Top Cancer-Fighting Foods, Beyond the Diet

Research has dramatically changed our thinking about the role of diet in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Studies have shown that certain dietary elements may help promote the development and spread of malignancies, while others slow or block tumor growth. Researchers estimate that at least 30% of all cancers in Western countries may be related to diet, especially one high in fat and processed foods; many of these cancers may be prevented with dietary changes.

TOP CANCER-FIGHTING FOODS

Dietary guidelines must take into account the stage and type of malignancy. In most cases of early or localized cancer, people are generally advised to follow a diet that is low in fat, high in whole grain products and other starches, and high in fruits and vegetables. Fats, especially from animal sources, are discouraged because they are believed to support tumor growth. In contrast, fruits and vegetables contain an assortment of natural plant chemicals that are thought to retard the growth and spread of cancers. Protein is essential because it helps the body repair tissue that has been damaged during treatment of the disease and helps wound healing. Apples, berries, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, and citrus fruits contain flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Flavonoids are also thought to prevent DNA damage to cells.

While no foods can cure cancer, research has identified several which seem best able to fight cancer:
• Lean meat, low-fat dairy products, eggs, fish and shellfish, tofu and other soy products provide much-needed protein and zinc. Because many people with cancer find that red meat takes on an unpleasant metallic taste, other sources of protein are best.
• Tomatoes and tomato products contain lycopene, which has been found to have protective effects against prostate cancer.
• Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that may stimulate the immune system’s natural defenses against cancer, and they may have the potential to reduce tumor growth. Studies suggest that garlic can reduce the incidence of stomach cancer by a factor of 12.
• Green tea contains EGCG, a catechin that may help fight cancer in three ways: it may reduce the formation of carcinogens in the body, increase the body’s natural defenses, and suppress cancer promotion. Some scientists believe that EGCG may be one of the most powerful anticancer compounds ever discovered.
• Brazil nuts, seafood, some meats and fish, bread, wheat bran, wheat germ, oats, and brown rice are the best sources of selenium, a trace mineral that is another powerful cancer-fighter.

A qualified dietitian should be part of any cancer treatment team, because both the disease and its treatment demand good nutrition as an aid to recovery. Weight loss is common among those with cancer. Most experience a loss of appetite as a result of the cancer itself; depression and pain may lessen any desire to eat.

Cancer treatments, especially radiation and chemotherapy, curb appetite and produce nausea and other side effects. Surgery, too, can affect appetite and requires a highly nutritious diet for healing and recuperation.

Nutrition Connection
Anyone can use the following recommendations to protect themselves against cancer. For those under treatment for cancer, nutritional needs may vary; the box at left identifies top cancer-fighting foods but consult a doctor or dietitian to personalize your diet for your needs.
-Eat more fruits and vegetables. Studies associate a diet containing ample amounts of fruits and vegetables with a reduced risk of the most deadly cancers. Foods such as apples, berries, and broccoli contain bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals, dietary fiber, folate, and antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C.
-Reduce fat intake. Numerous studies link a high-fat diet and obesity with an increased risk of cancers of the colon, uterus, prostate, skin (including melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer), and breast. Experts stress that no more than 30% of total calories should come from fats, and many advocate a 20% limit on fat calories. A few simple dietary changes can help lower fat intake: Choose lean cuts of meat and trim away all visible fat; eat vegetarian dishes several times a week; adopt low-fat cooking methods such as baking and steaming; and limit use of added fats such as butter, and oils.
-Eat more fiber. Increased intake of fiber may protect against certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. A high-fiber, low-calorie diet also protects against obesity and the increased risk of cancers linked to excessive body fat.
-Limit processed foods. People who eat large amounts of smoked, pickled, cured, fried, charcoal-broiled, and processed meats have a higher incidence of stomach and esophageal tumors. Smoked foods contain polyaromatic hydrocarbons that are known carcinogens. The salt in pickled foods can injure the stomach wall and facilitate tumor formation. Nitrites, commonly found in bacon, hot dogs, and processed meats, can form nitrosamines, or established carcinogens. However, consuming these foods along with good sources of vitamins C and E reduces the formation of nitrosamines.
-Consult with a doctor before using supplements. Although it seems wise to take supplements to prevent cancer, studies have established that high doses of them can actually increase damage caused by free radicals. High doses of vitamin A can also lead to toxicity. For those who are undergoing cancer treatment, it’s advisable to consult a physician or a dietician; different diagnoses and conditions require different levels of supplementation, if at all.
-Approach alternative therapies with caution. There is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of consuming Japanese maitake, Chinese herbs, blue-green algae, or shark cartilage extracts to prevent or treat cancer.
-Along with a healthy diet, breaking high-risk habits and living a healthy lifestyle can help shore up your defenses against cancer.
-Stop smoking. More than any other lifestyle factor, smoking increases the risk of cancer. In addition to lung cancer, smoking is strongly associated with cancers of the esophagus, mouth, larynx, pancreas, and bladder, and an increased risk of breast cancer.
-Limit your alcohol intake. Heavy alcohol use is linked to increased risk of cancers of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, and liver. Excessive alcohol consumption hinders the body’s ability to use beta-carotene, which appears to protect against these cancers. Alcohol can also deplete reserves of folate, thiamine, and other B vitamins, as well as selenium, all crucial nutrients in protecting the body.
-Exercise. People who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have a lower risk of developing certain cancers, such as those of the breast, colon, and endometrium. Physical activity also helps maintain a healthy body weight and prevents obesity, which has been linked to a number of cancers.

EATING WHEN YOU HAVE CANCER

In many instances, loss of appetite, nausea, and other eating problems can be dealt with by changing daily habits and routines. The following tips have worked for many people:
• Plan your major meal for the time of day when you are least likely to experience nausea and vomiting. For many, this is in the early morning. Otherwise, eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.
• Let someone else prepare the food; cooking odors often provoke nausea. Food that is served cold or at room temperature gives off less odor than hot food.
• If mouth sores are a problem, eat bland, pureed foods—for example, custards, rice and other puddings made with milk, and eggs, porridge, and blended soups. Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods. Sucking on zinc lozenges may speed the healing of mouth sores.
• Get dressed to eat with others in a pleasant social atmosphere and make meals visually attractive.
 • To overcome nausea, try chewing on ice chips or sucking on a ginger candy or sour lemon drop before eating. Sipping flat ginger ale or cola may also help.
• Rest for half an hour after eating, preferably in a sitting or upright position; reclining may trigger reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
• Pay extra attention to dental hygiene. If mouth sores hinder tooth brushing, make a baking soda paste and use your finger and a soft cloth to gently cleanse the teeth. Then rinse the mouth with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Diluted commercial mouthwashes freshen the breath, but avoid full-strength products that can further irritate sores.
• If a dry mouth makes swallowing difficult, liquefy foods in a blender or moisten them with low-fat milk, sauces, or gravies.
• If diarrhea is a problem (as is often the case during chemotherapy), avoid fatty foods, raw fruits, whole grain products, and other foods that can make it worse. Instead, eat bland, binding foods, such as rice, bananas, cooked apples, and dry toast.
• A few slices of a colorful fruit give visual appeal to a bowl of oatmeal; a colorful napkin and bud vase perk up a tray of food.

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How To Treat Burns, Beyond The Diet

Second-and third-degree burns that cause blistering and tissue damage are very serious; they have a high risk of becoming infected by germs that enter the body through the damaged skin. Burn victims also require extra fluids, sodium, and potassium to replace those substances that seep out through damaged skin. If this is not done, there is a danger of dehydration.

Nutrition Connection

To promote healing and tissue repair, it is essential for victims of extensive burns to have a well-balanced diet that provides extra calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Here’s how:

-Seek foods for tissue repair. A diet that provides extra calories, protein, and zinc is needed for tissue repair. Zinc is found in seafood, meat, and poultry and in lesser amounts in eggs, milk, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Zinc is essential for wound healing and also bolsters the body’s immune defenses to fight infection.

-Boost skin health. Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and melons may help maintain healthy skin and ward off infection. Often liquid supplements are necessary to maintain a high-calorie intake during the day.

-Stay hydrated. Noncaffeinated and nonalcoholic beverages help replace lost fluids. Most people need at least 4 to 6 glasses of water a day to stay properly hydrated. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Caffeinated beverages have a diuretic effect that accelerates fluid loss. Alcohol dehydrates the body and lowers immunity.

Beyond the Diet
Depending on the severity of the burn, the needs of the person will vary. Victims hospitalized with extensive burns are usually given intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If they are unable to eat, they will also be fed intravenously.

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Bulimia Treatment, Beyond the Diet

Medically, bulimia is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating—the rapid intake of unusually large amounts of food—an average of twice a week for at least 3 months. Although bulimia literally means “the hunger of an ox,” the majority of those with bulimia do not have excessive appetites. Instead, their tendency to overeat compulsively seems to arise from psychological problems, possibly due to abnormal brain chemistry or a hormonal imbalance.

Despite their overeating, most of them are of normal weight. They compensate for overeating by strict dieting and excessive exercise, or by purging through self-induced vomiting or abuse of laxatives or enemas.

Repeated purging can have serious consequences, including nutritional deficiencies and an imbalance of sodium and potassium, leading to fatigue, fainting, and palpitations. Acids in vomit can damage tooth enamel and the lining of the esophagus. Laxative abuse can irritate the large intestine, cause rectal bleeding, or disrupt normal bowel function, leading to chronic constipation when the laxatives are discontinued. One of the most severe consequences, however, may be an increased occurrence of depression and suicide.

Nutrition Connection
-Like all eating disorders, bulimia can be difficult to treat and usually requires a team approach involving nutrition education, medication, and psychotherapy. Along with addressing psychological issues, some nutritional issues can be addressed with these guidelines, under the guidance of a dietitian or a physician.
-Treat nutritional deficiencies. This is especially important if the body’s potassium reserves have been depleted by vomiting or laxative abuse. High-potassium foods, such as fruits (both fresh and dried), especially bananas, and vegetables usually restore the mineral; if not, a supplement may be needed.
-Emphasize foods high in protein and starches. This diet should include these foods while excluding favorite binge foods until the bulimia is under control; then those foods can be reintroduced in small quantities. At this stage of treatment, the person with bulimia learns how to give himself or herself permission to eat desirable foods in reasonable quantities, in order to reduce the feelings of deprivation and intense hunger that often lead to loss of control in eating.
-Add high-fiber foods. Those with bulimia who abuse laxatives may need a high-fiber diet to overcome constipation. Whole grain cereals and breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, such as berries, apples, and pears, and adequate fluids can help restore normal bowel function.

Beyond the Diet
A complete medical checkup is the only way to be absolutely certain of a diagnosis of bulimia. Once certain, a doctor can offer guidance on the following:
-Journal. Nutritional education typically begins with asking the person with bulimia to keep a diary to help pinpoint circumstances that contribute to binging. A nutrition counselor may also give the person an eating plan that minimizes the number of decisions that must be made about what and when to eat.
-Treat depression. Because chronic clinical depression often accompanies bulimia, treatment usually includes giving antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac), which also suppresses appetite, and sertraline (Zoloft).
-Look at alternative therapies. Meditation, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation routines can help those with bulimia become less obsessive about weight and their eating habits.
-Practice patience. Don’t expect instant success; treatment often takes 3 years or longer, and even then, relapses are common.

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Foods That Lower Blood Pressure, Beyond the Diet

More than 80 million North Americans have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. In its early stages, high blood pressure is symptomless, so many people don’t realize they have a potentially life-threatening disease. If the condition goes unchecked, high blood pressure damages the heart and blood vessels and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, and other serious consequences. In about 5 to 10% of cases, there’s an underlying cause for high blood pressure—a narrowed kidney artery, pregnancy, an adrenal gland disorder, or a drug side effect. Most often there is no identifiable cause; this is referred to as primary, or essential, hypertension.

No one fully understands precisely what leads to hypertension, although a combination of factors seems to be involved. Heredity, diabetes, obesity, and certain other disorders increase risk. Other contributors include smoking, excessive alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle. Blood pressure also tends to rise with age so all adults over age 40 should have their blood pressure checked annually.

Nutrition Connection
-Diet plays a role in both prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. Following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is endorsed by numerous health organizations including the American Heart Association and the Mayo Clinic, will help lower blood pressure. Here is a synopsis of the DASH diet and accompanying strategies.
-Have 6 to 8 servings of grains daily. Focus on whole grains such as whole wheat pasta because they have more nutrients and fiber.
-Eat 4 to 5 servings each of fruits and vegetables daily. Foods such as carrots, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and others contain beneficial nutrients that lower hypertension: fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
-Consume 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. Research has shown that a diet that includes calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy products helps lower blood pressure. Be careful to watch sodium intake when eating low-fat or nonfat cheeses.
-Limit meats, poultry, and fish to 6 oz (170 g) or less daily. It’s best to cut back on meat consumption, but when eating it, opt for the leanest cuts of meat.
-Eat 4 to 5 servings of nuts, seeds, or legumes per week. These foods offer an array of good minerals, but it’s important to watch serving portions as they can be high in calories.
-Limit fats to 2 to 3 servings daily. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats, which contribute to high blood pressure. A high-fat diet also leads to weight gain. Limit fat intake to 30% or less of total calories, with 10% or less coming from saturated animal fats. This means cutting back on butter and margarine; switching to low-fat milk and other low-fat dairy products; choosing lean cuts of meat; and shifting to low-fat cooking methods, such as broiling instead of frying.
-Limit sweets to 5 servings per week. There is wiggle room for those who love sweets as long as you watch serving portions.
-Limit your salt intake. A key component of what makes DASH effective is reducing sodium intake. Keep it at 1,500 mg to 2,300 mg. Beyond putting down the salt shaker, avoid most processed foods, which are usually loaded with sodium.
-Pump up potassium. Some nutrients may protect against high blood pressure. Potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain the body’s balance of salt and fluids, helps ensure normal blood pressure. Potassium can be found in fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, dairy products, and legumes.
-Get your calcium. Recent studies indicate that people with low levels of calcium are at greater risk of high blood pressure. A diet that low-fat dairy products, fortified soy beverages, canned salmon (with bones), and green leafy vegetables will raise levels of calcium and help decrease hypertension. However, the jury is still out on whether calcium supplements help or hinder the condition.
-Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption. Although a glass of wine or other alcoholic drink daily seems to reduce the chance of a heart attack, consuming more than this will negate any benefit and may increase the risk of hypertension. Too much caffeine can also raise blood pressure. Older adults with hypertension may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and should limit their intake.

Beyond the Diet
While a proper diet is instrumental in maintaining normal blood pressure, it should be combined with other lifestyle changes, such as:
-Exercise. Aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure by conditioning the heart to work more efficiently. In addition, even a modest weight loss will cause a drop in blood pressure.
-Quit smoking. Nicotine raises blood pressure. Quitting can drop blood pressure by 10 points or more.
-Reduce stress. Stress prompts a surge in adrenal hormones and a temporary rise in blood pressure; some researchers believe that constant stress may play a role in developing hypertension. Meditation, yoga, biofeedback training, self-hypnosis, and other relaxation techniques may help lower blood pressure.
-Use medications with caution. Over-the-counter cold, allergy, and diet pills can raise blood pressure. In some women, birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy can cause high blood pressure.
-Try drug therapy. If these lifestyle changes do not decrease hypertension to normal levels in 6 months, drug therapy is often instituted.
-Treat underlying conditions. Diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol, both of which compound the risk of developing heart problems, may associated with high blood pressure.

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Bleeding Disorder Treatment

Most bleeding disorders such as hemophilia stem from some type of thrombocytopenia, the medical term for a reduced number of platelets, the blood cells instrumental in clotting. Symptoms vary, but they typically include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, and excessive bleeding from even minor cuts. Bleeding gums unrelated to dental problems are common. Affected women may experience very heavy menstrual periods. Bleeding disorders due to nutritional deficiencies are uncommon in North America, but they do occur.

Nutrition Connection
No studies have examined the link between nutrition and hemophilia, but here are some general suggestions.
-Eat foods rich in vitamin K. This vitamin is necessary for the blood to clot normally and is made by bacteria in the human intestinal tract. Sources include green peas, broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, and liver. However, foods high in vitamin K should be limited by people taking anticoagulant medication.
-Consider vitamin K supplements. Supplements may help more than increasing intake of foods with vitamin K, but speak to your doctor first. Again, supplements should not be taken by those taking anticoagulants.

WARNING! FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION
-While adding more foods high in vitamin K is recommended for most people with bleeding problems, those taking an anticoagulant medication such as coumadin should limit their intake of such foods. The vitamin can counteract the desired effect of the drug. -Limit intake of omega-3 fatty acids. They can suppress platelet function. People taking high doses of fish oil supplements have an increased risk of developing bleeding problems; the risk is compounded if they are also taking aspirin.
-Eat more foods with vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums. This deficiency may occur in alcoholics or people who eat few fruits and vegetables.
-Monitor your iron levels. Chronic blood loss can lead to anemia, a blood disorder that is characterized by inadequate levels of red blood cells. Lean meat, liver, legumes plus extra iron, folate and vitamin B12.
-Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, making wounds take longer to heal and leading to more serious bleeding conditions.

Beyond the Diet
Treatment of bleeding disorders varies according to the underlying cause, but it’s also helpful to take the following steps for good health:
-Check all medications. Prolonged antibiotic therapy may destroy the bacteria that make vitamin K, resulting in bleeding. Overuse suppresses normal platelet function.
-Exercise regularly. Exercising can build muscle and help joints function. But avoid contact sports.

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Atherosclerosis Treatment, To Prevent The Condition

As we become older, our arteries lose some of their elasticity and stiffen. This can lead to a progressive condition referred to as arteriosclerosis, or hardening (sclerosis) of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most common type of arteriosclerosis, and is caused by a build up of fatty plaque in the arteries.

Blood clots tend to form at the site of atherosclerosis fatty deposits, leading to a high risk for heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is the major component of atherosclerotic plaque, and numerous studies correlate high levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides with atherosclerosis.

By the time European and North American men have reached their late forties, most have some degree of atherosclerosis. In women the process is delayed, presumably due to the protective effects of estrogen during the reproductive years. After menopause, women are just as likely as men to develop severely clogged arteries.

Precisely what causes atherosclerosis is unknown. However, most experts agree that a genetic susceptibility and a combination of lifestyle factors accelerate the process; these include a diet high in fats and cholesterol, cigarette use, excessive stress, and lack of exercise. Poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure can also contribute.

Nutrition Connection
Researchers agree that diet plays a critical role in both the development and treatment of atherosclerosis. Here are the recommendations to delay or prevent the condition:
-Limit fat intake. Total fat intake should be no more than 20 to 35% of calories, with saturated fats (found mostly in animal products) comprising no more than 10% of calories. Some strategies include downsizing meat portions; substituting olive oil for butter or margarine; eating low-fat dairy products; and increasing the amount of vegetables. In addition, experts suggest reducing intake of trans-fatty acids and hydrogenated fats. These trans fats are the result of hydrogenation and are known to raise your LDL cholesterol. Trans fats come in packaged foods, such as cookies and crackers, and snack foods, such as chips.
-Be careful with cholesterol. Although consumption of high-cholesterol foods is not thought to be as detrimental as a high-fat diet, a high intake of dietary cholesterol can raise the levels of blood lipids in some people. Experts recommend limiting dietary cholesterol to 200 to 300 mg a day—about the amount in 1½ egg yolks.
-Choose heart-healthy fats. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, sardines, and other cold-water fish lower blood levels of triglycerides; they also reduce the tendency to form blood clots. Monosaturated fats in olive oil, almonds, and avocados can help lower LDL cholesterol when they replace saturated fats.
-Eat fiber. Oat bran, oatmeal, lentils and other legumes, barley, guar gum, psyllium, and pectin-containing fruits such as pears, apples, and citrus fruits all contain soluble fiber that lowers blood cholesterol, probably by interfering with the intestinal absorption of bile acids, which forces the liver to use circulating cholesterol to make more bile.
- Incorporate as many antioxidant-rich foods as possible. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which studies indicate prevent LDL cholesterol from collecting in atherosclerotic plaque. Soy protein also helps raise HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels and provide antioxidant protection.

QUICK TIP:
Eat more soy
Soy is a powerhouse of health. Just 25 g of soy protein—about 1½ cup of edamame—per day has been shown to help lower LDL levels by up to 15% in people with elevated levels.

Beyond the Diet
Medications including nitrates, beta-blockers, statins, calcium-channel blockers, are often prescribed. In addition, lifestyle changes can even help reverse the condition. Here are some suggestions:
-Exercise. Studies have shown that mild to moderate exercise may protect against the development of atherosclerosis.
-Quit smoking. In addition to causing a host of other ailments, smoking damages the structure and function of your blood vessels.
-Learn healthy ways to cope with stress. Stress leads to higher blood pressure, which combined with atherosclerosis can increase risk of heart disease. Taking a walk or learning relaxation exercises are much better than smoking, drinking, or eating.
-Get regular checkups. A doctor can help monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

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Asthma Action Plan, Quick Tips

Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which airways narrow, causing wheezing, chest tightness, and labored breathing. Asthma is attributed to a combination of factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke, urban pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, pets, and pollen.

Although asthma is a chronic disease, the changes that occur during an attack are temporary, and the lungs generally function normally at other times. When asthma starts during childhood, the frequency and severity of attacks tend to lessen as the youngster grows and may disappear by adulthood. Some adults, however, suffer a recurrence, often as an aftermath of a viral infection.

Nutrition Connection
In many asthma sufferers, food allergies can cause asthma attacks; in these cases, identifying the culprits may require considerable detective work. See the Food Allergies entry for more information. These general guidelines will help lessen chances of attacks or complications:
-Avoid sulfites. Many foods have these preservatives added to them. Sulfites are common in dried fruits, dehydrated or instant soup mixes, instant potatoes, wine, beer, and white grape juice. Anyone sensitive to sulfites should carefully check food labels for any ingredient ending in “-sulfite” as well as sulfur dioxide. In addition to causing an asthma attack, sulfites sometimes lead to anaphylaxis in people who are hypersensitive to them. -Avoid salicylates. These compounds—which are in the same family as the active ingredient in aspirin and are also found naturally in many fruits, especially dried fruits and processed foods—can trigger attacks.
-Know your trigger foods. People who are allergic to mildew or molds may react to molds in foods such as cheese, mushrooms, and hot dogs, or to fermented foods, including soy sauce, beer, wine, and vinegar. Scan ingredient labels carefully and notify restaurant personnel when eating out.
-Eat more fatty fish. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, mackerel, sardines, and other cold-water fish, have an anti-inflammatory effect and may counter bronchial inflammation.
-Aim for 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables. Evidence continues to grow on the protective effects of fruits and vegetables on lung function. An array of different colors ensures you get a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants important for healthy lungs. Vitamin C, in particular, found in berries, green leafy vegetables, and many others, helps promote a healthy immune system and may be helpful in reducing wheezing in children with asthma.
-Talk to your doctor. A healthful balanced diet is sometimes difficult if allergies require eliminating entire food groups (for example, milk and other dairy products). A doctor can recommend substitutes or supplements to maintain good nutrition, and counteract asthma drugs’ side effects. For example, long-term steroid use causes bone loss, but vitamin D and calcium supplements can prevent the problem.

Beyond the Diet
Some asthma attacks are quickly reversed by a bronchodilator medication that opens the constricted airways. Other episodes are more prolonged, and may require an injection of epinephrine and a corticosteroid drug to stop the attack. Your best bet is to prevent attacks with the following tips:
Reduce exposure to triggers. Limit exposure to tobacco smoke or fumes, cold air, exercise, or an allergen. Seasonal asthma is usually due to various pollens, molds, and other environmental factors.

QUICK TIP:
- Lessen an attack with coffee
- Drink one or two cups of coffee or tea to sidestep a mild asthma attack. Caffeinated coffee and tea contain theophylline, a bronchial muscle relaxant used to treat asthma in people who are not sensitive to salicylates. (To diagnose an allergy to salicylates, doctors will often administer an exposure test.) Anyone taking a theophylline drug, however, should not drink large amounts of caffeinated beverages, as this can result in an overdose.
- Monitor your weight. Some studies have found a correlation between weight gain and adult-onset asthma. In addition, when obese people with asthma lose weight, there can be an improvement in asthma symptoms.

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