Managing respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis is crucial. Doctor-recommended treatments and therapies may be required to control their symptoms, but these are usually insufficient. Proper nutrition is also essential as it impacts respiratory health. Some foods exacerbate inflammation and make breathing difficult, while others improve lung function and reduce inflammation. This post discusses the worst foods for people with breathing problems. It also lists what one can eat safely, besides providing other nutrition tips. Worst foods for people with breathing problems Regardless of whether a person suffers from breathing trouble, it helps to know the foods that influence respiratory health. Some foods make it more difficult for people with respiratory issues to breathe by causing inflammation in their bodies. Here are a few such foods to stay away from: Dairy products Due to their high-fat content and potential to increase mucus formation, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can make breathing difficult for those with respiratory issues. These foods are linked to airway irritation and narrowing of the breathing tubes. That said, dairy should not be eliminated completely from the nutrition regimen. Instead, patients may pick low-fat milk and milk products or alternatives like almond and soy milk.

Constipation refers to the inability to pass stools regularly. There are several risks and known causes linked to underlying health complications that trigger this condition. It can also be a side effect of prescription therapies that affect digestion. However, it is possible to manage and even cure constipation with simple changes in lifestyle and nutritional habits. Some healthy foods that help prevent flare-ups and provide immediate and long-term relief are listed below. Apples Apples are an excellent source of soluble fibers called pectin, a natural compound concentrated in the fruit’s skin. When digested, pectin is rapidly absorbed by the gut bacteria to pull water inside the colon. This reaction helps soften the stools and facilitates faster movement along the digestive tract. Pectin also naturally helps increase the gut bacteria necessary for promoting metabolic activities that control digestion. Pears Pears are a tasty alternative to apples that also provide the necessary boost of soluble fibers. In addition to fiber that helps bulk up stools, pears are also a rich source of sorbitol that further acts as a natural laxative. And the fructose (natural sugars) in the fruit helps pull water inside the colon to help soften the stools. A single pear fruit packs 5.5 grams of fiber, which is nearly a fifth of the daily requirement suggested for adults.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, from the stomach to the anus. Although its primary cause is unknown, experts believe the condition may result from an autoimmune response. Crohn’s is treated with the help of various therapies, but patients are also advised to follow a healthy meal plan. This includes avoiding specific food categories that trigger inflammation and worsen Crohn’s flare-ups. Whole grains Whole grains are a generally healthy source of fiber and nutrients and a staple in many kitchens. However, they can worsen Crohn’s symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain and create a lot of unrest in the gastrointestinal tract. So, during a flare-up, one must avoid high-fiber whole grains like barley, popcorn, rye, and wheat. Instead, patients can turn to rice, rice pasta, potatoes, cornmeal, polenta, oatmeal, and gluten-free bread for their daily dose of carbs. Beans Beans are incredibly nutritious and an excellent vegetarian source of protein. However, they are also rich in insoluble fibers and are notorious for causing gas. Further, they contain lectin, a compound that can be hard to break down, causing inflammation and worsening one’s symptoms during a flare-up. FODMAP fruits Fruits high in short-chain carbohydrates like fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (together known as FODMAPs) have been reported to worsen the symptoms of Crohn’s, like diarrhea and bloating, during a flare-up.

Almost every individual has experienced constipation from time to time. It is the most common gastrointestinal complaint. Constipation is simply regarded as uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Most individuals will feel shy or awkward about seeking medical help for these problems. In such circumstances, following certain remedies will prompt quick relief from constipation. Keep reading to know more about effective remedies or ways to relieve constipation at home. Constipation – An overview Constipation is a chronic indigestion issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements, passing dry, hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. It may leave the affected person feeling uncomfortable and bloated. A lack of fiber content in one’s meal plan, inactivity, certain prescription treatment, and underlying medical conditions are some factors that induce constipation. The food one consumes during normal digestion moves through the digestive tract. It breaks down in the stomach before reaching the intestines to absorb nutrients and remove waste. When the broken food particles move to the intestine, the colon absorbs water, making it easy to excrete feces. The contractions in muscles push the feces to the rectum. Constipation occurs when the contractions in the muscles are too weak or slow. As a result, the colon absorbs excess water, resulting in stiff and dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause symptoms like a reduced appetite, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It affects the gastrointestinal system and can get aggravated by certain foods. So, treatment, along with lifestyle changes like better food choices, can help one manage the symptoms, reducing their severity and frequency. Here is a look at how nutrition plays a role in managing Crohn’s disease and foods that can ease associated symptoms: Nutrition and Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the GI tract, also considered an autoimmune disorder. Here, the immune system accidentally attacks the lining cells in the digestive tract. For those with Crohn’s, monitoring and restricting trigger foods can help them cope with the disease. One can try an elimination food plan to remove one type of food at a time to identify the items the body cannot tolerate. However, while in remission, one can follow a well-rounded meal plan consisting of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fat sources that improve overall health. Top foods There is no single meal plan that works for every individual with Crohn’s disease. So, here are a few healthy options that are best tolerated when dealing with the condition:

The kidneys filter out the toxins and waste products present in the blood and produce urine. This urine gets collected in the gall bladder and is pushed out of the body through a pipe called the urethra. Attending the bathroom break is essential when the urge to empty the bladder strikes. When ignored, it can lead to swelling of the kidneys and bladder and might even give rise to other complications. Holding it in People often prioritize other things over their health. This includes eating, exercising, and even peeing. This means we end up holding in the pee more frequently than attending it the minute we get nature’s call. Holding in peeing frequently can cause damage to the bladder muscles and might even cause the organ to swell up. However, taking regular bathroom breaks can help avoid losing bladder control. Peeing halfway Speeding up the peeing process or bathroom breaks can end in a urinary tract infection. This is one of the most common peeing mistakes most of us make. A typical result of rushed bathroom breaks is only half empty bladder. For some, it might not be possible to empty the bladder all the way through. However, letting urine sit in the bladder can increase the risk of infections.

Maintaining the body’s structure is not the only function of our bones; they are also vital reservoirs of nutrients and protectors of body organs. Osteoporosis is a health condition characterized by weakened bones due to loss of bone density and mass. The disease increases one’s susceptibility to fractures and considerably limits mobility. Typically diagnosed through a bone density scan, osteoporosis can be remedied through timely treatment and lifestyle changes. Here’s a list of foods patients with osteoporosis must avoid: Soft drinks Soft drinks are loaded with sugar, which significantly increases glucose levels in the blood and causes calcium and vitamin D deficiencies in the body. Consequently, bones become weaker with time, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, it is best to avoid soft drinks and replace them with fresh fruit juices, smoothies, etc. Fries A medium serving of French fries contains approximately 260 grams of sodium. The excessive sodium content results from the extremely high quantities of salt added to these munchies, which can increase blood pressure levels. Such elevated blood pressure can cause calcium levels to deplete and culminate in osteoporosis. It is a good idea to replace fries and other high-salt snacks with nutritious munchies like unsalted nuts and dried fruits.

Cancer is the mutation of healthy cells in the body. Lung cancer develops when the cells in the respiratory tract multiply rapidly, resulting in uncontrolled growth that destroys other healthy cells. Lung cancer is progressive in nature and has no cure. But nutrition plays an important role in the progression or remission of cancer, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some foods to avoid and improve the outlook of living with cancer: Dairy products Cancer affects the immune system. While undergoing treatment for lung cancer, the body becomes vulnerable to viruses and bacterial infections that can trigger respiratory complications. This is why nutritionists recommend avoiding unpasteurized dairy products like soft cheese, raw unprocessed milk, and raw yogurt. The live bacteria in these foods and beverages can trigger an infection that is difficult to manage with lung cancer. So, when dealing with lung cancer, one should avoid raw and unprocessed dairy and look for plant-based milk alternatives. Raw eggs Eggs are a nutritious source of proteins and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But raw eggs, especially the yolk, contain billions of live bacteria that the body will not be able to digest with a compromised immune system. Eggs are the primary source of salmonella bacteria that mimics contamination caused by unpasteurized dairy products.