Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an umbrella term that includes ailments affecting the lungs. The conditions of the lungs are often irreversible, and the damage is progressive. This clearly proves that there is no cure for COPD. However, its symptoms can be managed by avoiding certain foods. Check out the foods to avoid for COPD patients.

1. Salt
A small quantity of iodized salt helps maintain the required amount of sodium in the body. However, excessive consumption of salt leads to water retention in the body. Excess water accumulation, also called edema, makes breathing difficult, making it dangerous for COPD patients. Reduce salt intake and replace it with healthy herbs and spices. For example, add lime juice to salads instead of salt for flavor.

2. Dairy products
Dairy products have several health benefits, and milk is considered a wholesome food due to its high vitamin and calcium content. However, milk produces a chemical called casomorphine during digestion that produces excessive mucus in the intestine, leading to the buildup of phlegm that is eliminated via excessive coughing and wheezing. This puts enormous pressure on the lungs and worsens symptoms of COPD. Therefore, one should avoid foods like yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk, and switch to soy milk or almond milk.

3. Cruciferous vegetables
While these vegetables are rich in fiber and nutrients, it is also one of the foods to avoid for COPD patients as they cause gas and bloating. For someone suffering from COPD, this can causes excessive pressure, making it difficult to breathe.

4. Fried food
While fried foods make for tasty snacks, they can cause gas and bloating. This adds pressure on the diaphragm, making it uncomfortable and difficult to breathe. Furthermore, fried foods contain unhealthy fats and bad cholesterol, increasing the risk of gaining weight, and developing heart disease.

5. High-calorie foods
High-calorie foods lead to excessive weight gain and put more pressure on the heart and lungs, requiring more oxygen. This can cause difficulty in breathing, making your heart work harder, leading to other ailments. Therefore, high-calorie foods like meat, sodas, and baked goods are some of the foods to avoid for COPD patients. Replace them with healthy fats and proteins to maintain energy levels and ensure a healthy weight.

6. Cold cuts and cured meats
Processed meats are loaded with preservatives like nitrates to increase shelf life. However, they’re not natural sources of food, and are unhealthy, especially for patients with COPD. Foods like bacon, hot dog, and cold cuts worsen symptoms of COPD.

7. Aerated drinks
These drinks are loaded with carbon dioxide, artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors. These artificial ingredients cause difficulty in breathing. Furthermore, these drinks have zero nutritional value, making them one of the foods to avoid for COPD patients.