms. Broccoli contains both selenium and magnesium.

Lycopene

• Lycopene may protect against asthma, especially exercise-induced asthma. Foods with lycopene include tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon and the Asian fruit known as autumn olives.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• salmon

  Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish are especially beneficial; these include salmon, mackerel, cod, tuna, herring, trout and halibut.

Adding Wine

• white wine

  According to Dr. Altshuler, white wine has recently been shown to improve lung function because of its antioxidant effects. Red wine is also beneficial, but not as much as white wine.