What Foods Should Children Suffering From Asthma Avoid?

Asthma is a lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It is believed that more than 22 million people in the United States have asthma, and nearly 6 million of those people are children. Diet is very important and certain foods, additives and preservatives have been found to exacerbate asthma in some cases. Learn what foods to avoid if you or your child has asthma to aid in managing the condition.

Dairy

Dairy is a common allergen that can trigger inflammatory responses. Since asthma is a disease of inflammation, it makes sense to avoid this food group. Dairy is also mucus forming and can trigger other symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Foods such as milk, cheese and ice cream should be eliminated and be aware of foods that contain hidden dairy such as breads, cookies, crackers, cakes, cream sauces and boxed cereals. Note that yogurt is an anti-inflammatory food so it may prove beneficial for those with conditions of inflammation, such as asthma.

Peanuts

Peanuts are highly allergenic and according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation, can produce severe allergic reactions such as asthma. Also stated in a study published by "The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine," expectant mothers who consume peanuts during the later stages of pregnancy are more likely to have children with asthma. Peanuts are in so many of the foods that children love, but are often not so obvious. Peanuts are commonly found in nutrition bars, ethnic dishes, cookies, cereals, granola, grain breads and marzipan.

Soy and Soybeans

Soy is a good alternative for those seeking dairy alternatives, and there is no doubt that soy has some positive health benefits. But according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, soy has 15 known allergenic proteins and can produce allergic responses such as asthma. It is not uncommon for children with peanut allergies to also be allergic to soy. Soy is a food additive used frequently in the modern manufacturing process -- soy is in hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), vegetarian foods, milk alternatives, ethnic dishes, infant formulas and in many other foods. If your child has an allergy to soy, learn to read labels and also look for hidden sources such as monosodium glutamate or MSG, lecithin, miso, vegetable oil and natto.

Additives

Some asthmatics may be sensitive to additives in food, particularly processed foods. Some additives to watch out for are tartrazine, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, monosodium glutamate, sulphites and sulphur dioxide, benzoic acid and salicylates, as these have been linked to asthma attacks. These chemicals are used to enhance flavor, color and increase shelf life and are generally used in junk food, but you can avoid theses additives by sticking to a whole food diet.

See original article here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/334125-what-foods-should-children-suffering-from-asthma-avoid/