Children Who Eat Lots of Fish Cut the Risk of Developing Asthma in Half

A new study revealed that eating at least two portions of fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel a week during childhood halve the risk of developing asthma.

Researchers from the Queen Mary University in London studied the data of over 4,500 children born in the 1990s in the United Kingdom that have been monitored since their birth.

They found that people who used to consume at least two portions of fish rich in omega-3 between the ages of 11 and 14 were 50% less likely to develop life-threatening respiratory disease.

According to reports, only about 25% of households in the UK do children aged five to 11 consume the least amount of recommended fish at least twice a week. The researchers said that around one in 11 children, or equivalent to 11 million, are treated for asthma.

Fatty Fish Diet Promotes Better Lung Function

According to senior author Professor Seif Shaheen, asthma is the most chronic condition in childhood that could possibly be affected by poor diet. Their study measured the diet of children and followed them over many years to see who among them developed asthma and who did not, MailOnline reported.

They estimated the intake of EPA and DHA from fish at seven years old using the food frequency questionnaires and compared to the rate of new doctor-diagnosed asthma at aged 11 to 14.

Seafood is known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids known to be good for the heart, boost mood, and reduce the risk of depression. Other oily varieties include fresh tuna, kippers, and trout.

The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, showed that eating more fish during childhood will be good for children in the UK, although researchers cannot say that it does prevent asthma.

Moreover, a study in Sweden confirmed that eating fish can stave off asthma attacks in people who already have the condition. While previous research showed that children who follow the Mediterranean diet enriched with fatty fish have better lung function.

Studies show that a healthy diet could be a therapy for childhood asthma. Also, regular consumption of oily fish promotes good heart health to prevent heart attack and stroke.

ALSO READ: Asthma: Know Your Symptoms Before It Attacks

Why Asthma Doubles the Risk of Heart Attack

Asthma may not directly cause a heart attack, but studies show that it can double the heart attack risk. News Beezer reported that the relationship between the illnesses might be due to inflammation and swelling.

The CDC said that the swelling of airways during an asthma attack restricts the flow of oxygen, affecting blood flow.

Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network said that most people think that the lungs and heart are two separate organs. But the truth is that they affect each other. Severe asthma could stress the heart and therefore creates two problems.

First, the person would not have enough oxygen to oxygenate the body, so the heart needs to work harder to make up. The heart can also not send up oxygenated blood to the brain due to the lack of oxygen.