“The number one thing is that you are what you eat. And so if you eat pro-inflammatory foods, you’re going to become inflamed and eventually you may gain weight,” says Kristin Lund, a certified health coach specializing in nutrition. “People who are obese are more likely to have asthma.”

Experts believe that anti-inflammatory diets directly reduce general inflammation in the body. “The more anti-inflammatory you eat and the more water you drink, the less your bronchial airways and the rest of your body will become inflamed. As a result, your body is more likely to return to normal and you are more likely to be able to breathe.”

Lund says that an anti-inflammatory diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water, and a limit to the number of grains consumed. “Soy, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, sugar, vinegar and peanuts are what I suggest that clients eliminate,” says Lund.

So just what should an anti-inflammatory meal consist of?

“For breakfast, I would suggest steel cut oats cooked in a slow cooker overnight with some fruit and cinnamon- because cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. And instead of coffee, choose green or white tea.”

It’s also important to look out for additives found in things like salad dressings when it comes to choosing accompaniments for vegetables.  “For lunch, make a big salad with lots of leafy greens, fruit, and lemon or lime juice with oil instead of dressing. You can also add lean meat,” says Lund. “And for dinner, choose a lean protein, lots of vegetables, and a sweet potato with coconut oil. You can even make coconut kefir to go on a baked potato.”