Nutrition plays a vital role in managing asthma and other lung conditions. While some foods aggravate shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest pain, others help relieve these symptoms. Moreover, a balanced meal plan ensures that the body gets sufficient nutrients, improving immunity and keeping diseases away. From vitamin A to magnesium and spices, this article lists the best nutrients and foods along with some medications that patients can have for managing major asthma symptoms.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is helpful, especially in children and can help reduce asthma attack incidents. Salmon, milk, eggs, and citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin D. However, those allergic to milk and eggs should avoid them. Basking in the sunlight also helps get Vitamin D.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A has a role to play in improving the function of the lungs. Foods that are rich in Vitamin A include carrots, broccoli, all leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, papayas, and mangoes. Carrots, in particular, have beta-carotene that is believed to help reduce asthma attacks brought about by exercise.

Magnesium
Children need to have sufficient magnesium levels to develop their lung function. Foods rich in magnesium include salmon, nuts, seeds, peas, asparagus, bananas, figs, and kale. Again, caution needs to be exercised, as some of these foods may cause allergies in some people. Foods causing allergies need to be identified and avoided.

Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables can be safely consumed by asthma patients. They provide excellent nutrients and help in improving general immunity. Bananas, for instance, contain potassium that can improve lung function.

Apples are also good for improving lung function. Studies have shown that those who eat 3-4 apples a week have a 30% less chance of suffering from asthma. Richly colored fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids and beta-carotene that are recommended for asthma patients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help in relaxing muscles and can provide relief from inflammation caused by asthma. Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Cold-water fish like tuna and sardines, nuts, and plant oils are rich in Omega-3 and should be a part of the diet for asthma patients.

Spices
Spices are great to add taste to food. Apart from this, they have properties like being anti-inflammatory and can benefit asthma patients. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric can be used while cooking, and also benefits asthma patients. Garlic can be eaten raw, turmeric with milk, and ginger can be mixed into a decoction with honey.

The foods listed above help prevent asthma attacks and alleviate the symptoms. In severe cases, doctors may recommend a combination of nutrition and medication. The popular medicine options include:

FASENRA®
This is a prescription injection used for managing severe asthma in adults. It contains benralizumab that works by decreasing white blood cells called eosinophils that contribute to asthma. Patients can visit websites like rxpharmacycoupons.com, wellrx.com, and drugs.com to avail of FASENRA® discount coupons for managing asthma.

CINQAIR®
Doctors may also suggest CINQAIR® (reslizumab) for managing asthma symptoms. It is an injection that works like FASENRA® but is typically used with other medications for best results. 

NUCALA
NUCALA is another option. It is available as a prefilled autoinjector pen or prefilled syringe. The medication contains mepolizumab that decreases inflammation in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Patients must consult a doctor if they have any questions about how to use the injector pen.

Tezepelumab
Tezepelumab is an investigational medicine funded by AstraZeneca and Amgen. It is known to reduce annualized asthma exacerbation rate in severe asthmatic patients. This medicine is a human monoclonal antibody. It stops the activity of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine that potentially causes inflammatory responses in asthma patients. Studies have shown that Tezepelumab reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation regardless of baseline blood eosinophil count.