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7 Proven Foods To Avoid With COPD

Sep 15, 2023 | Blog

When diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that is, common lung disease which causes restriction of airflow and breathing. Patients with COPD have damaged lungs and phlegm, having difficulty with cough, wheezing and fatigue. This can be due to excessive smoking or air pollution. Unfortunately, this disease is not curable but the symptoms can be managed and may help to cope up with lung disease. After researching and collecting facts it is proven that there 7 foods to avoid with COPD that is must to incorporate with the diet that may help the patient to be in control and have functional lungs to breath simply.

Here are 7 Foods to Eliminate from the Diet:

  1. Sodium
    Also known as common salt which is an ingredient that enhances the taste of food. However, patients with COPD must avoid salt less than 300mg as excess amount of sodium can lead to fluid retention, which is when your body retains too much water and causes difficulty in breathing. Furthermore, sodium also causes inflammation which increases the rate of mucus production.
  2. Carbonated Beverages
    This addictive sugary frizzy drink is also harmful as it increases the chances of gas and bloating interfering with diaphragm to raise creating issues with lungs to be dysfunctional. It is proven fact that these sorts of drinks have zero nutrients value.
  3. Processed Meat
    The habit to eat cured meat which is simply ready to eat is severely forbidden by researchers. A study done by European Respiratory journal advices that people who consumes more than one slice of cure meat which includes pork, sausages and ham are more likely to end up in hospital. As processed meat includes large amount of nitrate composition.
  4. Fried Food
    Crispy and crunchy food is hard to resist, especially for COPD patients as it contains extra oil which leads to extra effort during digestion as breakdown of fatty acids. Which may cause bloating in the abdomen. Thus, the feeling of bloating makes it difficult to take full breaths.
  5. Cruciferous Vegetables
    Although known for its nutrimental values which includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels it is not at all recommended for COPD patients. As it contains extra fiber which causes indigestion and gas making hard for patients to breathe comfortably.
  6. Dairy
    Patients with lung disease, dairy products can increase symptoms. While milk is packed with nutrition and with calcium, it contains BCM, which has been known to increase mucus in the intestines and the way of disposal of mucus is by coughing. Coughing and wheezing can cause discomfort and pain to patient.
  7. Shellfish 
    Like shrimp is loaded with sulfites which produces uric acid and can cause inflammation in the lungs and may trigger a severe allergy that can cause swelling of the airways, making uncomfortable to breath.

COPD Beneficial Foods To Have:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Soy or almond milk
  • Low fat meat
  • Water

To Summarize It Up:

COPD is sort of disease which cure is yet not been discovered however, with efficient and healthy diet which is proven to beneficial these 7 foods may help to manage symptoms effectively. For further inquire:

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