There are quite a few well known diseases that can cause difficulty with breathing. Asthma is a well known, long-term disease of the lungs that causes tightening and inflammation of the airways. Allergies can be defined as a hypersensitivity of the immune system to certain substances. Allergies can trigger asthma and affect an individual’s breathing when they come in contact with certain allergens.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a chronic disease that affects the lungs by blocking the airway flow from it. While the majority of these diseases are long-term, there are ways to manage the symptoms in order to maintain a relatively healthy life. Diet is a major part in alleviating the symptoms of these diseases. Here are some of the worst foods for breathing issues that an individual should cut out, or consume in moderation:

1. Acidic foods and drinks

Acidic foods and drinks like fruit juices, citrus, and spicy foods, can cause the acid in our stomach to rise, which will result in acid reflux. Acid reflux can trigger the symptoms in many of the listed lung diseases and therefore cause difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

2. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages like soda can cause burning and tingling sensations in the throat. The carbon dioxide in soda replaces the waste product that is normally let out by your lungs naturally, which can increase the work of the lungs. Carbonated beverages can make the symptoms of these diseases worse. They can also cause acid reflux and heartburn which could trigger symptoms, and make it difficult to breathe.

3. Cold cuts

Cold cut meats like ham, bologna, and salami, contain nitrites in them to help preserve the meats. The chemicals in cold cuts can cause damage to the lung’s tissue. Cold cuts can trigger asthma, as well as put an individual at a higher risk of developing other diseases that affect the breathing. Cold cuts can trigger the symptoms of many of the listed diseases and cause difficulty breathing.

4. Dairy products

Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt, can affect an individuals lung function with their high fat content. They can worsen symptoms in lung diseases by increasing mucus, and causing bloating. The increase in mucus can cause discomfort, and the bloating can lead to difficulty with breathing.

5. Excessive salt

Excessive salt can cause a number of problems. It can cause fluid retention, weight gain, and swelling. The excess water retained in the body because of excess sodium, can cause difficulty with an individual’s breathing. Excessive salt overall can cause shortness of breath. It can trigger symptoms and make them worse for an individual.

As you can see, diet is a major part in alleviating symptoms and living a relatively healthy lifestyle. Cutting out certain foods or consuming them in moderation, could decrease the chances for frequent hospital visits by cutting out some disease triggers. As always you should talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your overall health and wellness.