Did Our Diets Cause The Asthma Crisis?

Asthma, once a rare condition, became a modern health crisis in the 1980s. Today, more than 300 million people around the world live with asthma, and that number continues to grow.

In the United States, the age-adjusted asthma death rate increased by a shocking 46% in the 1980s. From 1980 to 1989, it jumped from 1.3 to 1.9 per 100,000 people. By 2019, asthma caused 262 million cases and 461,000 deaths globally.

Compare that to the early 1900s when asthma was hardly known, and asthma-related deaths were virtually non-existent before 1920. Back then, the condition was a rare curiosity, mostly misunderstood by the medical community.

But as the mid-20th century rolled in, mortality rates began to rise, signaling the growing problem. By the 1980s, asthma wasn’t just uncommon anymore; it was an epidemic.

The increase in asthma cases became especially visible in schools, where children started carrying albuterol inhalers. This wasn’t an isolated problem but a widespread health issue, and the reasons behind this surge are still debated. Several theories point to the changing landscape of our diets.

By the 1980s, processed foods—packed with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and additives—became dietary staples. Companies like Kellogg's marketed sugary cereals, promising a healthy start to the day, all while adding little nutritional value. These chemicals and additives are believed to contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions, weakening the immune system and creating the ideal conditions for asthma to develop.

Another major factor is the environment. With rapid urbanization and industrialization, exposure to chemicals in our surroundings became more common. Less time spent outdoors, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle, likely exacerbated the problem.

Asthma treatments have come a long way since the 1950s, when asthma cigarettes and inhalers containing epinephrine were common. These early treatments were not just ineffective but often dangerous. In the 1960s and 1970s, medications like Alupent and theophylline offered more relief, but still had risks. Over-the-counter remedies like Tedral and Bronkaid became popular, despite their potential side effects.

Then, in the 1980s, albuterol arrived on the scene as a game-changer. This fast-acting rescue medication became a lifesaver for millions, providing quick relief from asthma symptoms. But with its widespread use, the increasing prevalence of asthma became all the more apparent.

Today, asthma is everywhere. It’s almost impossible to find a classroom without a few kids with inhalers tucked into their pockets or bags. In public spaces, it’s common to see people using inhalers without thinking twice. What was once a private, even embarrassing moment for asthmatics has now become completely normalized.

The rise in asthma begs an important question: could it be the food we’re eating that’s contributing to this modern health crisis? Bobby Kennedy, the current nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services, has suggested that our processed diets may be a major factor. I agree with this theory.

The chemicals, preservatives, and artificial ingredients in our food have created a perfect storm for diseases like asthma to flourish. These substances can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and a range of other issues that we are just beginning to understand. It’s not just about asthma; it’s about the way we are fueling our bodies, and how these modern diets are affecting our overall health.

To solve this problem, we need to focus on what’s in our food and how it’s impacting us. It’s not enough to just manage the symptoms of asthma; we need to address the root causes. By reevaluating our diets and taking action, we can start reversing the trend and working toward a healthier future for the next generation.

The increase in asthma should serve as a wake-up call. It’s time to stop and think about how the foods we eat are shaping our health. We have the power to make changes now, so that future generations can breathe easier.