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A new study suggests that maintaining a balanced diet can help improve asthma symptoms.
BEACON TRANSCRIPT – Asthma is defined as being a long-term inflammatory disease which affects the airways of the lungs and which is quite common. Its symptoms can vary and be recurrent, and they include episodes of shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, among others.
Their severity and rate of frequency vary according to individual, but a new study suggests that maintaining a balanced diet, coupled with some exercising, might help improve asthma symptoms.
Asthma Symptoms, Lessened by a Balanced Diet?
Bispebjerg University Hospital in Denmark researchers are behind this newest study on the importance of keeping a healthy diet. The study saw the participation of around 140 patients diagnosed with asthma. These were divided into four groups, one of which was asked to follow a low GI (low glycemic index) and high in protein diet.
Other participants had exercise three times a week, and include bursts of high activity. The third group was asked to follow the diet and also exercise, while the remaining participants received no special requests.
Based on the such gathered data, the team noted that patients in the third group presented an improvement in their asthma symptoms. Their symptoms’ score was 50 percent better when compared to those in the control group.
The combination of exercising and a balanced diet were noted to improve both the symptom control and the participants’ quality of life as well. It also contributed to improving their fitness levels.
“Our research suggests that people with asthma should be encouraged to eat a healthy diet and to take part in physical activity,” noted one of the researchers involved, Louise Lindhardt Toennesen.
Study findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2017 which was held in Italy.
“Our study suggests that non-obese asthma patients can safely take part in well-planned, high-intensity exercise,” continued Toennesen.
The study did not return a clear improvement in either of the participants’ lung function.
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