Some adults with asthma have dealt with the disease all their lives. Others may have had asthma as a child and experienced it again after many symptom-free
years. But if you've developed breathing problems as an adult, you have lots of company. Lateonset asthma is becoming more common and is often triggered by a
serious respiratory infection.
Women are more likely to be affected than men, possibly because of their smaller airways. Researchers think hormones may also play a part. They've found that
women who are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are 50 percent more likely to develop asthma than women who aren't on HRT.
Although asthma is a serious and potentially fatal disease, you can protect yourself by avoiding things that trigger an attack. Cigarette smoke, cold air,
dust, and mold are a few examples of asthma triggers. And research shows that eating foods rich in certain nutrients may help reduce your asthma symptoms.
Nutritional blockbusters that fight asthma
Vitamin C. Researchers say antioxidant vitamins could play an important role in preventing asthma or controlling its symptoms. Vitamin C is the perfect
example. Studies have found that vitamin C not only improves asthma symptoms, it helps you avoid the disease altogether. For top-notch asthma protection, mix
up a fruit salad with oranges, pineapple, strawberries, kiwifruit, and papaya. Then pile your dinner plate with high-C vegetables like broccoli, red and
green peppers, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and peas.
Vitamin E. Another antioxidant powerhouse that may cut your risk of asthma is vitamin E. A study in Saudi Arabia found that children who had the least
vitamin E in their diets were three times more likely to get asthma. Research also shows that vitamin E helps protect you from developing this condition as
an adult. For extra lung protection, sprinkle some vitamin E-packed wheat germ, almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds on a salad or in baked goods.
Vitamin A. This vitamin completes the asthma-fighting trio of antioxidants. Studies find that people who eat vitamin A-rich foods tend to have clearer air
passages, which makes breathing easier. You'll find vitamin A in meat and dairy products, especially beef and chicken livers, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese,
and egg yolks.
Lycopene. Think pink - or red - to help avoid asthma symptoms. Lycopene, the carotenoid that gives foods their pink or red coloring, may protect agains.
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