TL;DR

Studies suggest that what you eat may affect asthma symptoms. Diets with more fish, whole grains, fruits, and antioxidants are linked with fewer asthma problems, while diets high in processed and fast foods are linked with more asthma attacks.

Diet and Asthma Symptoms

Research suggests that diet can influence asthma symptoms in both children and adults. Some foods appear to support lung health, while others may make symptoms worse.

Healthier Diets and Asthma

A study published in Thorax (2006; 61(12):1048–1053) looked at the diets of 598 Dutch children, ages 8 to 13. The researchers found that children who ate more fish and whole grains had a lower risk of asthma.

Antioxidants in the diet also appear to be important. Another study in Thorax (2006; 61(5):388–393) compared 515 adults with asthma to 515 adults without asthma. The study found that people who ate less fruit and had lower intakes of vitamin C and manganese were more likely to have asthma symptoms. Low levels of vitamin C in the blood were also linked with asthma.

Poor Diets and Asthma Risk

Just as healthier diets may help asthma, poorer diets may worsen symptoms.

Research published in the European Respiratory Journal (2009; 33:33–41) followed 54,672 French women. The study found that following a “Western diet”—high in processed foods, pizza, and refined products—was linked with a higher risk of asthma attacks.

Bottom Line

Research suggests that:

  • Diets rich in fish, whole grains, fruits, and antioxidants are linked with fewer asthma symptoms

  • Diets high in processed and refined foods are linked with more frequent or severe asthma attacks

Asthma, like many chronic conditions, appears to be influenced by long-term lifestyle patterns, including diet.