Asthma can affect everyone from many different social and economic backgrounds. Many people adopt a vegan diet due to either health reason or because they respect the lives of animals. If you have chosen to become a vegan due to not wanting to use animal products of any kind you try to avoid anything that involves animals. The Vegan Society accepts that there will be occasions in your life where you will have to participate in something, ‘non -vegan’. Medication by default cannot be vegan due to the extensive testing required before it is approved for use. Although not favoured by animal rights groups, animal testing plays an important role in the development of treatments for conditions such as asthma. Some of the ingredients in medication are also non-vegan. If you are vegan and have asthma it is vitally important that you consider your health first or you may find that your symptoms can get worse.
Vegan Diet And Asthma
Some people believe that eating a vegan diet can alleviate symptoms. Nagel et al (2010) carried out a global study of in 20 countries and found that; fruit, vegetables, and fish reduced symptoms while meat intake increased them. Rodríguez-Rodríguez et al. (2014) studied a large sample of 8 - 13-year-olds and found that diets high in saturated fat increased risk. Iikura et al. (2013) found that fruit and regular exercise alleviated asthma symptoms. (Source: Vivahealth). Some foods act as triggers causing inflammation all over the body, including the airways. Modifying your diet to avoid these triggers could result in you cutting out dairy and meat which would indicate that a vegan diet can help you to manage your asthma. It is vitally important that you discuss your dietary requirements with your doctor so that you are not putting your health at risk.
The Risks Of Not Taking Medication
Depending on the severity of your asthma you could be putting your health at great risk if you avoid taking medication. If you have mild asthma controlling your symptoms with diet may decrease the number of times you use your inhaler. However, if your symptoms are severe you could risk your life by not taking medication. If you do suffer from asthma taking the medication will allow you to follow your vegan ideals because you will be healthier. Although asthma inhalers themselves are not vegan a vegan diet may reduce your symptoms. It is imperative that you don’t sacrifice your own health for your beliefs. You should visit your doctor to discuss treatment options if you are torn between looking after yourself or avoiding animal products.To review and purchase treatment for asthma click here.
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