Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disorder. Several aspects of one’s life change when they are diagnosed with it. A healthcare professional may recommend many different lifestyle modifications, which can help prevent flare-ups or other associated complications. One of the prevalent areas where the patient needs to bring in changes is in the diet. Some foods can aggravate symptoms of COPD. Read on to find out about the worst foods for COPD. 

1. Salt
Consuming too much salt or sodium can result in water retention. When the water retention in the body is high, it will hamper one’s ability to breathe. So, it is essential to get rid of the salt shaker from the table and not put salt in food. Instead of salt, one can add spices and herbs to make up for the flavor. A healthcare professional or a dietician can suggest low-salt substitutes. Despite what several people believe, the primary salt content consumed does not come from that salt shaker. Instead, it comes from what is already in the packaged food. So, before picking anything from the store, it is essential to read the labels carefully. The snacks that one eats must not have over three hundred milligrams of sodium per serving. Further, meals consumed must not contain over 600 mg of sodium. 

2. Processed meats
Processed meats are one of the worst foods for COPD. Some studies depict a direct link between cured or processed meats and worsening lung function. Studies prove that processed meats and preserving cured meats have nitrates in them. These are used to increase the shelf life of the food. But the addition of nitrate can result in inflammation, which adds an unwanted burden on the lungs. Sausages, deli meat, bacon, and ham all fall in the category of processed meats and should be eliminated from the diet. 

3. Carbonated beverages
Carbonated drinks have high sugar content. They are empty calories with high carbonation. These lead to weight gain and bloating. Increased bloating and gas adds more pressure onto the lungs. Carbonated drinks, such as beer, sodas, sparkling cider, and sparkling wine, also cause dehydration. So, whenever one feels thirsty, they should consume regular water instead of carbonated drinks. 

4. Simple carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates offer lesser nutrients compared to complex carbs. Some of the simple carbs, which must be kept to a minimum in the diet, include sugary drinks, table sugar, white bread, pasta, processed foods, sugary desserts and cakes, candy, and chocolates. 

5. Caffeine
Caffeine often intervenes with COPD medications. Thus, those with this condition need to reduce caffeine-high beverages and foods, such as tea, coffee, sodas, and chocolates. For hydration, drink water as it can keep the mucus layer thin, and it is then easy to cough up.