In this article, you will be able to check if omega 3 is capable of fighting asthma symptoms and what benefits this nutrient offers to the body. See also the best way to consume it. Follow up!
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that affects many people. According to pulmonologist Heloísa Bazzarelli, asthma is allergic-inflammatory and has a familial character. “It is a condition of bronchial hyperreactivity, where they react in an exaggerated way to some stimuli, reducing their caliber”, he explains.
Wheezing in the chest, cough with white viscous secretion and shortness of breath are the main symptoms of the disease. Heloísa says it is important to remember that in cases of mild asthma, it can only be manifested by a dry cough, especially in autumn-winter.
Although there is still no definitive cure for this problem, it is possible to control the crises and lead a normal life, as long as the patient receives adequate treatment. In addition, recent studies have shown that omega-3s can help fight asthma symptoms. But is it really efficient?
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Fighting Asthma with Omega 3
Recent studies carried out by North American scientists have shown an excellent anti-inflammatory response to omega-3.
“It works by reducing the levels of IGE, an antibody related to inflammatory and allergic processes, reducing the cause of bronchial obstruction. It is an excellent adjuvant treatment proposal, since the current medication controls the disease but does not cure it”, says pulmonologist Heloísa Bazzarelli.
In Brazil, the Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Institute has also carried out research on the subject. In search of new control and prevention alternatives for patients with asthma, researchers studied the protective effects of omega-3 in mice.
In animals fed with omega 3, the allergic crisis driven in the experiments was minimized by 60% compared to the other group, where normal rations were used. They also found that there was a reduction in mucus production, inflammatory infiltrate and bronchi contraction.
Omega-3 and its benefits
Omega-3 is a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids, that is, it is a type of fat that is beneficial to health, but which is not produced by our body. Therefore, it must be present through food and supplementation. This substance provides many benefits, especially for two extremely important organs in our body, the heart and brain, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, hypertension and even cancer.
According to nutritionist Daniela Mendes Tobaja, the role of omega-3 in the body is very wide. “It helps in cell membrane formation, hormonal regulation and the development and functioning of the brain and retina. It is also essential during the development of the fetus and child, which are phases of brain growth, being extremely important for pregnant and lactating women”.
In addition to these benefits, we can also mention others such as:
- Improvement of inflammatory processes such as: arthritis, tendonitis, gastritis, colitis, sinusitis , rhinitis, cellulitis , etc.
- Lowering triglyceride levels, which are associated with clots in the arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Prevention of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- Depression Prevention and Anxiety Treatment
- Treatment of obesity: for improving inflammatory processes, as well as hormonal, cellular and mood control, among others
- Assist in HIV treatment
- Improved memory and learning , that is, cognitive ability
- Contribution to the treatment of osteoporosis, aiding calcium absorption
- Assist in the control of the glycemic index
How to consume omega-3s?
Nutritionist Daniela Tobaja says that the main sources of omega-3s are salt and deep water fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna. However, the ideal is that they are prepared roasted, cooked or grilled, as frying deteriorates part of the omega-3 available in meat. Other sources are: flaxseed or oil , chia , walnuts, dark vegetables, olive oils and some oils.
However, Daniela says that the best way to balance the right dosage of omega-3 in the body is through supplements, where dosages are concentrated in capsules.
“Most traditional oils, as well as industrialized products with added omega-3s, also contain omega-6s, which when consumed in excess increases the risk of inflammatory diseases. As the diet of most Brazilians is rich in omega-6, the ideal ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 is hardly achieved without supplementation”, explains the professional.
For this reason, omega-3 supplements have been used more and more, as their ideal proportions are thus easily achieved. “However, some precautions must be taken when choosing the best quality product, such as the presence of mercury, vitamin E, among other factors. For better information about the need for supplementation, your choice and the right dosage, always consult your nutritionist. Only he will be able to make the correct prescription according to the needs of each person”, guides Daniela.
Other Effective Asthma Treatments
Although there is no cure, asthma can be controlled with local and continuous medications, such as the famous ‘pumps’, which add bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticoids, to their formula.
“The most commonly used medication currently is inhaled corticosteroids, associated or not with bronchodilators. But remember that each case is different and the treatment must be individualized, according to the characterization of the disease, which can be mild, moderate, severe, intermittent or perennial, etc”, reinforces pulmonologist Heloísa Bazzarelli.
Care to alleviate asthma symptoms
Also according to Heloísa, the control of the environment where the asthmatic person lives, the practice of physical activities and healthy eating contribute to a better response to treatment. But, unfortunately, there is still nothing effective that can change the appearance or not of the disease.
“It is known that smoking, consumption of processed foods, an unhealthy environment and constant exposure to allergens of all kinds can trigger the first episodes of asthma. Children born through normal delivery are also less likely to develop allergic respiratory diseases”, points out the pulmonologist.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.