People diagnosed with lung conditions like asthma or COPD must take extra care of their lung health. While there is no cure for asthma and COPD, the symptoms can be managed to help patients breathe better. One of the most important factors that strengthen the lungs and help cope with the symptoms is eating right and avoiding harmful foods.

Here’s a list of foods to avoid with asthma or COPD to prevent triggering the symptoms:

1. Fried foods
Greasy foods require a lot of effort during digestion, which can end up causing bloating and increase the pressure on the diaphragm. This, in turn, pressurizes the lungs and worsens breathing issues. Also, fried foods can end up causing weight gain, which is another contributing factor that can worsen breathing troubles. It is always better to replace fried foods with healthier options to manage the symptoms of these respiratory conditions and promote overall health.

2. Aerated drinks
Aerated beverages also contain other elements like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colors. Such foods beverages are among the top ones to avoid for people diagnosed with asthma or COPD because they directly impact breathing. Also, these elements contain no nutritional value but cause weight gain. The best way to keep the body hydrated is to stick to water, which will maintain a healthy metabolism.

3.Salt
A minimal amount of iodized salt is recommended for consumption as part of the diet for people with these conditions because it provides the body with the required sodium balance. Excess salt consumption causes water retention in the body or a condition known as edema, which can end up elevating the pressure on the diaphragm and trigger breathing issues. One can choose to flavor their food with herbs and spices instead of salt to help prevent flare-ups.

4. Dairy
The consumption of milk and dairy products is recommended in moderation. Milk contains a mix of both vitamins and calcium, but casomorphin is a chemical required for the breakdown of milk that can trigger mucus production in the intestine. As a result, more phlegm is produced in the body, and it also needs to be expelled. This can lead to coughing, triggering the symptoms of both asthma and COPD. It is always better to skip that warm glass of milk before going to bed, and dairy products like yogurt, butter, buttermilk, ice cream, and cheese are among the other foods to avoid for people with asthma and COPD. One can also opt for dairy-free alternatives like almond or soy milk.

It is essential to remember that every person reacts differently to different types of food. So, instead of eliminating foods, one should try consuming them in moderation to avoid any harmful effects on lung and overall health.