Diet, vitamins and supplements

A nutritious diet helps you stay healthy. And, more and more studies show that certain vitamins and nutrients found in foods may help relieve asthma symptoms in some people. Three that seem promising include:

• Antioxidants. People with severe asthma appear to have lower levels of these protective nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Hospitals commonly give people the antioxidant magnesium through a vein for severe asthma attacks. Studies have hinted that eating foods rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and E may ease asthma symptoms, but a recent, well-conducted review shows they do not.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy oils found in several types of fish may reduce the inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms. Small studies suggest fish oil supplements also offer a modest benefit. It's unclear whether omega-3s from flaxseed and canola oil have the same beneficial effects as omega-3s found in fish. Omega-3s also appear to have a number of other health benefits.
• Vitamin D. Some people with severe asthma have low levels of vitamin D. Researchers are exploring whether vitamin D may reduce asthma symptoms in some people. Ask a doctor how much vitamin D is best. Too much can cause kidney damage.

A multivitamin or supplement pill may help you get nutrients, but the best way to make sure you're getting proper nutrition is to eat a varied diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods. There's no downside to increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water fish, nuts, greens and ground flaxseed.