Asthma Mucus Myth Slammed

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Allergy
Article Date: 20 Jul 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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As the winter cold and flu season tightens its grip, the National Asthma Council Australia is concerned that Australians may be incorrectly pointing the finger at milk as the mucus-causing culprit.

"This is a dangerous myth that dates back to the 12th century and it shouldn't be used as the basis for dietary decisions," warned National Asthma Council Australia Director, Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist.

According to a comprehensive 2004 scientific review in the Journal of American College Nutrition, there is no evidence that dairy products are associated with nose symptoms, cough or congestion and dairy does not exacerbate the symptoms of asthma.

In fact, according to Dr Rimmer, the opposite may be true.

"There have been studies, both in Australia and overseas, that suggest that if you have a regular intake of dairy in childhood, you are less like to develop asthma," Dr Rimmer said.

"But, despite the facts, there are still some people who remove dairy from their diet - or their children's diet - based on an old wives' tale.

"Instead of boosting their health, these people are missing out on many other critical nutrients such as protein, calcium, riboflavin and zinc."

Dr Rimmer puts the milk/mucus misconception down to the mouth-feel associated with milk.

"What tends to happen is that people confuse the coating that milk can leave on the back of the throat with mucus, but there is no evidence that milk increases mucus or narrows the airways," she said.

More likely culprits at this time of the year are viral infections and the common cold. Other asthma triggers include dust mites, pollens, mould and tobacco smoke.

According to the National Asthma Council Australia, people with asthma can continue to enjoy dairy foods this winter, without worrying about the impact on their asthma.

Warm up winter with these handy hints, courtesy of Dairy Australia:

- Kick start a frosty day with a warm bowl of porridge made with milk. It's a healthy breakfast and you can create your own delicious flavour sensation by adding some chopped dried apricots or fresh banana and a dusting of cinnamon to the mixture before cooking.

- Hot baked potatoes make an easy lunch for everyone - top with cheese, coleslaw and a touch of yogurt or light sour cream.

- Make a change to your next toasted cheese sandwich, by using a tortilla or pita instead of bread. Fill with baby spinach leaves, wholegrain mustard, ham and cheese.

- A slurp of milk in a steaming pot of pumpkin soup will add creaminess and a calcium boost!

- Kids love white sauce - dress it up by stirring in some pasta, cheese and vegies and herbs, sprinkle over some breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

- Warm Indian curries make a hearty and filling family meal. Stir in a tub of natural yogurt and warm through just before serving to add creaminess and calcium. It will also tone down the curry, making it milder for younger palates.

- Nothing beats that age old favourite, traditional hot cocoa, for an afternoon or after dinner treat for all kids (big and little)! Make the real thing by mixing together 1 teaspoon each of cocoa, sugar and boiling water in a mug, until dissolved. Then add milk to the top, stir and microwave until steamy.

Source
National Asthma Council Australia