Special Diet to Relieve Asthma in Kids

 The more common causes that people think of when their child is diagnosed with asthma is genetics and environmental factors, but another cause is diet.

There are studies that show children who eat more burgers, tend to have higher risks of wheezing and asthma; this particular study was performed within a 10 year period using 50,000 children in various environments, countries, and financial levels. The study showed that children who lived on a Mediterranean diet of more fruits, vegetables, and fish, had a lower tendency for asthma and wheezing complications.

Essentially, if your child experiences wheezing and has been diagnosed with asthma, it may be time to rethink the offered diet.

Rethinking and redesigning your child's diet may drastically help his/her asthma.

First off, you want ot consider any food allergies that may be affect asthma, such as dairy, wheat, yeast, and various preservatives. If your child isn't allergic to any of these foods, you don't necessarily want to omit them from his/her diet, as your child may actually get asthma relief from them.

Keep in mind that fresh fruits and vegetables can help boost your child's immune system; the antioxidants that fresh produce contain are thought to help reduce the symptoms of asthma. Make sure that your child consumes at least three 1/2 cup servings for fruits and vegetables daily.

You'll want to make sure that your child is getting plenty of calcium and magnesium in his/her diet. It is thought that both calcium and magnesium have anti-asthma properties. Depending on the age of the child, the recommended amounts will vary, but for children between 4 and 8 years old, they should consume 800 mg of calcium and 130 mg of magnesium daily, which can be nearly 100% achieved with just two cups of milk, which provide 75% calcium and over 50% magnesium that is necessary.

Because most studies show that children who consume more fish are less likely to develope asthma, it is important to consider omega-3 and omega-6. Sunflower, safflower and corn oils, commercially prepared snacks, and fish are great sources of omega 3 and 6.

Lastly, it's important that the child get his/her proper servings of grains. Children who consume more grains and less meats, tend to show fewer asthma symptoms. For children 4-6 years old, they should consume 1/2 cup dry cereal or 1/3 cup of cook grain per one serving; if the child is over 7, one serving equals about one cup of dry cereal or a 1/2 cup of cooked grains. Children need at least 6 servings of grains a day, at least 3 of those should be whole grains.

 If you're really trying to alter your child's diet to help maintain, ease, and relieve the asthma symptoms and trouble breathing, you'll want to make sure that you feed him/her foods that won't potentially bring back or worsen the breathing troubles.

Studies show that children with less meat in their diet will have fewer complications, so make sure to limit meat intake, while still providing proper protiens and nutrition. Consider more fish in the diet.

You want to limit desserts, chips, and junk food.

By maintaining a healthy diet that is based on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, your child can be relieved of asthma and wheezing.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the advice in this article should in no way replace that of a licensed physician. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor so that you can determine your diagnosis and the best treatment.