Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requires careful management. Knowing any and all potential triggers can help better manage this condition and avoid worsening any symptoms. Start a search today to learn more about what to avoid with COPD.
Understanding what to avoid with COPD is key to maintaining a better life. This involves recognizing activities and substances that may worsen symptoms. Knowledge is power, and being informed helps make healthier choices to minimize complications.
1. Nitrated Meats
Nitrated meats, such as cold cuts, ham, bacon and hot dogs, will worsen COPD. Aside from that, they are not good for anybody.
2. Salt and Salty Foods
Salt has the tendency to retain water inside the body, which can make it harder to breathe. Salts that are high in potassium may negatively react with other medications.
3. Milk and Dairy
Milk and dairy products are known to contain a compound called casomorphin, a byproduct of milk. This chemical will cause mucus build-up inside the intestines and lungs.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
A cruciferous vegetable is basically any vegetable that’s high in fiber, such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and radishes. The problem with fiber is that it’s known to produce gas and bloating. Both of these will make it harder for a person to breathe.
5. Shrimp
Unfortunately, harvesters add sulfites to shrimp in order to keep them from changing color. Sulfites will cause bronchial passages to swell up and close. Potatoes, wine and even beer contain sulfites, so it’s ideal to stay away from them too.
6. Fried Foods
Fried foods, whether it’s chicken or onion rings, will cause bloating inside the stomach. This pressure puts force upon the person’s diaphragm, inhibiting the ability to breathe. Avoiding these foods would be wise.
7. Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages have carbon dioxide gas dissolved inside of them. This gas escapes the liquid while it’s in the stomach. Naturally, this will cause unwanted bloating, which is bad news for a person who has COPD.
8. Citrus Fruits
Although citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, they have a high acidity content. This is likely to cause acid reflux, also known as heartburn. Those who have COPD are more likely to have heartburn, so eating citrus fruit isn’t the best idea.
9. Chocolate
Just like citrus fruits, chocolate can cause acid reflux as well. It’s fine to eat chocolate in moderation. However, it should not become a daily thing.
10. Pizza
Because pizza has tomatoes in it, it’s likely to cause heartburn. This is due to the fact that tomatoes are acidic. Those who have COPD can have pizza without tomato sauce.
Avoiding these foods will go a long way. To be realistic, avoiding these foods entirely may not be possible. Keep in mind that well-being is far more important than short-term pleasure. There are foods that help reduce the symptoms of COPD as well.
Caffeine and COPD
If you’re living with a lung disorder or COPD then drinking beverages with a high level of caffeine such as coffee, tea, sport drinks, and pop are best to be avoided or enjoyed in very small amounts. This is because caffeine is a stimulate and it is often consumed to help you feel more awake. In addition to making you alert, caffeine can have many effects on the body, including speeding up your heart rate and affecting your breathing, which is not good for COPD suffers who are already having trouble breathing. It’s also known that caffeine can react poorly with medications that treat COPD.
Diet Tips for COPD
It’s important for anyone to maintain a healthy diet and good nutrition but it’s even more important for people living with COPD. Eating well and maintain a good weight is known to help COPD patients with their symptoms including helping them have more energy and improving their lung functions. Once you’re are diagnosed with COPD it’s recommended that you set up an appointment with a nutritionist. They can help you to develop a health and diet plan that will work for you. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Stick to low-fat proteins (lean cuts of meat, fish, and poultry)
- High-fiber foods are always the better option (whole-grain bread, quinoa, brown rice, beans, and oats)
- Fill your plate with colorful fruits & veggies
- Avoid foods that cause gas & bloating (stay away from cruciferous vegetables and deli meats)
Living with COPD definitely has it challenges but it’s important to note that by avoiding certain foods, drinking plenty of water, reducing stress, and keeping in touch with your doctor, it’s possible to manage your COPD symptoms to help you live a more enjoyable life.