Some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other lung disease are unaware of the toll their body is taking because of their unhealthy dietary habits. The lungs of the people with COPD work overtime to make oxygen available for the whole body. And studies have shown that eating certain foods can make the lungs work even harder, making breathing more difficult. Accordingly, here are some foods that can cause breathing issues in people with COPD.

• Salty foods

Foods loaded with salt are among the top dietary options that can cause breathing issues. Excess salt (or sodium) is not just bad for the lungs, it’s harmful to the heart as well. It can make the body retain extra water, making breathing difficult. People with COPD must especially take care of this because even a single salt-packed meal can aggravate their symptoms. Some common high-sodium foods include broths, frozen foods, and processed foods. Experts also suggest checking nutrition labels before buying foods since sodium can be hidden in canned foods, crackers, potato chips, bread, processed cheese, and more.

• Cruciferous vegetables

Although cruciferous vegetables are nutritious and loaded with fiber, they can lead to bloating and excess gas. For people with COPD, these factors only make their symptoms worse. The vegetables contain a certain type of indigestible sugar that the body is unable to break down properly, leading to excess gas. So, cruciferous vegetables are among the foods to avoid for COPD patients, as it can cause breathing issues. Some of the common cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale.

• Dairy products

Consuming dairy products in moderation is fine, but excess can be bad for people with COPD. This is because it causes the body to produce extra mucus (or phlegm), which can clog the airways and make breathing difficult. However, different people react differently to dairy products. Consider cutting these products from your diet if the symptoms are being aggravated: yogurt, butter, buttermilk, and cow milk. Some of the substitutes of cow milk are almond, soy, cashew, hemp, coconut, flaxseed, and rice milk.

• Foods containing sulfites

Sulfites are primarily added to foods and drinks to preserve their shelf life or improve their appearance. Foods and drinks containing sulfites can cause breathing issues by narrowing the bronchial tubes in people with respiratory problems. Many dried fruits contain this preservative to maintain its shelf life. It is also found in shrimp, maraschino cherries, bottled lemon, lime juices, alcohol, and some pickled foods.

• Cured and processed meats

A recent study found that processed meats can be particularly dangerous for people with COPD. Also, many studies have linked eating cured meats to worsening lung function. What’s more is that they contain huge amounts of salt, unhealthy fats, and increase the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Some common cured and processed meats people must avoid are corned beef, bacon, ham, deli meats, and sausage.