exercise-induced-asthma-related stories
Sweat more to reduce exercise-induced asthma symptoms
Recent research shows -- believe it or not -- that sweat and airway secretion are linked. For people who have exercise-induced asthma, dryness in their airways can trigger asthma symptoms. Increased airway secretions can minimize or prevent symptoms during exercise. Study participants were given medications to induce asthma symptoms and/or sweating. Obviously, the average Joe can't pop a pill to increase sweat production. And honestly, who would want to? So while researchers still work out the practical applications of this knowledge, follow these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:
- Try swimming -- the warm, humid atmosphere reduces the risk of symptoms.
- If you want to play team sports, opt for those -- like baseball -- that have short bursts of intense activity rather than continuous movement.
- In cold weather, wear a scarf or mask over your mouth and nose to warm the inhaled air.
What to avoid: The saltiest foods in America
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Because I have asthma, and because it interferes with my ability to exercise, I'm constantly on the look out for new diet and environment-based ways to reduce my symptoms. I'm on a good regimen of medications and starting last winter, immunotherapy. I know that a healthy lifestyle will complement those things and possibly help reduce the amount of medication I have to take.
I was surprised recently to learn that a high-salt diet has been linked to exercise-induced asthma. When researchers put a group of asthmatics on a high-salt diet, their airway functions declined significantly and rapidly. This is important, because Americans, whose asthma rates are climbing, have been turning away from fresh, natural foods and toward processed boxed and frozen goods that are loaded with sodium. I'll definitely be watching the salt in my diet much more closely from now on.
Men's Health recently listed the 20 saltiest foods in America. Though these aren't the only foods to avoid if you're cutting sodium, they're definitely at the top of the list! Check out AOL Body for more low-sodium tips.
How do you limit the amount of sodium in your diet?
I was surprised recently to learn that a high-salt diet has been linked to exercise-induced asthma. When researchers put a group of asthmatics on a high-salt diet, their airway functions declined significantly and rapidly. This is important, because Americans, whose asthma rates are climbing, have been turning away from fresh, natural foods and toward processed boxed and frozen goods that are loaded with sodium. I'll definitely be watching the salt in my diet much more closely from now on.
Men's Health recently listed the 20 saltiest foods in America. Though these aren't the only foods to avoid if you're cutting sodium, they're definitely at the top of the list! Check out AOL Body for more low-sodium tips.
How do you limit the amount of sodium in your diet?
