Asthma is a long-term health problem where a person’s airways get inflamed, making breathing hard. About one in 12 people in our nation have this condition. Though it may seem unrelated, nutrition plays a big role in asthma control. Those foods that cause inflammation can result in symptom flare-ups and severe attacks. Some foods can also start allergic reactions, worsening asthma. Let’s look at a few foods that trigger asthma and allergies below.

1. Wheat
Wheat is a typical allergen that can cause someone to have an asthma attack. The reason for this is unclear, but studies tell us that wheat can irritate the airways, resulting in inflammation. Sadly, wheat is a common addition to several foods, so it is tricky to avoid it 100%. However, people can take some steps to reduce their exposure to this food. Ideally, those with asthma and wheat allergy must not eat anything containing wheat, such as baked goods, pasta, bread, and cereals. Some processed items may also have wheat, so individuals should always check the ingredients on food labels.

2. Beans
Beans can result in gas and bloating in some people, making breathing harder. At times, they may even cause an asthma attack. To lessen the effect, people should soak the beans for a few hours before cooking while changing the water. Fried foods, onions, carbonated drinks, and garlic are other gassy culprits that may start an asthma attack.

3. Dairy
Experts aren’t sure whether dairy and dairy products, like cheese, yogurt, and milk, trigger an asthma attack. While milk is a prevalent allergen, some studies even conclude that dairy can trigger lung issues in people without allergies.

4. Salt
Asthma makes a person’s throat inflamed. It squeezes the airways, making it hard to breathe. Salt can add to these complications by causing fluid retention. Hence, those with asthma must think about how they can lower their salt intake to stay healthy.

5. Processed foods
These foods have artificial coloring and preservatives, which can start inflammation, resulting in asthma attacks. Some processed food examples are hot dogs, frozen foods, ice creams, and sugary drinks. Research says that tartrazine, nitrites, and parabens can have a more severe impact than other chemicals used for preservation. So, patients should always read the labels and avoid foods with these things.

6. Nuts
These are famous allergens that cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Nuts can also lead to asthma signs, especially among those with nut allergies.

7. Sulfites
These are preservatives that can make asthma worse. Sulfites are typically present in maraschino cherries, pickled foods, dried foods, and bottled lime juice or lemon.

8. Artificial sweeteners
While this occurrence is rare, food allergies may also cause people to have asthma attacks. Aspartame, a prevalent calorie-free sweetener mixed in sodas, is a food additive that may lead to an allergic reaction. The signs of food allergies may make asthma worse. Hence, people with breathing problems should avoid aspartame and other artificial sweeteners that can lead to allergy reactions.

9. Salicylates
It is an element in spicy foods, coffees, teas, and dishes flavored with herbs. While rare, some people are sensitive to salicylates and may undergo asthma flare-ups. A study highlights that aspirin (which has salicylate) also tends to worsen asthma in some people.