Asthma in Children [Illustration by Shinod AP]
Foods that may cause asthma are wheat, eggs, milk, chocolates, beans, potatoes and fish. A child with low immunity levels along with a poor or faulty diet is likely to contract asthma.
A vegetarian diet is best for an asthmatic child. It should contain limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and protein which are acid forming. Throw in a generous amount of fruits, green vegetables and sprouted seeds into your child’s diet.
Diet Suggestions
- Breakfast: Seven almonds soaked overnight in water with honey mixed in warm water, fresh fruits, dates or figs (soaked), wholewheat bread toast and one cup of soya milk with honey.
- Mid-morning: Grape/apple juice.
- Lunch: Lots of lightly cooked vegetables with wholewheat chapattis.
- Evening: Steamed sprouts and wholewheat toast with tofu and ginger tea with honey.
- Dinner: One big bowl of hot soup with lots of shredded vegetables or one big bowl of salad.Points to remember
- Avoid feeding the child with foods that may form phlegm e.g. rice, sugar, lentils, curds, fried foods and snacks.
- Avoid fizzy drinks, pickles, sauces and refined foods.
- Substitute milk with soya milk and tofu.
- During the day, give your child eight to 10 glasses of warm water.
- Sometimes, asthma is caused by a vitamin B6 deficiency. A supplement of B6 may be helpful.
- Do not expose the child to sudden fluctuations of temperature and climactic extremes.
- Besides a planned diet, teach your child some deep breathing exercises to expand lung-power.
