COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive disorder that is characterized by increasing breathlessness. In this disease, the doctors generally recommend several lifestyle modifications to prevent any sudden flare-ups. One of the most important areas that needs to be altered is your diet, as the food you eat directly impacts your condition. Therefore, listed below are the food triggers for COPD that must be avoided by you.

• Cold cuts and processed meats
  Try to limit the consumption of cold cuts and luncheon meats, as they contain an excessive amount of additives that are used to prolong their shelf life. The nitrates and nitrites contained in them can have a harmful effect on the functions of the lungs and may aggravate the symptoms.
• Dairy products
  Although milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, it is known to produce excessive amount of mucus. During the flare-ups, people report an increase in the presence of mucus in their system, which causes further respiratory issues. Hence, it is better to switch to alternatives like almond and soy milk to consume the necessary nutrients. Along with milk, you must also avoid yogurt, butter milk, cheese, and ice-cream.
• Carbonated beverages: The long list of food triggers for COPD also includes carbonated beverages. This is because these drinks not only contribute to the issue of bloating and gas, but also contain high levels of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives that can worsen the symptoms of the condition. Instead, you can keep yourself hydrated by constantly drinking purified water.
• Cruciferous vegetables
  Cruciferous vegetables are rich in fiber, but they can also cause bloating. For someone with COPD, bloating can interfere with the natural breathing process and make it even more difficult to breathe properly. Therefore, you should eliminate broccoli, cauliflower, radish and other cruciferous vegetables from your diet.
• Fried foods
  Similar to cruciferous vegetables, fried foods are also considered as trigger foods for COPD, as they are responsible for causing bloating and gas. Along with this, consuming fried food leads to weight gain which further puts pressure on the diaphragm. So, you must consider cutting out fried fish, fried chicken, fries, and onions rings from your diet. Instead, you can switch to baked or roasted snacks prepared at home.
• Excess of salt
  Consuming salt is essential for the proper functioning of different parts of the body; however, excessive salt results in fluid retention, which increases swelling and builds fluid in the lungs. To prepare your meals, you can replace salt with low sodium or salt-free seasonings.
• Caffeine
  You can also find caffeine among the various food triggers for COPD. It increases the breathing rate and puts pressure on the heart and lungs. For those already dealing with breathing problems, this can lead to a flare-up of COPD symptoms. Moreover, it interacts with the medicines and may cause further damage.