I am commonly asked about the relationship between diet and asthma. Patients are very interested to know if there are foods that are worsening their asthma or if certain foods might improve their asthma.
One of the common foods thought to potentially improve or prevent asthma is fish because of the high content of omega-3 fatty acids in some types of fish. Certain populations (e.g. Eskimo) with high omega-3 intakes have been noted to have comparably low rates of asthma. The theory is that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that improve or prevent asthma.
However, studies giving omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to patients have not generally shown improvements in asthma function or deceases in symptoms or medication use. While there was no significant asthma benefit, there were also no side effects.
So why do populations eating a lot of fish have less asthma, but giving fish oil showed no benefit? Possibly it is not the omega-3 fatty acids, but some other yet undetermined substance, that is improving asthma. Possibly it has more to do with a general good diet as opposed to a particular vitamin or mineral. While increasing your fish consumption may not improve your asthma, fish can be a good part of a healthful diet.
I really think that supplements help us feel healthier overall and in the long-run can be beneficial. A lot of the studies out there on supplements aren’t done for very lengthy periods of time. After a life time of eating burgers and fatty food, we can’t expect our arteries to clear up by eating salad for a week or even a month. Good nutrition is a lifestyle choice that needs to be permanent. Supplements can help us achieve better nutrition levels when our foods just don’t cut it. Let’s face it, how many of us actually eat a healthy balanced diet every single day? I know I try it, but it’s hard when I’m busy. Either way, I know supplements help me feel healthier. I’ve been taking Fish oil and BreatheFree Multivitamin and I have to say that I do feel a health benefit. I’m not cured of my asthma, even medicine can’t do that, but taking supplements on top of my asthma medication has really made a big difference to me in my overall quality of life.