Yet this is frequently an underlying cause of asthma. Certain foods can trigger an asthmatic attack, particularly in children. Avoid processed and salted foods as much as possible. Flaxseed and linseed oils, and salmon, if tolerated, are rich in essential fatty acids. These can be useful long-term promoters of bronchial relaxation.
Red meat can have the opposite effect, stimulating constriction.
Therefore it should be eaten no more than once or twice a week. For children and adults using steroids recently or for a period of time, there are special nutritional considerations. In particular, these patients will need to balance their blood sugar, keep their potassium levels up, and reduce their salt intake. Mineral repletion may be necessary, as corticosteroids deplete the body of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Most asthmatics are not aware of the many published studies showing that high-potency vitamin supplements induce a reduction in the incidence and severity of asthmatic attacks.