Diet
Being over or underweight is not healthy and can have a negative effect on your general well-being and on your level of asthma control.
If you have any concerns about your weight, you should speak to your GP or Practice Nurse about a healthy eating plan and possible changes to your diet and lifestyle. They will also be able to explain the benefits that achieving a healthy weight can have for asthma management.
A healthy diet should include a variety of foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, grains and cereals. High levels of nutrients in these foods can boost the immune system and may help ward off colds and flu. Current Government guidelines advise eating 5 portions of fruit or vegetables every day.
Underweight
Being underweight can lead to a weakening of the chest muscles often making it more difficult to breathe deeply thereby reducing maximum oxygen uptake in each breath. Underweight patients with asthma are also prone to developing a chest infection.
Poor nutrition is often an issue in older asthma patients and in people with other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] or other breathing problems. Please speak to your GP/Practice nurse for referral to a dietician who can help devise a food plan to boost weight gain.
Overweight
Being overweight is associated with worsening asthma management and can put unnecessary strain on the heart and lungs. The strain can be particularly tough on asthmatic patients with associated breathing conditions such as COPD/ and or other breathing problems.
Losing excess weight through diet and exercise can make breathing easier. Including physical activity in a weight loss plan is especially important if patients have COPD and / or other breathing problems as regular exercise not only helps with weight loss, but can also improve muscle strength.
Speak to your GP/Practice nurse before embarking on a weight loss program. They will be happy to offer dietary and lifestyle advice and make necessary referrals to a dietician.