Did you know that many health conditions are linked back to stress? Yes, this includes asthma. Stress can lead to or even worsen the symptoms associated with asthma, but by following some stress reduction techniques, you could help reduce your health risk.
Here are a couple of ways to combat stress today:
- Focus on the moment: Try not to stress yourself out about the future or the past, focus on what you can change and work towards right here, right now.
- Keep issues in perspective: When you’re stressed, take a minute to stop and think about the things you are grateful for. You may be surprised to see how well this can help reduce your stress levels.
- Deep breathing: Stressed? Take a couple of deep breaths and be mindful of your breathing. This can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
- Exercise: There’s nothing like getting in a good daily workout to help combat stress.
Asthma can impact children, and adults and can be scary and cause some significant health issues if not well controlled. While there are medications to help control asthma, there are some things you can do on your own as well to help better manage symptoms.
Tip #1: Enjoy Foods Rich in Folate
Folate can help reduce allergic reactions as well as inflammation. Folate may even be helpful in reducing wheezing. Enjoy green leafy vegetables, beans, and nuts.
Tip #2: Enjoy Magnesium Rich Foods
Many people are deficient in magnesium, and low levels are associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Getting enough magnesium may be able to help reduce things like muscle-spasm anxiety which can trigger asthma. Enjoy foods such as greens, nuts, seeds, beans, and raw unsweetened cocoa powder.
Tip #3: Try Garlic
Garlic is easily accessible, cheap, and delicious. It’s also antimicrobial and contains quercetin which inhibits inflammation. Try adding chopped garlic to your pasta dishes or make a homemade tomato sauce with lots of fresh garlic!
For this week’s challenge, I encourage you to add the following asthma supporting foods to your diet. These foods are anti-inflammatory and packed full of vitamins and minerals your body needs to help better support asthma symptoms:
- Wild caught salmon
- Nuts & Seeds
- Dark leafy vegetables
- Beans
- Onions
- Mustard seeds
- Garlic