Nutrition for the Asthmatic Child

Asthma is a serious disease, but it is also treatable. By keeping a rescue inhaler handy and avoiding known triggers, asthma sufferers can usually avoid an attack. But for kids with asthma, these things may be difficult to remember. So it's our job as parents to do everything we can to help them avoid triggers.

In some children, certain foods can trigger or contribute to asthma attacks. Although school lunches are required to meet certain nutritional criteria, they are not designed with the asthmatic child in mind. For children who are sensitive to certain foods, it's usually best to pack their lunch instead of allowing them to eat from the cafeteria.

It can be tricky for parents to avoid asthma triggers, unless they know what specific foods cause problems in their children. Many children are not really allergic to any foods, making it even more difficult. But there are certain foods that commonly trigger attacks in those with asthma. These include chocolate, refined white flour and dairy products. Foods high in sodium can also be a problem.

Vitamins and minerals are also important for children with asthma. Vitamin C, which is present in citrus fruits and many other fruits and vegetables, is particularly good for asthma sufferers, because it helps reduce inflammation. Vitamin A provides numerous benefits to the lungs. It can be found in peppers, as well as any vegetable with orange pigment. Magnesium, found in leafy green vegetables, has an antihistamine-like effect. Kids who are on asthma medication often have a vitamin B6 deficiency. This vitamin can be replenished by eating bananas, peppers, fish, seeds and nuts.

Here are some easy and delicious lunch ideas that provide good nutrition and eliminate most common asthma triggers:

1. Roasted turkey breast sandwich with lettuce and tomato on wheat bread, apple juice, carrot sticks and pineapple chunks

2. Chicken soup with whole grain noodles and vegetables, whole wheat crackers, an orange and white grape juice

3. Salad with seasoned low-sodium grilled chicken strips and a non-dairy dressing, low sodium corn tortilla chips, a banana and green tea

4. Whole wheat pita sandwich with lean beef, lettuce, tomato and sweet peppers, kiwi slices and fruit punch

Onions and garlic are great for asthma sufferers. They have anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties that can help prevent asthma attacks. They aren't, however, very popular among children. You can sneak them into your child's lunch by adding chopped sweet onions to sandwiches and salads, or by seasoning home-made soups with garlic.

Diet can have a profound effect on asthma. Making sure your child gets a good lunch each day that is free of potential asthma triggers could greatly reduce the chance of an attack at school and at home.