Foods that easily aggravate chronic obstructive pulmonary symptoms

Fatty foods, citrus fruits, alcohol and carbonated drinks are taboo for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually caused by progressively worsening episodes of airway obstruction. The disease manifests as a chronic cough, sputum production, and gradually increasing shortness of breath. This obstruction is the result of an inflammatory process in the lungs caused by exposure to cigarette smoke, pipe tobacco, dust, smoke, and toxic gases. In addition to the air, sick people can also be aggravated by everyday food. Here are foods that can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fried foods

Fried, greasy foods like fast food can take longer for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to digest. This process leads to a longer breakdown of fat in the digestive system and creates a feeling of bloating; uncomfortable for the patient. Therefore, the patient will feel short of breath, out of breath because the diaphragm is painful because the digestive juices secrete more gas.

Fried foods are also associated with increased weight gain. This excess fat often accumulates in the area around the midsection, putting pressure on the diaphragm; cause discomfort to the patient during breathing. Some foods to avoid include french fries, onions, fried chicken, fried fish, jalapeno poppers, and fried pickles.

Gas drink

Soft drinks, sodas, and energy drinks often include preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial colors. According to medical experts, none of these chemicals are good for the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Besides, the pressure caused by carbon dioxide gas also contributes to the patient's ability to breathe.

Good management and control of symptoms makes it easier for people with COPD to breathe. Photo: Freepik

Wine

According to the Cleveland Clinic , drinking too much alcohol slows breathing and makes it difficult to cough up mucus. Furthermore, alcohol can interact with your medications, especially oral steroids.

In addition, a study published in the journal Alcohol Research also found that heavy drinking was associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and respiratory syndrome. acute respiratory failure (ARDS).

Salt

A little iodized salt is essential for maintaining a healthy sodium balance in the body. However, consuming too much of this spice can lead to water retention in the body; cause edema. Especially, for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the excess water acts like excess fat around the diaphragm, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.

Therefore, experts recommend that patients should reduce the salt content of food to reduce water retention and minimize damage to the lungs. If you want to flavor foods, other herbs or spices like lemon juice, vinegar, etc.

Dairy products

Milk and dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt can make your mucus thicker. This is also considered a cause of negative health effects for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is due to the amount of casomorphine that occurs during the breakdown and digestion of milk. When they enter the body, they increase the mucus produced in the intestines; lead to more sputum secretion and make breathing difficult.

Vegetable

Commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables including cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and arugula can cause COPD patients to experience indigestion, bloating, and gas. vapour due to extra gas generated in the system. Abdominal distention makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. For this reason, patients should limit cruciferous vegetables in their diet.

In addition, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should avoid eating fruits that cause bloating, such as peaches, melons, apricots, apples, legumes or citrus fruits.