Increased exposure to dietary fiber may cut down an individual's risk of developing and dying from chronic inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This study examined the relationship between high dietary intake fiber-containing foods and chronic inflammatory airway disease incidence and mortality rates. With the aid of validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers collated data on the dietary fiber intake levels of over 12,000 men and women. The prevalence and mortality records of chronic inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the study population were obtained from hospital records.
Researchers observed that regular intake of high fiber diet diminished the risk of suffering and dying from these chronic inflammatory airway diseases. This study suggested that the odds of preventing asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD may be tilted in favor of regular consumers of fiber-rich plant foods.