7 effective ways to help prevent your child from developing asthma

Asthma prevention begins in the womb and continues through childhood.  From diet to lifestyle adjustments, here are seven precautionary measures you can take  to reduce the risk of your child developing asthma.

#1: Follow the right diet when you are pregnant.

That means one high in foods rich in vitamin E (wheat germ, sardines, egg yolks, and nuts) and zinc (red meat and shellfish). These nutrients influence lung and immune system development.

At least two studies found that low levels of vitamin E and zinc during pregnancy can increase the risk of allergies and asthma in children.

Additionally, while pregnant you should also include fatty fish like salmon or herring in your diet twice a week, or take a daily fish-oil supplement (after checking with your doctor).

Studies find that getting the healthy fats in fish and fish oil during pregnancy reduces the baby's risk of asthma, possibly by ensuring healthier immune system development.

Fish is excellent, however, skip the fish sticks. They can actually potentially increase the risk of asthma in your child, possibly due to the high levels of inflammatory trans fats some brands can contain.

#2: Quit smoking.

You should really not be smoking while you're pregnant. Take note that the link between exposure to secondhand smoke in childhood and asthma is strong.

#3: Be sure your child gets allergy shots.

If your child has allergies, treatment with immunotherapy — either shots or under-the-tongue drops — may help protect him or her from developing asthma.

#4: Breastfeed your baby for at least four months. 

This will give your body the time needed to transfer immunity-building compounds to your newborn.

#5: Wait on feeding solid food.

Your child should be at least six months old before eating cereal or other solid foods.

#6: Skip acid-blocking meds while you're pregnant.

Researchers have found that taking medications like H2 blockers or proton-pump inhibitors during pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma in infants by more than 50 percent.

#7: Limit dust mite exposure.

British researchers who followed 120 children from birth through age eight found that those who were breastfed and had limited exposure to dust mites — due to the use of mattress covers — were 76 percent less likely to have asthma and 87 percent less likely to have allergies by the age of eight.

When it comes to your child's health, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Taking  preventative measures will decrease your child's chances of developing asthma, and increase their likelihood of sustaining strong health - allowing both your child and you to breathe easier.