The food people eat determines how their body copes with certain conditions, especially respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this condition, there’s a risk of limited airflow from the lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath. Some foods are naturally bad for patients, while others, when commercially produced, become toxic for the body. Here are the worst foods for COPD that should be limited to improve the symptoms.

1. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
While broccoli, radish, and Brussel sprouts have several health benefits due to their nutrient-rich content, they’re also difficult to digest and can lead to bloating. These veggies belong to the cruciferous group, sometimes known to increase gas and cause discomfort in the nasal passage for patients with COPD. And anything that hinders the airflow should be limited because the disease is already doing that to the body. Other cruciferous veggies include kale, arugula, collard greens, and cauliflower, and these should be eaten in limited quantities if not avoided entirely.

2. Salt-heavy frozen meals
Prepackaged meals and foods like frozen dinners constitute over 75 percent of the sodium we consume. People are often unaware of the salt present in their food, but COPD patients and everyone else too should read labels behind their frozen foods to understand how much sodium they have. Excess salt leads to water retention and deprives the organs of nutrients and oxygen, which is why sodium-loaded meals like frozen mac and cheese are the worst foods for COPD patients. Home-cooked dinners are better as one can monitor the amount of salt that goes into the preparation of every meal.

3. Dairy products like cream and cheese
When people develop lung disease, they have to be mindful of foods that lead to excess mucus buildup. Dairy items like milk, yoghurt, and cheese, especially full-fat varieties, trigger mucus production. COPD also involves flare-ups which further causes mucus to accumulate in the body, obstructing the airways. Other dairy products include cream, condensed milk, ice cream, milkshakes, and frozen yoghurt, and they’re all considered some of the worst foods for COPD.

4. Cold cuts and other cured meat
When meat is processed and packaged commercially, it loses most of its nutrients and becomes toxic for the body, which is a point of concern for patients with COPD. Cured meats like bacon, sausages, ham, and salami have loads of nitrate in them. This additive can cause problems for patients as it can trigger a flare-up. Brands that mass-produce meat add nitrates to preserve their products and print a later expiry date on the packet. It also means that the meat loses its nourishing quality over time and really doesn’t do much for one’s health.