Asthma affects more than 7 million children in the United States, according to the CDC, and that number is growing every year. In fact, from 2001 to 2009 the number of people diagnosed with asthma grew by 4.3 million, and asthma rates rose the most among young black children – almost a 50% increase.
Why are rates for this lifelong disease rising? We still don’t quite know the answer, but there are studies emerging that suggest certain lifestyle choices can play a role in your asthma risks; food choices, in particular.
A study out of West Europe looked at data from over 50,000 children, and found that asthma risks were higher in those where lifestyle choices included a variety of “junk foods”. Researchers also discovered that children fed three or more burgers a week had a 40% higher risk of asmtha compared to those who only ate them on an occasional basis.
Another recent study found that a diet with significant amounts of margarine doubled the risk of allergies and asthma. Doubled!
But don’t confuse “bad” fats like those found in margarine with “good” monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It’s possible that a diet high in Omega-3s – like a Mediterranean diet – may give you a protective effect when it comes to a respiratory condition like asthma. According to researchers, children who ate nuts at least three times a week were less likely to have asthma symptoms, such as wheezing. Another study found that pregnant women who ate a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of allergies and asthma in their children.
Bottom line: Reduce the unhealthy fats, burgers and junk food in your children’s diet, and replace with foods rich in Omega-3s and antioxidants!
