Lifestyle changes are often recommended to patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to manage the condition. One of the most significant of these changes is the patient’s dietary habits. There are some foods that are recommended as healthy alternatives, and there are others that can cause symptom flare-ups, and hence, have to be avoided. Here are the top five foods to avoid for COPD patients.

1. Excessively salty foods
Consuming Iodized salt in moderation is essential to ensure sodium balance in the body. However, when the intake of salt becomes excessive, it can cause the body to retain water. When there is extra fluid in the body, it can put pressure on many organs, including the diaphragm. This causes breathing problems in COPD patients. Therefore, cutting back on salty foods can prevent water retention in the body and not harm the lungs. Salt is important to add taste and flavor to food. But there are other spices and herbs, too, that can help you do the same.

2. Cold cuts and processed meats
In most foods made with cold cuts, you will find an additive known as nitrate. This is added to give cold cuts their color and a longer shelf life. Even if you are not suffering from COPD, limiting your intake of cold cuts is always considered healthy. The meats you should avoid include hot dogs, bacon, ham, and cold cuts.

3. Dairy products
Milk contains many nutrients that are important for the body. However, the consumption of milk is also associated with increased production of mucus. In people with lung problems, such as COPD, a flare-up of symptoms causes increased mucus production. Therefore, limiting or avoiding milk is advisable to manage COPD. Some other dairy foods to avoid for COPD patients are buttermilk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and butter.

4. Simple carbohydrates
As compared to complex carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates contain less nutrients. Therefore, some foods with simple carbohydrates that you must avoid are processed foods, drinks with high sugar content, table sugar, desserts, chocolates, candies, white bread, and white pasta.

5. Foods that cause gas
Foods that increase the production of gas in the body should be eliminated from the diet of a COPD patient. Not only can they make you feel gassy, but they can also cause bloating, which can then lead to discomfort during breathing. Foods that cause gas can be different for each person, and it is important to identify the culprits, especially if you have COPD. There are certain foods and drinks that are commonly known to cause bloating and gas. These include beer, beans, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, among others. Once you have eliminated the culprits, make sure you replace them with vegetables that are easy to digest and high in nutritional value.