Bronchitis is a physical condition where the bronchial tube lining gets inflamed. Acute and chronic bronchitis are two types of the disease, and the acute type is more common. About 9 million adults in the country suffered from chronic bronchitis in 2018. Paying attention to your daily meals plays a significant role in fighting this condition. Here are six types of food that you should avoid to keep the disease under control:

Foods containing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

Soft drinks contain HFCS; a study conducted in 2015 established a direct link between HFCS and bronchitis. Foods sweetened with HFCS, pastries and bread, should be avoided. While shopping for groceries, it is recommended that you read the nutritional label thoroughly on all food items. The same point is valid for desserts. These items contain a high quantity of HFCS as well as processed carbs. Refined carbohydrates are low in nutrients that do not support healthy living. One has to avoid food items containing a high quantity of processed carbs. The best step is to replace all sweetened foods you buy from the market with fresh fruits like citrus fruits, berries, and apples. Fruits contain fibers that help the body in absorbing the sugar slowly.

Foods containing sulfites

Sulfites are preservatives used in food items like pickled, lime juice, bottled lemon juice, and dried fruits. This preservative can make your condition worsen. Sulfites are also found in foods naturally like eggs, lettuce, corn starch, leeks, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and asparagus. Sulfites can make things worse for patients with bronchitis. This element can sometimes be life-threatening if one develops an allergy. Such foods aggravate the swelling and shutting of the airways, which makes breathing difficult.

Foods high in salt

A little salt in food may not be harmful. But, avoid lots of salt in your food. When buying packaged food, ensure that you read the labels carefully. Remember, your salt intake should be between 1,500 and 2,300 mg daily. When eating out, ensure that the food is on the bland side. With a minimal salt intake, there are fewer chances of high blood pressure. Plus, sodium encourages the body to absorb fluid. This surplus fluid makes the heart work harder. Such conditions lead to shortness of breath and swelling.

High-fat foods

Dairy products like cheese, butter, milk, etc., which are good sources of calcium, should be avoided by patients with bronchitis. Food items like cow milk or products made from it contain lactalbumin, which can trigger an increased production and secretion of mucus in the intestines and the upper and lower tracts of the respiratory system. As a result, there is excessive production of mucus that affects your breathing.

Fried food

If you love to binge on fried foods, you need to be careful about consuming them when you have an attack of bronchitis. Avoiding foods like French fries and onion rings can really help as they contain saturated fats and trans fats. The intake of these foods causes bloating that pushes the diaphragm, causing lung discomfort.

Spicy food

Eating spicy food is generally recommended for people suffering from colds and coughs as it helps in making the mucus thinner. This reaction occurs because of capsaicin in chilies which helps in inflammation management. In contrast to this, as per a study in 2016, capsaicin promotes phlegm production. This effect is bad news for those with bronchitis, as increased phlegm can block the respiratory tracts and worsen the condition.

It is imperative to consult with a physician when you start to get the symptoms of bronchitis, like a sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. Making specific changes to your meal plan can help you manage your condition better by warding off and reducing symptoms.