Lung and heart conditions can result in breathing difficulties when triggered by certain foods. Some of the common conditions include asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. Some symptoms of asthma and COPD include chest tightness, and wheezing, which need urgent medical care.
Eating a healthy diet does not cure these conditions, but avoiding foods that trigger breathing issues may help the body fight infections such as chest infections, as well as minimize symptoms:
1. Milk
Consuming milk does not cause conditions such as asthma. However, it triggers asthma-like symptoms, especially if you are allergic to dairy products. Milk can worsen these symptoms. Dairy products such as milk are thought to make the body produce more mucus. Individuals who have asthma can end up getting more mucus in the lungs resulting in shortness of breath
2. Cabbage
Since vegetables are known to be important for our health, most people make an effort to add them to their diet. Unfortunately, cruciferous vegetables like cabbages have a lot of fiber. The fiber can be harmful to people who have COPD to bloat and make them have indigestion issues. Bloating then results in breathing difficulties in patients who consume cabbages. For this reason, people with symptoms of COPD should limit their intake of cabbages
3. Corn
Nowadays, a lot of processed foods have corn or corn products. Breathing difficulties caused by corn are rare. However, corn is known to cause consistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the throat, among other symptoms. Reactions caused by corn ranges from mild to severe. Corn causes anaphylaxis, which makes the airways to swell. This impairs breathing and lowers blood pressure. If it is not treated, it can be fatal as soon as the symptoms start to show
4. Excess salt or sugar
While adding salt to food may be all right, adding too much salt can also be a problem. Salt causes water retention in your body. The excess water is what results in breathing problems. When you consume too much salt, it irritates the airway. Mucus builds up, and you start coughing, which can be worse, especially if you have symptoms of asthma and COPD. Salt also constricts bronchial tubes that take oxygen to the lungs. Instead of using salt, use herbs and spices that will enhance your food’s flavor. Simultaneously, excessive consumption of sugar may lead to a severe allergic reaction referred to as anaphylaxis, which results in shortness of breath to some point
5. Preservatives and additives
Preservatives in food protect against the growth of bacteria and spoilage. However, they can also lead to health issues such as breathing problems. According to health experts, eliminating foods that have preservatives from your diet can prevent you from suffering severe symptoms of asthma. Preservatives like sulfites are connected to shortness of breath and breathing problems, especially to people with asthma
