Nutrition
Dietary management of Asthma
Fruits
This chapter discusses how we can manage asthma with our diet.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs, characterised by obstruction of the airway, which may be accompanied by wheezing, difficulty in breathing, coughing and other symptoms.
Asthma is a very distressing disease which poses immense threat on one’s life. That being said, asthma is not a death sentence and there are many ways to optimise one’s life with asthma. We will discuss the dietary portion of that.
Foods to avoid
Before we know what to do, we must know what not to do. Some common foods which may trigger an attack include shellfish, nuts and some dairy products, among others. Avoiding these foods will go a long way to reduce the distress caused by asthma attacks.
Also, some food additives and preservatives such as sulphites, food colourings, monosodium glutamate, and salicylate are potential triggers. You should always check food labels to be able to avoid these.
Foods to consume
People with asthma may benefit from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish, may also be helpful in avoiding episodes.
One should always remember to drink adequate water, as this is universally beneficial to our overallhealth and also helps to thin mucous of the airway, thereby helping to curtail episodes of asthma.
Lifestyle modification
To help avoid frequent asthma attacks, we should avoid smoking and smoky environments, avoid alcohol and very cold beverages (including ice cream), manage emotional and physical stress, and last but not the least, stay away from and avoid known triggers (common triggers include house dust mites, pollen, animal fur or dander), among others.
In conclusion, asthma, as distressing as it is, can be an issue of minimal concern with adequate medical attention, which is never complete without dietary measures.
The writer is a Nutritionist and Chief Executive Officer of Holistic Health Consult. Email: info@holistichealthconsult.org
By AsareKorkor Bernice
‘Yake Yake’ is a traditional Ghanaian dish from the Volta Region made from steamed, grated cassava
It is similar to Attieke but typically steamed in a different, more rustic, or water-free style
Ingredients
-4 tubes of cassava
-4 tablespoonfuls of salt
Preparation
–Peel the cassava tubers, remove the fibrous inner core, and wash thoroughly to remove soil and starch
– Grate the cassava using a blender or grater until it is fine and grainy
–Place the grated cassava into a muslin or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible
–Squeeze cassava through a strainer to separate coarse chunks, ensuring a fine, powdery texture
– Line a steamer (or a pot with a perforated insert) with a cheesecloth. Pour the cassava flakes into the cloth, forming a dome shape
– Steam for about 3–4 minutes until fluffy
–Turn the ‘Yake Yake’ out onto a plate. It should appear as a soft, cake-like dome
-Pair with tilapia, hot pepper, and sliced onions for a complete, authentic Ghanaian meal.
The cassava plant (Cassava) is a perennial woody shrub with edible roots rich in Nutrients with a higher carbohydrate content than rice and corn.
Used to make traditional tapioca flour but also the key ingredient for a diverse range of common products including sweeteners, alcohol, confectionery, animal feeds, personal care and cosmetics and many other commercial, pharmaceutical and industrial uses.
The best part is that this plant can survive for very long in soil that is poor in quality. Cassava is thought to improve health by boosting immunity and regulating digestion.
The root of the plant is rich in vitamin C, while the leaves contain beta-carotene, lysine, and other compounds beneficial to the skin and metabolism. Below are the various possible benefits of Cassava.
– Cassava sugar is healthier than sucrose
-Improves digestive system, weight loss
-Boost energy and improves brain functions
– Strengthens immunity
– Prevents cancer
– Lowers blood pressure
– Supports healthy muscles
– Helps prevent rheumatic disease
– Healthy eyesight
