A person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiences an obstructed airflow to the lungs. Managing COPD has quite a lot to do with one’s diet. Watching what one consumes and avoiding certain foods has proven to relieve or reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, or breathing problems. This article describes six different food products that may aggravate symptoms of COPD and hence should be avoided.

1. Fried food
Eating excessive amounts of fried foods, such as fries, onion rings, fried chicken, can be hard to digest. This puts pressure on the lungs and restricts breathing if one has COPD. Fried foods are loaded with grease and unhealthy fats and can increase one’s bad cholesterol levels, weight, and discomfort. Also, one should avoid using too much oil while cooking. As an alternative, one can opt for healthier options like baked snacks.

2. Cold cuts/processed meat
Processed foods such as bacon, hotdogs, and ham contain an additive called nitrate to increase shelf life. Although they are not a healthy food option for anyone, they are absolutely terrible for those with COPD. Increased consumption of these foods makes the condition more serious. However, one does not need to steer clear of cold cuts but decrease their consumption.

3. Cruciferous veggies
As surprising as it may be, vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the fiber in these vegetables causes gas and bloating, which, in turn, makes breathing difficult for those with COPD. Hence, it is best to reduce cruciferous vegetables in the diet.

4. Dairy
Milk is rich in calcium and nutrients; however, it also contains casomorphin, a breakdown product that produces excessive mucus in the body. This can cause discomfort to people suffering from COPD. Therefore, one should avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, and buttermilk. If one needs to consume milk, they can opt for non-dairy options like almond and soy milk.

5. Salts or salty food
A little bit of salt balances flavor as well as the healthy sodium in one’s body; however, excessive salt can cause water retention and make it harder for a person with COPD to breathe. One could substitute the salt in their food with spices, lemon, and herbs. Besides, one should try to avoid food like pizza, burritos, and tacos as they contain high amounts of salt.

6. Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are, without doubt, the most unsurprising item on this list. They contain carbon dioxide, caffeine, preservatives, and sugars, unhealthy for people with COPD. They cause gas, bloating, and affect the ease at which a patient can breathe. One should avoid drinking cola, sodas, sparkling wine, energy drinks, or anything that’s aerated. Drinking water is the best and healthiest way to quench one’s thirst.