Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis
Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis.
Dairy products
People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk.
Excess salt
Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods.
Certain fruits
Fruits are very healthy, but when it comes to those with bronchitis, it is important to check on the fermentable carbohydrates in the fruit. For example, apricots, apples, peaches, and melons are high in fermentable carbohydrates that lead to bloating and acidity. This, in turn, causes breathing difficulty in patients suffering from the disease. Alternatively, you can have fruits such as pineapple and grapes, which have a lower level of fermentable carbohydrates.
Processed meats
Large amounts of fats and salts in processed meats and nitrites used to process and preserve them are known to cause swelling and stress in the lungs. Hence it might be best to avoid or limit the consumption of bacon, sausage, ham, and more.
Sugary drinks
There could be severe implications of consuming soft drinks regularly, both for adults as well as kids, as these drinks are known to cause problems such as asthma and bronchitis . This is because packed beverages contain a high amount of sugar, leading to increased constriction and swelling in the airways. Many types of low-calorie soda use artificial sweeteners in the form of aspartame which makes it low in calories. However, this substance is known to negatively impact respiratory health and cause problems such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
White bread
People with respiratory issues are also advised to avoid foods such as white bread as it has simple carbohydrates that require more work by the lungs to metabolize it. Instead, opting for whole grains containing complex carbohydrates can be a much healthier choice to boost lung health.
Chocolates
Foods that contain a high amount of caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, or tea, should be strictly avoided by people suffering from breathing issues as these foods are known to interfere with bronchitis medicines. These products are also known to increase acid reflux which elevates the symptoms of respiratory diseases and triggers symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.
Fried foods
The consumption of fried items such as French fries, donuts, and more should also be restricted, as these contain a high amount of fats that take more time to digest and even cause bloating or indigestion making it difficult to breathe.
In addition to prescribed treatment options, keeping a check of what you eat can help you manage respiratory conditions such as bronchitis in a better way.
