T.The relationship between respiratory health and nutrition is rarely discussed. As far as lung health is concerned, the major concerns are smoking, pollution, microbial infections, the common cold, and occupational exposure to dust particles. A healthy respiratory system requires a diet rich in powerful nutrients. Indeed, recent evidence suggests that a nutritious diet plays an important role in reducing the risk factors associated with the development and progression of serious pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. fulfill. According to World Health Organization statistics, COPD caused him 3.23 million casualties in 2019, making it her third leading cause of death worldwide.
Undernutrition, obesity, nutrients, plant-derived active compounds, and certain food groups influence the development and progression of respiratory disease.Explain the role of nutrition in lung health By citing and analyzing cross-sectional, epidemiological, and animal model studies.
Also read: Salt and dehydration, as well as sugar and lack of exercise, are behind the obesity epidemic
undernutrition and lung disease
Undernutrition begins in the womb. Decreased respiratory system function in the fetus is often the result of maternal malnutrition. Patients with COPD are often undernourished and clinical nutrition is an important component of disease management. Her advanced COPD is associated with weight loss, muscle wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, which collectively increase the risk of death. In a 2013 review, dietary supplements and high calorie intake were associated with improved muscle function in her COPD patients who were malnourished. There is not much evidence linking asthma and undernutrition.Observational studies in Japan found that Individuals had poorer asthma control compared with normal participants. Branched chain amino acid supplementation addressed protein malnutrition in COPD with positive outcomes such as growth of lean muscle mass.
Obesity is associated with asthma
Obesity causes 250,000 new asthma cases each year in the United States. The prevalence of asthma in healthy-weight adults is 7.1%, and in obese adults he is 11.1%. Even more shocking is the relationship between obese women and asthma. Among the obese women, 14.6% of her were diagnosed with asthma, whereas only 7.9% of the lean women had asthma.
There are strong links between obesity and multiple chronic diseases, including asthma. However, the mechanisms that explain this link have not yet been investigated. A 2013 study found that obesity alters the mechanical function of the respiratory system that may be associated with asthma. However, excess weight and associated complications such as gastroesophageal reflux, dyspnea during sleep, and low lung volumes can exacerbate asthma conditions. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of 1,113 active patients with asthma found that those with a higher body mass index (BMI) had worse asthma-specific quality of life and poorer asthma control than those with a normal BMI. We found an increase in reported asthma-related hospitalizations (< 25 kg/m2). One study explores how obesity-related chronic inflammation affects the immune system and is associated with diseases such as dementia, atherosclerosis, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, asthma, arthritis, gout, fatty liver, and sepsis. It explains what causes
Offspring of obese mothers are more likely to develop asthma. A study of 100,000 pregnant women found that maternal weight gain was associated with a 15-30% increased risk of asthma in babies. Obesity is also associated with wheezing and asthma. So there is no doubt that obesity and asthma are related. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight at all stages of life is essential to keep your lungs in optimal condition.
Also read: Food packets can be ultra-processed if they contain 5 or more ingredients.read the label
Diet and Respiratory Health
Dietary patterns have a significant impact on respiratory health. A 2013 review found that ensuring a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and childhood may prevent allergic disease. Known as one of the most nutritious diets in the world, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to prevent allergic respiratory diseases.
The Mediterranean diet consists of plant foods such as fruits, colorful vegetables, roots, tubers, nuts, beans, seeds, complex carbohydrates and whole grains.
In the Mediterranean diet, healthy unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 rich olive oil, are the primary cooking and dressing vehicle. Moderate amounts of yogurt, low-fat dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed. Wine and red meat are rare in Mediterranean cultures. Nutritionally, this diet is very powerful as it is rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, omega-3s, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. The relationship between the number of days on a Mediterranean diet and childhood asthma was investigated in 200 children. Interestingly, these diet days were found to be inversely related to the incidence of asthma. Two more studies done in 2008 and his 2009 yielded similar results. Consuming a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is known to prevent wheezing and allergies in children as young as six and a half years.
Conversely, a “Western diet” typically high in refined white sugar, vegetable oils, salt, processed meats, trans fats, and artificial preservatives has been found to increase the risk of wheezing and asthma in children. An analysis of 200 women found that asthma attacks were more frequent in women who ate a Western diet high in sweet fats than in women who ate more fruits and vegetables. This dietary pattern is also associated with an increased risk of COPD.
Also read: Salt and dehydration, as well as sugar and lack of exercise, are behind the obesity epidemic
Lung-Protective Food Groups and Nutrients
Fruits and vegetables have always been considered the best protective food group. They contain phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that protect respiratory health. Evidence suggests that eating fruits and cooked green vegetables may reduce wheezing in children ages 8 to 12.and 2000 prospective cohort study from England, adults who consumed more fruits and vegetables for 3 months had a lower risk of asthma exacerbation. and beneficial for adults. Her 2013 study by Rachel E Foong and Graeme R. Zosky explained how vitamin D deficiency is linked to respiratory disease, although the mechanism is unknown. Vitamin D is essential for optimal immune function.
The role of nutrition in protecting and promoting lung health cannot be overstated. Few. Most references are epidemiological or cross-sectional. To that end, it’s important to remember that a balanced diet contributes to overall physical health, including respiratory health.
Subhasree Ray is a PhD (Ketogenic Diet), Certified Diabetes Educator, Clinical Dietitian and Public Health Dietitian. She tweets @DrSubhasree. Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Batty)
