Nutrition

Dietary management of Asthma

Fruits

This chapter discusses how we can manage asthma with our diet.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs, characterised by obstruction of the airway, which may be accompanied by wheezing, difficulty in breathing, coughing and other symptoms.

Asthma is a very distressing disease which poses immense threat on one’s life. That being said, asthma is not a death sentence and there are many ways to optimise one’s life with asthma. We will discuss the dietary portion of that.

Foods to avoid

Before we know what to do, we must know what not to do. Some common foods which may trigger an attack include shellfish, nuts and some dairy products, among others. Avoiding these foods will go a long way to reduce the distress caused by asthma attacks.

Also, some food additives and preservatives such as sulphites, food colourings, monosodium glutamate, and salicylate are potential triggers. You should always check food labels to be able to avoid these.

Foods to consume

People with asthma may benefit from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish, may also be helpful in avoiding episodes.

One should always remember to drink adequate water, as this is universally beneficial to our overallhealth and also helps to thin mucous of the airway, thereby helping to curtail episodes of asthma.

Lifestyle modification

To help avoid frequent asthma attacks, we should avoid smoking and smoky environments, avoid alcohol and very cold beverages (including ice cream), manage emotional and physical stress, and last but not the least, stay away from and avoid known triggers (common triggers include house dust mites, pollen, animal fur or dander), among others.

In conclusion, asthma, as distressing as it is, can be an issue of minimal concern with adequate medical attention, which is never complete without dietary measures.

The writer is a Nutritionist and Chief Executive Officer of Holistic Health Consult. Email: info@holistichealthconsult.org

By AsareKorkor Bernice

Nutrition

Benefits of Dawada

Dawadawa has a lot of nutritional benefits

The African Locust bean, commonly referred to as “Dawadawa” by Ghanaians is a local seasoning used in soups and stews. It is rich in diverse nutrients and has great health benefits to Africans who consume it.

-Good vision

Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in the African locust bean, it makes it therefore one of the best treatments of bad vision and eye issues such as Myopia, Cataract and even minus eyes.

-It can treat stroke

Stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly obstructed by any substance which is fatal and dangerous to the health of individuals.

Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust beans will definitely help you against such sickness.

-Reduces cholesterol

Cholesterol can cause blockage within the blood vessels thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart which will definitely lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body burn the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.

-Treat Diarrhoea

Due to the amount of tannin found in the African locust beans, it can cure diarrhoea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help relieve you of diarrhoea

-Treat hypertension

Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount of African Locust beans will help people with hypertension.

-Helps control blood sugar level

The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable otherwise if unstable, it will cause diabetes. Therefore consuming African locust beans will help you control blood sugar level.

-Improve digestion

Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion. Good digestion will give you a healthy body as the excretion process in the body will be facilitated which will prevent constipation.

-Healthy weight

Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa. It is not easy to have normal weight or for the underweight to gain weight. Eating African locust bean will help you gain weight in a natural way.

-Heal Wounds

As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded can be applied on wounds and the beans can be put on the wound to heal the wounds.

-Reduce Fever

Consuming a good amount of African locust beans can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever which is still practiced in some rural African communities and also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.

African locust beans is one of the best gift of God to Africans but sadly, only a few see this, it consist of many vital nutrients which are cherished by the body. Therefore regular consumption of healthy African locust beans will give you good health

Source: https://gh.opera.news