Those who suffer from asthma know how life-crippling the disease can be at times. Knowing the triggers that flare up asthma is half the battle in controlling the disease. Some of those common asthma triggers are caused by environmental factors such as smoke, fragrances, pet dander, and dust. Other times asthma attacks are brought on by foods or drinks we consume. Here are some asthma trigger foods you may want to avoid:

1. Gluten rich foods
Gluten is a naturally occurring substance food in all wheat products. Yes, that includes most baked goods, cereals, crackers, and goods such as sauces, syrups, and gravies. Sadly, some people’s bodies can not handle this substance and it causes an inflammatory response in the body. That inflammatory response can cause digestive issues and respiratory ones. Those with asthma may be able to reduce the number of attacks they have been eliminating gluten from their diet completely.

2. Animal food products
Animal products such as dairy, eggs, and cheese can be triggers for an asthma attack. This is because animal products can sometimes contain preservatives, added hormones, antibiotics, sulfates, nitrates, and sweeteners which are all known triggers from causing asthma to flare up. Some asthma patients find great relief by sticking to a vegan diet which helps them eliminate all animal products. Doing so helps prevent inflammatory attacks upon the body which helps reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks.

3. Food grade dyes
Dyes are in almost all food and beverage goods nowadays. Dyes can cause an inflammatory response in the body and can happen instantly in someone who has dye allergies. The only way to avoid dyes is to read all food and beverage labels before making a purchase. You can also avoid dyes by eating a whole foods diet which means avoiding anything processed and sticking with fresh foods and drinking organic beverages such as water, herb teas, freshly squeezed juices, and coffee.

4. Foods and beverages containing sulfates
Sulfates are one of the most common triggers for an asthma attack. Foods that can sometimes contain sulfates are ham steaks, sausages, cheeses, wines, dried fruits, beer, and pickled foods. Asthma patients experience shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest and constant coughing almost immediately after consuming sulfates. Avoiding sulfate foods and beverages is one of the best ways to reduce asthma symptoms and attacks.

5. Mushrooms
Some of you, asthma patients out there may have not considered this asthma trigger yet, but mushrooms can increase your chances of having an asthma attack. Asthma patients with mold or mildew due to allergies may flare up your asthma by consuming mushrooms. Mushrooms and mold have one thing in common and that is they are mold. Avoiding mushrooms even though you love eating them might be the secret to reducing your asthma attacks and symptoms.

6. Sugar
Sugar is another ingredient found in most foods and beverages. Reducing your intake of this sweet substance can greatly reduce inflammation in the entire body. This means you won’t have to run to your rescue asthma inhaler as often. If you want something sweet to eat or drink stick with natural occurring sweeteners instead of processed sugar canes and artificial sweeteners. Naturally sweet foods are fruits, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar.