Asthma and allergies are more than just seasonal inconveniences—they’re chronic conditions affecting millions worldwide. For many, managing symptoms feels like a lifelong sentence of inhalers, antihistamines, and steroids. But what if there’s a better way?
In this powerful episode of the Eat to Live Podcast, I sat down with my daughter Jenna to uncover the deeper causes of asthma and allergies—and how lifestyle and nutrition can unlock a path to healing.
Watch
Listen
Why Are Asthma and Allergies Rising So Fast?
Today, about 1 in 7 people suffer from asthma or serious allergies. Rising pollution, overprocessed diets, and the overuse of medications like antibiotics and inhalers are quietly compromising our immune systems—and driving chronic inflammation.
Many don’t realize: the very medications we rely on for relief, like beta-agonist inhalers, can actually make asthma worse over time by irritating the lungs and increasing dependency.
The Good News? There’s a Way Out.
I’ve witnessed remarkable recoveries in both children and adults—without relying solely on medications. The secret? A scientifically supported diet that floods the body with protective nutrients and restores immune balance.
Here’s what works:
Removing dairy, fried foods, and sugary snacks
Focusing on G-BOMBS: greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds
Adding anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3s and zinc
Carefully tapering off medications under a doctor’s supervision
In one study, 90% of participants reversed asthma symptoms simply by adding five servings of raw vegetables daily. These foods don't just nourish—they rebuild the immune system from the ground up.
Breathing Exercises for Recovery
In addition to nutrition, I also recommend Buteyko breathing exercises to help asthmatics retrain their lungs and reduce attacks. This, combined with the right diet, supplements, and medical support, makes lasting recovery possible.
And when it comes to food allergies? The latest research shows that exposing infants to nuts and other common allergens while breastfeeding may protect them for life. Diverse exposures, prolonged breastfeeding, and a nutrient-rich childhood are key to building long-term immune resilience.
Heal Your Body—and the Planet
A Nutritarian lifestyle does more than relieve asthma and allergy symptoms—it helps heal the Earth. By prioritizing whole plant foods and minimizing animal products, you reduce harmful environmental toxins, support cleaner air, and promote a more sustainable future for all.
There Is Hope for Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with asthma or allergies, know that recovery is possible. With the right education, nutrition, and medical guidance, you can dramatically improve your quality of life — or even eliminate symptoms altogether.
For more detailed guidance on asthma, allergies, and to work with me directly, join Platinum membership.
You can also listen to the full episode of the Eat to Live Podcast on your favorite platform for all the details and inspiring success stories.
References
Zhang X, Morrison-Carpenter T, Holt JB, Callahan DB. Trends in adult current asthma prevalence and contributing risk factors in the United States by state: 2000-2009.BMC Public Health 2013, 13:1156.
Sutherland ER. Obesity and asthma.Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2008, 28:589-602, ix.
Wood LG, Garg ML, Gibson PG. A high-fat challenge increases airway inflammation and impairs bronchodilator recovery in asthma.J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011, 127:1133-1140.
Loh ZC, Hussain R, Ong SC, et al. Over-the-counter use of short-acting beta-2 agonists: a systematic review.J Pharm Policy Pract 2023, 16:119.
Le Souef PN, Adachi Y, Anastasiou E, et al. Global change, climate change, and asthma in children: Direct and indirect effects - A WAO Pediatric Asthma Committee Report.World Allergy Organ J 2024, 17:100988.
Myles IA. Fast food fever: reviewing the impacts of the Western diet on immunity.Nutr J 2014, 13:61.
Alwarith J, Kahleova H, Crosby L, et al. The role of nutrition in asthma prevention and treatment.Nutr Rev 2020, 78:928-938.
Hosseini B, Berthon BS, Jensen ME, et al. The Effects of Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Children with Asthma on the Modulation of Innate Immune Responses.Nutrients 2022, 14.
Wood LG, Garg ML, Smart JM, et al. Manipulating antioxidant intake in asthma: a randomized controlled trial.Am J Clin Nutr 2012, 96:534-543.
Miyata J, Arita M. Role of omega-3 fatty acids and their metabolites in asthma and allergic diseases.Allergol Int 2015, 64:27-34.
Ozdemir C, Kucuksezer UC, Ogulur I, et al. Lifestyle Changes and Industrialization in the Development of Allergic Diseases.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024, 24:331-345.
Pryor JT, Cowley LO, Simonds SE. The Physiological Effects of Air Pollution: Particulate Matter, Physiology and Disease.Front Public Health 2022, 10:882569.
Vagedes K, Kuderer S, Ehmann R, et al. Effect of Buteyko breathing technique on clinical and functional parameters in adult patients with asthma: a randomized, controlled study.Eur J Med Res 2024, 29:42.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Asthma & Allergies: How Nutrition Can Help You Heal
April 23, 2025 by Joel Fuhrman, MD
Asthma and allergies are more than just seasonal inconveniences—they’re chronic conditions affecting millions worldwide. For many, managing symptoms feels like a lifelong sentence of inhalers, antihistamines, and steroids. But what if there’s a better way?
In this powerful episode of the Eat to Live Podcast, I sat down with my daughter Jenna to uncover the deeper causes of asthma and allergies—and how lifestyle and nutrition can unlock a path to healing.
Watch
Listen
Why Are Asthma and Allergies Rising So Fast?
Today, about 1 in 7 people suffer from asthma or serious allergies. Rising pollution, overprocessed diets, and the overuse of medications like antibiotics and inhalers are quietly compromising our immune systems—and driving chronic inflammation.
Many don’t realize: the very medications we rely on for relief, like beta-agonist inhalers, can actually make asthma worse over time by irritating the lungs and increasing dependency.
The Good News? There’s a Way Out.
I’ve witnessed remarkable recoveries in both children and adults—without relying solely on medications. The secret? A scientifically supported diet that floods the body with protective nutrients and restores immune balance.
Here’s what works:
Removing dairy, fried foods, and sugary snacks
Focusing on G-BOMBS: greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds
Adding anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3s and zinc
Carefully tapering off medications under a doctor’s supervision
In one study, 90% of participants reversed asthma symptoms simply by adding five servings of raw vegetables daily. These foods don't just nourish—they rebuild the immune system from the ground up.
Breathing Exercises for Recovery
In addition to nutrition, I also recommend Buteyko breathing exercises to help asthmatics retrain their lungs and reduce attacks. This, combined with the right diet, supplements, and medical support, makes lasting recovery possible.
And when it comes to food allergies? The latest research shows that exposing infants to nuts and other common allergens while breastfeeding may protect them for life. Diverse exposures, prolonged breastfeeding, and a nutrient-rich childhood are key to building long-term immune resilience.
Heal Your Body—and the Planet
A Nutritarian lifestyle does more than relieve asthma and allergy symptoms—it helps heal the Earth. By prioritizing whole plant foods and minimizing animal products, you reduce harmful environmental toxins, support cleaner air, and promote a more sustainable future for all.
There Is Hope for Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with asthma or allergies, know that recovery is possible. With the right education, nutrition, and medical guidance, you can dramatically improve your quality of life — or even eliminate symptoms altogether.
For more detailed guidance on asthma, allergies, and to work with me directly, join Platinum membership.
You can also listen to the full episode of the Eat to Live Podcast on your favorite platform for all the details and inspiring success stories.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.