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By simply swapping dairy for plant-based fuel, there is strong evidence to suggest this change could significantly improve one’s quality of life in regards to their asthma.
Is asthma a diagnosis for life, or is it possible to control it? Many
people accept that their inhaler will forever be an accessory—the only thing
that can give them relief. However, mounting research offers a new approach
to asthma relief: plant-based nutrition. A scientific review recently
published by doctors at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
asserts the role a plant-based, dairy-free diet has in reducing one’s risk
for asthma development and decreasing asthmatic symptoms. In essence, one
can increase control of their asthma by taking control of their diet.
According to the literature, the key is to increase vital nutrients while
decreasing saturated fat.
The Established Relationship Between Dairy & Asthma
Researchers found that across the board, the studies that included dairy
consumption demonstrated an inverse relationship between the amount of dairy
consumed and the risk of developing asthma. Other studies pointed to
statistically significant decreases in lung function, while others found
that inflammatory markers (such as IL-7) increased in those who consumed
dairy. This latter finding indicates a potential causal link between
exacerbated asthma symptoms and dairy consumption, as inflammation causes
airways to swell and mucus production, leaving the body vulnerable to an
asthmatic attack.
The Issue with Saturated Fat
Dairy—of all kinds, from milk to yogurt—contains high levels of saturated
fat. While not specifically focused on dairy, this review unearthed many
studies that have analyzed the correlation between a high-fat diet and the
onset or worsening of asthma and overall lung function. For example, a study
performed to investigate the rise in asthma in Latin American countries
found that the increased popularity of the Western diet—characterized by
being “high-fat and low-fiber”—was associated with “airway inflammation and
worsened lung function in asthmatic patients.” Other studies confirmed this
finding, also demonstrating results that linked high-fat consumption with
increased inflammation and decreased lung function.
Even if an individual were to limit themselves to drinking skim milk, other
forms of dairy continue to present a problem. While fluid milk consumption
has declined in the United States, the total amount of dairy consumed has
increased, bolstered by the rise in cheese and butter consumption—two
extremely high-fat foods. Considering that cheese is the highest source of
saturated fat in American diets, this consumption habit posits a very real
risk for asthmatics.
Plant-Based Foods & Asthma Relief
The review also looked at studies involving plant-based food consumption and
asthma. Conversely, these foods were shown to decrease both the risk of
asthmatic development and its symptoms. Researchers analyzed the specific
characteristics of these plant foods to offer an explanation as to why they
proved so beneficial. The high antioxidant content of plant
foods—particularly fruits and vegetables—is known to reduce airway
inflammation and protect lung tissue by fighting against harmful free
radicals. A plant-based diet contains 64-times the amount of antioxidants
compared to a dairy-and-meat-based diet, which may be why such a diet is so
effective in lessening asthmatic symptoms.
A high-fiber diet was also shown to reduce inflammation and improve
symptoms. Researchers postulated that gut inflammation leads to overall
inflammation, and because fiber positively influences the gut microbiome, it
has the power to affect inflammation throughout the body. Like antioxidants,
plant foods contain an abundance of fiber, whereas foods such as dairy are
virtually devoid of this nutrient.
Taking Control of Asthma for Good
This review indicates that there is more an individual can do to control
their asthma symptoms beyond toting around an inhaler. By simply swapping
dairy for plant-based fuel, there is strong evidence to suggest this change
could significantly improve one’s quality of life in regards to their
asthma. With asthma cases on the rise since the 1980s, there is no time to
lose. It’s time to get asthma under control, and all it takes is some
plant-based fuel.
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We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.