Foods and Asthma

Of late, Mr Brad, my partner has been suffering an usual amounts of mild "asthma attacks".

Since we have been together, Brad's asthma has reduced significantly in terms of frequency and his dependence upon his "puffer". This can be attributed to a few things including giving up smoking, adopting an incredibly healthy eating pattern with LOTS of fresh fruit and vegies and minimal packaged/convenience and takeaway foods AND a transition to a slightly more active lifestyle :)

I would also add, much less stress through a dramatically improved mindset and way of looking at things :)

The recent incidents therefore have been very noticeable, whereas in the past they may have been part of the usual day to day happenings....

Since the onset of these incidents were so sudden and noticeable, I went searching further of what could be triggering these attacks. I am NO expert in this area- despite my background it is NOT something I specialise in!

So please, the information shared here is simply based upon our experience and I felt it great to share for anyone out there who MAY find that they have similar triggers and would benefit from trying similar strategies :)

Please ALWAYS consult your GP and team of health care practitioners before taking on ANY health advice :)

Ok...with that said...

Here is what I found for Mr Brad, and what may also help some of you :)

There are certain additives in foods which can TRIGGER asthma. These include

• Sulphites
• Food colourings
• MSGs
• Salicylates

Sulphites are used as a preservative in many foods including some wines, fruit juices, canned fish and dried fruit. For Brad the trigger was FRESH PRAWNS....apparently metabisulphite is used as a preservative in prawns

Another food Brad has responded to is Maggi 2 minute Noodles. These contain SULPHITES

The other ingredient I think is playing a role here for Brad is MSG and this is found in high concentrations in stock cubes, gravy, soy sauce and packet soups.

Salicylates are naturally occurring element in many foods including coffee, beer, honey, soy sauce, tomato pastes and sauces.

There is more information here at http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma_and_food

In Brads case, a couple of things have possibly lead to his increased sensitivity of late:

1. He has been ill with a tummy bug which has included a body fever- aches and pains, etc. So, his IMMUNE SYSTEM is low and challenged at present which would definitely play a role
2. Of late, his consumption of all above mentioned foods has been higher- due to feeling ill and having "holidays"- more junk food! :)
3. His base diet includes a few condiments that would include these food ingredients, therefore his THRESHOLD of tolerance has possibly been super seeded.
   

So the remedy for Brad?

Get back to BASICS!

Good, healthy FRESH foods, free of additives, preservatives and colours!

The fact that FRESH, HEALTHY prawns were a major player and trigger here, it certainly pays to KNOW YOUR FOOD :)

Know where it is coming from and the PROCESSES it undertakes...

Also, realise that there is always a THRESHOLD of tolerance so strict ELIMINATION of all foods is not necessarily required....

This is a VERY UNIQUE and SPECIFIC issue which, if you are having ongoing issues, should certainly be managed with a suitably qualified practitioner guiding you through..

On a final note, please do not forget the importance and impact of mental STRESS on your body's ability to deal with certain environmental "physical" stresses (i.e. food chemicals)

Mental stress certainly wears down and depletes the immune system.

So to look after yourself and give your body the support if needs to support you, remember the basics!

• Water- LOTS of fresh, clean water!
• Vegies and fruit- LOADS of colour and variety all day, everyday! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and snacks :)
• Move your body! Get out in the FRESH air! Breathe in oxygen, deliver it to your cells with an increased heart rate, and clear away toxins! :)
• Manage stress- even if you are not CONSCIOUSLY aware of stress- many of us have endless things going on "in the back of our minds". So employ DAILY "stress clearer's" including exercise (in the great outdoors; nature is a great healer!); meditation (ANYONE can do it..takes patience, practice and time); mindset review- check in with how you react/respond to everything around you...changing the way you see things (your perspective) by getting into some "Self-development" things such as books, audio's, programs and even coaches- it will DRAMATICALLY change your life :)

If you have anything to add, or any comments, would LOVE to hear from you!

Please post below, or email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

PS. at the above website, there are a list of NUMBERS to look out for on labels! Take a look here
Very helpful! :)

Lots of love to you all!

BridgetJane

Food Body Lifestyle Guru

www.newleafnutrition.com.au