When you have severe asthma, COPD, and other serious breathing problems, what you eat is important. Your diet could determine whether your breathing gets worse. After your diagnosis, the doctor will suggest some foods that have to be avoided. Here are the most common foods to avoid when you have a serious breathing issue:

1. Corn
You might not think this to be a problem, but gas and bloating are major issues when you have breathing complications. It takes space away that is allocated for breath. Any food that can cause gas, like corn, is troublesome

2. Cabbage
This is another culprit that attacks you with gas and bloating. Also, it can make mucus thicken, which will produce less air in your lungs. It will be harder for you to breathe, thus putting more strain on your condition. While vegetables are a huge component in the most healthy of diets, for those with breathing problems, it’s not the best choice

3. Carbonated beverages
Soda and other carbonated beverages have no nutritional value. So, drinking caffeine through coffee or energy drinks will only heighten COPD, asthma, and the like. The artificial additives and preservatives can easily dehydrate. It is ideal to drink an adequate amount of water to maintain healthy hydration

4. Dairy products
Eating foods categorizing as dairy cause a major concern due to the production of phlegm. Digesting milk and other dairy foods such as yogurt and ice cream can lead to mucus build-up in the intestine. The only way to expel that is by coughing and coughing aggravates COPD and other breathing problems. Never go to sleep after eating dairy products. They should be avoided altogether

5. Salty foods
Foods that are high in salt cause the body to create water retention. It mimics the fat surrounding the diaphragm, which limits airflow to breathe. In moderation, salt is ok to eat and use, as the body needs small amounts of it. When salt is used, you can supplement with different spices for more flavorful foods with limited amounts of salt

6. Acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and drinks do not digest well. It can be a slow process in the digestive tract for foods in this category. This is why they cause bloating. Bloating takes up needed airspace for someone with a breathing problem. So, anything acidic such as fried chicken and jalapenos should not be included in your diet.

Paying close attention to your diet is an important part of your health when you suffer from asthma, COPD, and other breathing problems. Avoiding certain foods can help you live a better, more manageable life. It may be tough to make these drastic lifestyles changing pertaining to what you eat. In the long run, it will benefit your overall health.