Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients must incorporate certain lifestyle and dietary changes to lead a quality life. One of the major changes that doctors recommend is to follow a well-planned diet. These modifications will go a long way in preventing the symptoms and keeping complications at bay. Here are a few foods that can trigger breathing issues and should be avoided to promote respiratory health:

1. Acidic food and beverages
The end of the esophagus is marked by the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), a ring-like group of muscles that acts as a valve and keeps the stomach acids from flowing back up. When the LES opens often, the stomach acids re-enter the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, resulting in chronic acid reflux that worsens COPD symptoms and causes other lung health issues. Some of the foods that can trigger acidity are citrus, tomato sauce, coffee, fruit juices, and spicy foods. These are among the foods that can also trigger breathing issues and should be avoided to promote lung health.

2. Carbonated beverages
These drinks are filled with empty calories and carbonation in the form of sugar and soda. They end up causing weight gain and also trigger bloating, which can increase pressure on the lungs. So, people with breathing issues should avoid carbonated beverages like beer, sparkling cider, sodas, and sparkling wine. These drinks also cause dehydration, which can trigger mucus formation and cause further irritation to the lungs. It is best to hydrate oneself with water when thirsty.

3. Cold cuts
Popular cold cuts like bacon, ham, and hot dogs are known to contain an additive called nitrate. This component is added to extend their shelf life and promote the color of the cold cuts, but it can trigger and even worsen existing breathing troubles.

4. Cruciferous vegetables
The most common vegetables under this category are radishes, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. While they provide essential nutrients and are packed with fiber, they trigger symptoms like bloating and gas, which can cause breathing difficulties, especially for people with COPD.

5. Dairy products
One of the worst foods that can trigger breathing issues, especially for people with lung diseases like COPD, are dairy products. Although milk has calcium and high nutritional value, it is difficult to digest and can end up causing mucus formation in the intestines. This can strain the lungs and exacerbate respiratory issues.

These are just a few examples of the foods that one should avoid if they have COPD or other breathing issues. That said, the reactions to foods may differ from one person to another, and there could also be other trigger foods depending on the type of diet one has been accustomed to and their body’s digestion process. So, it’s advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before switching to a new diet.