HEALTH: Exercise and diet can ease signs of asthma

Increasing evidence shows that high-intensity exercise combined with a healthy diet decreases symptoms of asthma. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

Combining exercise with a healthy diet could help non-obese patients with asthma gain better control of symptoms like wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath.

New research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2017, could alleviate concerns among a majority of patients who are wary of exercise, fearing that it could induce symptoms.

The research presented by Dr Louise Lindhardt Toennesen from Bispebjerg University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark said, “There is increasing evidence that asthma patients who are obese can benefit from a better diet and increased exercise. We wanted to see if non-obese patients with asthma could also benefit.”

The team worked with 149 patients who were assigned to one of four groups. One group was asked to follow a diet high in protein and a low-glycaemic index (diet that maintains the right levels of sugar in the blood). They were asked to eat at least six portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

STUDY RESULTS

Another group took part in an exercise class that involved high-intensity activity designed to raise the heart rate, interspersed with more gentle activity, three times a week; and the third group took part in the exercise classes and followed the diet, while the remaining control group did neither .

On average, those who took part in the exercise class and followed the diet rated their asthma symptom score 50 per cent better than the control group.

Those patients who only followed either the exercise programme or the diet programme rated their asthma symptom score 30 per cent better than the control group, but this result had no statistical significance.

The study found that high intensity fitness training was safe for patients. Although they did not find definite improvement in patients’ lung function, they did find that the combination of diet and exercise improved both symptom control and patients’ quality of life, as well their level of fitness.

The study suggests that non-obese asthma patients can safely take part in well-planned, high-intensity exercise. It also shows that exercise combined with a healthy diet can help patients control their asthma symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

The researchers hope to discover which diet and activities have the biggest impact, to find out if some patients can benefit more than others, and, ultimately, if lifestyle changes can replace asthma prevention medication.