As its full name, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease implies, COPD is a long-term disease that restricts the way air flows in and out of the lungs. There are several types of COPD, including emphysema, chronic asthma, and chronic bronchitis. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing spasms, wheezing, and frequent lung infections. Though the disease is chronic and progressive, treatment can relieve symptoms, and avoiding certain foods can keep them from flaring. Here are some foods that COPD patients should avoid:
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine, and caffeine can affect some of the medications that are taken to treat COPD. Caffeine can also agitate some patients, and stress can worsen COPD symptoms.
2. Salt
Lower salt or sodium content in foods is a good idea for most people, but it’s especially important for people suffering from COPD. Salt causes fluid retention, which can raise blood pressure and lead to dyspnea, or shortness of breath. Ideally, a COPD patient should eat foods with fewer than 140 milligrams of sodium a serving.
3. Fried foods
Like sodium, excess amounts of fried foods aren’t good for anyone, and they’re especially problematic for patients with COPD. The grease and spices used to make many fried foods lead to indigestion and excess gas, which can make breathing especially difficult.
4. Soda and carbonated beverages
Sodas and carbonated beverages often contain caffeine, and some also contain surprising amounts of sodium. Carbon dioxide is what gives carbonated beverages their fizz, but it can also cause bloating and excess gas, which makes breathing burdensome. These drinks also tend to be loaded with sugar, which can lead to increased inflammation of already inflamed bronchial tubes and put the person at risk for obesity. Obesity also interferes with breathing.
5. Gassy vegetables and fruit
Normally, fruits and vegetables are good for health, but some may cause problems even in healthy people because they’re a bit “gassy.” Foods that lead to gas and bloating can cause dyspnea in a person with COPD. Culprits include beans and peas, brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale, onions, corn, and legumes such as lentils. Even some fruits should be avoided—including peaches, apples, melons, and apricots.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol is naturally dehydrating, and a person with COPD needs to stay hydrated to thin out and clear out mucus. Alcohol is also a depressant. This means it slows down bodily functions, including breathing.
7. Dairy products
Dairy products cause phlegm or excess mucus in a lot of healthy people. COPD patients, many of whom have excess mucus obstructing their airways, should avoid them. Dairy products include milk, cheese, cream, ice cream, yogurt, butter, and foods derived from animal-based milk (i.e. cow, sheep, goat).
Though it sounds like a person with COPD needs to eliminate everything that tastes good, this doesn’t have to be the case. A good COPD diet is made up of perfectly delicious foods that are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids such as cold water fish (i.e., salmon, sardines, and mackerel). COPD patients also should choose fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium, which improves the function of the lungs, such as tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, oranges, avocados, and easily digestible green leafy vegetables, such as baby spinach, arugula, and swiss chard. Drinking lots of fresh water is a must. With proper treatment and diet, COPD patients can live comfortably, manage their symptoms, and avoid complications.
