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  Laura Hogg Topic Started July 13 2011 at 3:39 pm Favorite 0

  My dad has always had asthma and allergies, and sometimes, I can't help but worry about him. He has to sleep sitting up a lot of the time so that he can breathe easier, and it's only gotten worse over the years.

  So you have asthma, or know anyone who does? If so, do you have any tips for finding relief? I';D love to know!

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  Kara Answered August 15 2011 at 2:31 pm

  I have had Asthma since I was 10 years old. It's definitely scary stuff. I can't even count how many times I have been to the emergency room, and once was even hospitalized. What I have found that helps me is carbonated and caffeinated drinks. If I am feeling tightness having carbonated water or opening a pop seems to give a little relief.

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  Jessica Corwin, RD Answered by Health Coach Jessica Corwin, RD
  December 19 2011 at 1:05 pm

  Excellent question, Laura. I recently did a bit of research on the dietary links with asthma and there certainly does seem to be evidence that you can help your dad to reduce his asthma symptoms through food alone.

  Research indicates that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, plus omega-3 fats (e.g. flax seed, salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, chia seeds) may help to reduce your risk of asthma and/or reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Aim for at 5-10 servings of fruits and veggies each day, though please do not let the numbers scare you. One-serving of vegetables is simply ½ cup cooked vegetables or 1 cup leafy greens, meaning that a restaurant salad can easily help you to reach your five-a-day right off the bat!

  Other evidence suggests that avoiding trans fat and limiting sodium (1,500mg or less per day) may also help to reduce symptoms of asthma. Certainly good advice for nearly any chronic disease.

  What’s even better is that a healthy balanced diet may also help you to reach your ideal body weight, yet another trait believed to reduce your risk of asthma. This diet largely resembles a Mediterranean Diet, a healthy eating approach already linked with a reduced risk for other chronic diseases.

  I certainly hope your dad is doing well!

  Kara, thank-you for sharing your story too. While I did not find any research regarding soda water, I did find that caffeine can help to open your airways when you are having an asthma attack. Though as your story indicates, each person is unique with their own unique triggers.

  In good health, Jessica

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