Ham and Other Cured Meats May Aggravate Asthma

Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). To put that number into perspective, roughly 1 in 12 people living in the United States have experienced an asthma attack. While developments in modern medicine have improved treatment options for asthma sufferers, medical experts continue to stress the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Many people are surprised to learn that certain foods can aggravate symptoms of asthma. One recent study found that ham and other cured meats were particularly troublesome to asthma sufferers. More specifically, researchers analyzed 1,000 people with asthma, after which they discovered that participants who consumed the most cured and processed meat were 76% more likely to develop asthma symptoms -- shortness of breath, chest tightness, etc -- than their counterparts who consumed the least amount of cured meats.

The general belief is that ham contains high concentrations of processing chemicals known as nitrates. When consumed, these nitrates could lead to swelling and inflammation of the airwaves; thus, causing breathing problems.

"Higher cured meat intake was associated with worsening asthma symptoms over time," wrote the study's authors. "In participants with asthma, worsening symptoms capture relapse or exacerbation of the disease, and in participants without asthma, worsening symptoms coincide with the asthma incidence and activity."

In addition to a high concentration of nitrates, cured meats are also loaded with fat -- and not the good kind. Cured meats tend to have high levels of saturated fats, which have been known to increase cholesterol levels in the blood and subsequently increase the risk of heart disease.

Of course, this isn't the first time medical researchers have sounded the alarm over processed meats. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said bacon and other processed meats have the same cancer-causing risk factor as cigarette smoking.

Does this mean you should avoid consuming all forms of cured and processed meats? Not necessarily, but like most things in life it's a good idea to consume them in moderation. Rather than basing your diet around cured and processed meats, you should focus on lean meats like chicken and fish, along with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Following this otherwise simple format for your diet will promote better health while reducing your risk of disease and illness.

This study was published in the respiratory medicine journal Thorax.