Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects the lungs’ ability to function as expected. People suffering from COPD always experience shortness of breath when running simple errands or climbing stairs. There is no specific treatment for COPD; one is supposed to prevent a flare-up of symptoms by avoiding certain foods. It also requires making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking.
The following are five foods that a person with COPD should avoid:

1. Excessive salty foods
Salt makes people retain water in their bodies. Excess water causes breathing problems, especially for someone with COPD. A small amount of salt is not harmful, and excessive salty foods will only worsen your symptoms. Instead of going for salt substitutes that contain high amounts of potassium, use spices and herbs to season your food. High levels of potassium in the body may negatively impact the effectiveness of the medication you are taking.

2. Cured meats
Processed meat is treated with preservatives to extend its shelf life. Due to high nitrate contents in cured meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, ham, and cold cuts, they may worsen COPD symptoms.

3. Carbonated beverages
Carbonated beverages have a lot of carbonation, empty calories, and are full of sugar, which contributes to bloating and weight gain. The increased bloating and gas can add extra pressure on your lungs, making it difficult to perform its function. Therefore, you should avoid drinks such as sparkling cider, wine, beer and soda. When you are thirsty, it is healthier to take water as carbonated drinks also dehydrate the body. When you have COPD, try and make your breathing as effortless as possible by avoiding carbonated drinks.

4. Dairy products
Although milk is nutritious, it may not be suitable for someone with COPD. This is caused by casomorphin; a breakdown product of milk. This substance increases the production of mucus in the intestines. Most respiratory diseases cause an increase in mucus production from a similar gland inside the lungs when inflamed. If you are suffering from COPD and notice increased mucus production after dairy products are consumed, you should actively avoid them. You can easily substitute dairy products with almond milk or soy milk instead.

5, Acidic foods and drinks
Avoiding acidic foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, coffee, tomato sauce, fruit juice, and citrus in order to minimize acid reflux symptoms. Acid reflux can aggravate the symptoms of COPD when stomach acids move into the oesophagus. When this happens, you will experience heartburn more often. People living with COPD are at a higher risk of getting acid reflux if they do not change their diet.

It is essential to know that people with COPD react differently to certain foods. It is up to the patient to know the foods that stimulate their COPD symptoms and accordingly make changes to their diets.