Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disorder (COPD) and asthma are two diseases that currently do not have a cure. They share similar symptoms like shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, wheezing, heaviness in the lungs and chest, and difficulty while talking or laughing. Exposure to smoke, industrial pollution, environmental pollution, and genetic factors are some of the major causes of these conditions . Hence, prescription treatments, lifestyle changes, and regular medical screening are crucial to manage the symptoms of these conditions.

Foods to avoid for asthma and COPD
Asthma can begin at a very young age, while COPD can be triggered much later by food and other environmental allergies, extreme climate, physical exertion, stress, and anxiety. Along with short-term and long-term treatments, doctors advise patients to be careful and avoid triggers that can lead to breathing difficulties. While one may not be able to control environmental triggers, being mindful of what one eats can help prevent food-related episodes of asthma or COPD. Some of the foods that should be avoided for asthma and COPD include:

Dairy products
While preparing a meal plan for asthma or COPD, one rule of thumb is to avoid dairy and dairy products. They promote excessive mucus production and directly worsen asthma and COPD symptoms. Therefore, it is best to avoid milk, cream, yogurt, butter, cheese, ice cream, and other milk and cream-based products.

Fried foods
The smoke from fried food is an instant trigger for a coughing or a wheezing episode. Store-bought fried food is often loaded with extra chemicals to keep the food crispy for long. Consuming fried foods can cause gas, and eating fried spicy foods may lead to indigestion, which may lead to breathing difficulty in some people. Hence, it is best to avoid these foods.

Sugar
It is best to avoid sugar in any form, whether artificial sweeteners, corn syrups, or any other form. It causes inflammation, blocks airways, promotes cough and creates excess mucus, worsening asthma and COPD symptoms. The natural sugar obtained from the food provides the required energy for one’s body. To get the most out of a sugar-free meal plan, one should develop a taste for sugarless black coffee, tea, and fresh juice without added sugar. Eating fresh fruits is also a great way to satisfy any sweet cravings.

Processed foods
Processed foods contain ingredients like excessive sodium, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and coloring – all of which are known triggers for asthma and COPD. It may not be easy to stay away from processed food completely, but one should always read the labels and check for known food allergens before buying them. Some processed foods that one should avoid include:

• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Instant food
• Precooked meals
• Processed meat products like bacon, ham, and sausages
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Chips
• Bread

Vegetables and fruits that cause bloating
Most patients with COPD have issues like feeling full after eating a little or may have other digestive issues. Therefore, their meal plan should not contain foods that may promote bloating and cause gas. Some such fruits and vegetables that are best avoided for asthma and COPD include:

• Beans
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Onion
• Corn
• Broccoli
• Peas
• Apricot
• Peaches
• Melon
• Apples