Some fruits and vegetables, despite being healthy and nutritious, could be bad for lung health. Certain foods can cause lung damage and even lead to chronic lung diseases. Lung disease is a common condition that impacts millions and affects the quality of life. Whether you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma, lung diseases are highly uncomfortable. Here is all that you need to know about the treatment of lung diseases and foods to avoid:

Treatment options
Respiratory conditions cause breathing difficulties. There are various treatment options and lifestyle changes available for lung diseases. Some of the treatment options are detailed below:

• Tezepelumab
  This human monoclonal antibody helps improve lung function in individuals with uncontrolled and severe asthma. It blocks the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine that is considered the main cause of airway inflammation.
• FASENRA
  Also known as benralizumab, this is used on a consistent basis with other treatments to control and manage severe eosinophilic asthma, which is an inflammatory lung condition.
• Nucala
  Along with other treatments, Nucala is used to prevent and control symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing caused by asthma and COPD.
• XOLAIR
  Doctors prescribe this to treat and control moderate to severe asthma in people whose symptoms persist despite trying all the other treatments. It is important to note that XOLAIR is not a cure for asthma. And once stopped, the symptoms could increase.
• Zyrtec®
  Also known as Cetirizine, this second-generation antihistamine is used to treat multiple symptoms of rhinitis, such as watery eyes, itchy nose, and nasal congestion, and asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, nocturnal asthma, and shortness of breath.

Foods to avoid

• Processed meats
  The nitrates present in processed meats lead to an increase in COPD-related problems. Avoiding deli meat and looking for nitrate-free foods on the product is helpful. These meats usually contain a high amount of sodium, which causes retention of fluid, leading to shortness of breath in people with lung disease. Limiting the consumption of salty foods and also using less salt when cooking might be beneficial for those with respiratory issues. Opt for spices and herbs, and check the label before purchasing packaged items.

  In addition, when preparing meat, choose to bake or cook it in a way that does not require too much oil. Fried foods cause discomfort and bloating and lead to increased cholesterol levels. Avoiding fried foods such as French fries and onion rings that are common accompaniments to meat dishes could also help reduce the symptoms of lung disease. The consumption of excess fried foods and meat can also lead to weight gain, which worsens issues with breathing and the symptoms of existing respiratory conditions.

• Broccoli
  In some cases, broccoli is good for lung health as it is rich in antioxidants and has anti-carcinogenic properties. On the other hand, it also contributes to poor lung health because it causes bloating. The nutrients and fiber in broccoli are hard to break down, which causes intestinal gas during digestion. This exerts pressure on the diaphragm, which results in shortness of breath and other issues breathing. As a result, switching to other nutrient-dense foods is suggested. Other vegetables to avoid or limit the consumption of include cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, carrots, and radish.
• Ice cream
  According to various research and studies, dairy products such as ice cream could lead to an increase in mucus production, particularly in the respiratory tract. This inflames the tissues in that area. Excess mucus could cause coughing, pain, and wheezing in COPD patients. It is one of the food groups that should be kept at bay during the flu and cold season. If you have a consistent cough when you consume dairy products, you may notice it subsides when you cut down or restrict ice cream and other dairy items from your meal plans. Switching to lactose-free milk alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk is a good option.
  Another food that people include in all meal plans is white bread. Since it is made from refined flour, white bread contains simple carbohydrates that are bad for the lungs. In addition to foods, there are a few beverages that you should also limit the consumption of, especially if you suffer from issues with your lungs. These include sodas that contain carbon dioxide and have high sugar content. Switching to other noncarbonated, flavored beverages such as tea, natural juice, or flavored water might be a good idea. Also, acidic drinks and juices such as citrus or tomato-based drinks should be avoided. These could cause acid reflux which worsens the symptoms of lung diseases.

The discomfort caused by lung disease is hard to live with. But with the best treatments, nutritious and healthy meal plans, and lifestyle modifications and changes, you can manage and control even severe lung diseases. It is recommended to consult a healthcare expert and talk about the foods to say yes and no to, to treat and prevent the symptoms of lung disease. Along with that, it is essential to discuss a treatment plan with a doctor, as they would know which course of treatment is suitable.