A new study suggests that lycopene, a substance contained in tomatoes,
watermelon, and grapefruit may help relieve exercise-induced asthmatic symptoms.
More than 17 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, a serious
respiratory condition resulting from the swelling of the airways and excessive
mucus production. While asthmatic symptoms may be triggered by respiratory
infections or allergies, exercising can also trigger an asthma attack, possibly
by increasing the production of harmful molecules called free radicals, in the
body. Antioxidants, sometimes called free radical scavengers, are substances
that attack free radicals, removing them from the body. Medical researchers have
linked antioxidants with improved respiratory function.
Some of the better-known antioxidants include beta-carotene and vitamins C
and E. Lycopene is another powerful antioxidant that appears to protect certain
cells from damage caused by free radicals. Recently, an Israeli research team
conducted a study to determine whether or not lycopene supplements can prevent
or reduce exercise-induced asthma. Scientists had 20 asthma patients, half of
whom received 30 mg of lycopene per day, and half of whom received a placebo,
run on a treadmill and then assessed their breathing. They did this at the
beginning of the 7-day treatment period and again at the end of the 7 days. The
scientists found that patients who took lycopene supplements had significantly
less difficulty blowing air out of their lungs compared to those who did not
take supplements. Given these results, researchers in this study suggest that
"natural plant antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin C . . . and carotenoids should be integrated in the prevention of exercise-induced asthma."
As always, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider
before adding herbs and dietary supplements to your healthcare regimen. This
advice is especially important if you are taking any drugs, as there are a
number of documented interactions between supplements and drugs. There is
evidence, for example, that grapefruit (which contains lycopene) may have a
negative interaction with some drugs, resulting in serious medical problems.
