People diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) should be mindful of what they eat. Choosing to eat healthy can make all the difference, as it helps the body fight infections, especially respiratory infections that can worsen the condition. Also, avoiding certain trigger foods can be helpful for managing COPD as it reduces the severity of the symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups. Here are a few trigger foods to avoid for managing COPD:

1. Salty foods
Salty foods like chips and pretzels are among the top trigger foods for COPD and can cause water retention in the body, which results in breathing issues. In addition to opting for low-salt foods, one should check the nutritional labels of snacks and packaged food items for the salt content. Snacks should contain less than 300mg and meals should have less than 600mg of salt per serving. When opting for home-cooked meals, one can use herbs and spices to flavor the food instead of salt.

2. Fruits and vegetables
Although fruits and veggies are packed with necessary nutrients, some of these foods can trigger COPD and should be avoided. Fruits and vegetables that contain fermentable carbohydrates cause gas and bloating, which can lead to breathing issues in people with this condition. So, it’s best to avoid the consumption of apples, melons, and stone fruits like peaches and apricots, along with cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Other vegetables that one should eat in moderation are corn, leeks, and peas. That said, these vegetables do not trigger COPD symptoms in all patients, so one can include them in their diet if they do not experience any breathing issues after consumption.

3. Spicy and fried foods
Greasy and deep-fried foods like French fries, burgers, and fried chicken are difficult to digest and can also cause gas, which could lead to breathing issues. These types of foods also cause weight gain, worsening the symptoms of respiratory conditions like COPD. Spicy foods can cause discomfort, which can affect breathing, so it’s best to limit or avoid their consumption.

4. Dairy products
Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt contain lactose, which can cause bloating. This can affect the respiratory system and cause or aggravate breathing trouble. These foods are best avoided, especially by COPD patients who are lactose-intolerant. That said, these foods are also rich in calcium, so it’s advisable to talk to a doctor about replacing them with other foods that contain calcium or starting supplements.

Avoiding these common trigger foods for COPD and leading an active lifestyle can help patients manage the condition effectively. One can consult a doctor or a dietitian to plan their meals while avoiding trigger foods and opting for beneficial foods that help soothe the symptoms.