Diet Changes Might Help Manage Asthma Symptoms

Animal studies explore the possibility that fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might influence asthma development

A new study suggests a high-fiber diet might help prevent asthma. Researchers found that mice on a high-fiber diet had less lung inflammation compared to those on a low-fiber diet. This difference seems to be linked to the types of gut bacteria that thrive on a fiber-rich diet. These bacteria produce beneficial fatty acids that signal the immune system to keep the lungs less sensitive to irritation. The study’s authors point out the rise of processed foods coinciding with increased asthma rates, suggesting a potential link between diet and the condition. While human trials are needed, the findings offer promise for exploring dietary changes or even specific fatty acid supplements as ways to prevent asthma.