Certain breathing problems are chronic in nature and can be a symptom of an underlying cause or a condition onto themselves. Trying to manage the issue with only medication isn’t always enough. Making the required lifestyle changes and following proper dietary methods also goes a long way in helping control the problem. So, here are some foods that can trigger breathing issues. These can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, watery eyes, and shallow breathing, among others.

1. Cruciferous vegetables
Such vegetables include broccoli, radishes, cabbage, and cauliflowers. While these are filled with fiber and nutrients, they can lead to extra gas in some people and further lead to bloating and breathing issues.

2. Excessive salt
Salt can be one of the foods that can trigger breathing issues if taken in excessive amounts. A small amount of salt in food is advisable; however, an extra quantity can make you retain more water, which can subsequently lead to breathing problems. You can use certain herbs and spices instead of salt to give your meals some flavor.

3. Processed food
Processed food in any form is not considered right for the lungs. For instance, processed potato chips are filled with saturated salt and fat, which are not good for lung health; they are, therefore, foods that can trigger breathing issues.

4. Dairy items
You might be surprised to see dairy items on this list as they are filled with calcium and other nutritious elements; however, dairy items such as milk contain casomorphin, which leads to the increase in the production of mucus in the intestines. Also, dairy items such as ice cream also lead to tissue inflammation of the respiratory tract and should, therefore, be avoided if you have breathing problems.

5. Fried food items
Quite like cruciferous vegetables, fried foods can cause a lot of discomfort and bloating. When you binge on fried food for a long period of time, you tend to gain a lot of weight, which puts a lot of pressure on your lungs, and eventually, you might face problems with breathing. Fried foods also are full of unhealthy fats, which are extremely likely to increase the risk of heart diseases.

6. Simple carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates such as bread and other refined sugars can lead to bad lung health and are, as such, considered to be foods that can trigger breathing issues. Such food items require your body to make extra efforts to initiate the metabolism process. These food items are also known to cause inflammation, which can further result in difficulties breathing.

Even if you do not have any diagnosed breathing issues, but find yourself not taking easy breaths anymore, it is better to lay off foods that can worsen your condition. It is recommended to visit a pulmonologist to get the best advice for your situation and tailor your lifestyle and dietary habits accordingly.