From Plate to Airways: Dietary Influences on Asthma in South Asian Populations

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease with disproportionately high and rising burden among South Asian populations in South Asia and in diaspora communities such as Canada. While Western dietary patterns have been widely studied in relation to asthma risk and control, the potential influence of traditional and modern South Asian dietary patterns as modifiable factors remains underexplored. The purpose of this commentary is to highlight the potential role of South Asian dietary patterns as culturally relevant and modifiable factors in asthma prevention and management. Traditional South Asian diets, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and spices with anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce airway inflammation and oxidative stress. In contrast, modernization through increased consumption of refined grains, added sugars, saturated fats and processed foods may contribute to increased asthma risk or poor disease control. Understanding these dietary influences can support more culturally relevant asthma management approaches in South Asian Communities by emphasizing protective dietary changes.