Drastically reduce asthma symptoms with diet and exercise

Regular exercise and a nutritional diet help reduce symptoms of asthma, a new study in Denmark has found.

125 asthma patients were tested for lifestyle changes for eight weeks, for the study.

A healthy low-glycaemic index (GI) diet rich in protein, fruit and vegetables, and being active three times a week helped people lowers their symptoms by 50% in just two months, the Daily Mail reported.

The goal of the study was to find out if non-obese asthma patients could benefit from a healthier routine. "Our study suggests that non-obese asthma patients can safely take part in well-planned, high-intensity exercise," study author Dr Louise Toennesen, from Bispebjerg University Hospital in Copenhagen, told the Daily Mail.

Dr Toennesen said the findings also suggest those suffering from the condition can enjoy a better quality of life and will be more inclined to make key lifestyle changes. "Our research suggests that people with asthma should be encouraged to eat a healthy diet and to take part in physical activity," Dr Toennesen told the Daily Mail.

Director of policy at Asthma UK Dr Samantha Walker assures asthma patients need not feel anxious about exercise for fear it could trigger an attack. "In fact, as this study suggests, if you have asthma a healthy lifestyle can improve your quality of life and your asthma control," she told Daily Mail. Adding, "The central principles of a healthy lifestyle – exercising regularly, keeping your weight healthy and stopping smoking – can all benefit your asthma as well as your wider health. As long as you’re looking after your asthma well, and your symptoms are under control, you can enjoy any type of exercise."

However, the results did not include improvement in lung function.

The study's findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan.