Mediterranean diet and atopy
Oils in Medication
07/01/2023
Premastication, Pre-Chewing or Kiss Feeding
09/01/2023Mediterranean diet and atopy
It is well known that when weaning a baby into solids, the introduction of fruits and vegetables decreases the incidence of chronic illness in later life.
What has been increasing in evidence is not only the variety of pathologies it might prevent but also that this effect might start even before the baby is born.
As you might have seen by now, I am a huge supporter of the Mediterranean Diet.
This has to do not only with being Portuguese and growing up eating it but also with its amazing flavours, smell and colour (yes, we do eat with our eyes…).
When it comes to evidence, what is often seen is some studies showing more protection and positive effects than others.
But the effect on asthma/wheezy episodes and rhinitis (allergic and non-allergic) is definitely overwhelming.
The main reason why it has a protective mechanism in allergic disease and asthma is due to the antioxidant effect of so many of its food components.
More recently (and to add to the ones on the slides), increased evidence has gone also to red grapes.
𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬!
They consistently have been associated with decreased wheezy episodes and all sorts of rhinitis (non-allergic, perennial and seasonal).
𝗪𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞?
- Red grape skin extract contains a mix of non-bioflavonoid polyphenols and bioflavonoid polyphenols.
- Oligomeric proanthocyanidins are antioxidants that have the ability to inhibit nitric oxide production in human primary airway, thus leading to less inflammation and protective airway effect.
Tree nuts are a very rich source of vitamin E, another powerful oxidant, which again will decrease wheezy associated symptoms.
Olive oil is also an important part of Mediterranean diet, being rich in both antioxidants and cis-monounsaturated fatty acids, which also have a marked antioxidant activity.
Remember:
- Do not eat margarine!
- Drinking red wine is not the same as eating red grapes!
