Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, long COVID, chronic rhinosinusitis nasal polyposis CRSwNP, and nasal polyps. These are all examples of breathing or respiratory issues that result in similar challenges and symptoms, like nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, etcetera. Depending on what kind of breathing issue you have, your doctor will prescribe medications like Robitussin, Dupixent, Advil, Claritin, Zyrtec, ARIKAYCE, Theraflu, Aleve, Stiolto, Flonase, NUCALA prescription for nasal polyposis sinus, Allegra, or even cold/flu medications, to help with symptom management. Additionally, you may opt to receive the mRNA vaccine or flu shot to help prevent worsening your already present breathing issue. However, it can also be helpful to make some dietary changes, as diet is directly linked to optimal respiratory function. Here are 5 foods that may trigger breathing issues:

1. Dairy products

If you have a daily allergy, drinking milk or eating dairy products can trigger and worsen symptoms of any breathing issues you might have. For example, with this allergy, you may experience wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose, and more—you likely already experience these symptoms with your breathing issue. Avoid stacking and worsening symptoms by removing dairy products from your diet.

2. Beans

Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lima beans—a great recipe for chili, but a recipe for disaster when combined with breathing issues. Beans are gas-causing and can result in bloating. Not only is this uncomfortable to experience, but it also makes breathing harder by lessening space for your lungs and putting pressure on your diaphragm.

3. Carbonated drinks

Like beans, carbonated drinks are gas-causing and can result in bloating. This includes soda, sparkling water, most energy drinks, alcoholic seltzers, and more. The bloating makes breathing harder by putting unnecessary pressure on your lungs.

4. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic are high in FODMAPs, meaning they’re high in short-chain carbs like sugar and fibers that (for some individuals) can be poorly absorbed by the small intestine. This can then result in gastrointestinal distress, causing irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and what’s challenging for people with breathing issues, gas and bloating. Limit the amount of onions and garlic you add to your meals and try adding more flavor with herbs and spices.

5. Fried foods

Fried foods are extremely high in fat, meaning they will take longer to digest and in turn cause symptoms such as gas, indigestion, and bloating—by now we know these factors are hard on the lungs and make breathing difficult. Avoid french fries, onion rings, fried chicken, and other fried goods, but you don’t have to say goodbye completely. Purchase an air fryer to cook your food, as air fried foods are much healthier and still give you that good crunch and delicious taste you crave.