Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammation of one of the lungs that results in obstructed airways, making it difficult for a person to breathe normally. It is a chronic condition with varying levels of severity. Some of the most common symptoms include shortness of breath or wheezing coupled with a chronic cough. For mild to moderate cases, one can try out a new diet that incorporates the following foods to eat for COPD symptom management. Fruits and vegetables One must include an assortment of brightly-colored fruits and veggies in their daily diet to boost energy levels for managing COPD symptoms. They are rich in phytochemicals, compounds that defuse and fight free radicals causing damage to cells in the body. These include leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash among a few starters. Since COPD can result in breathing problems, one must avoid certain veggies that cause gas and bloating. Alternatively, colored fruits are rich in antioxidants that boost lung function in COPD patients to improve breathing and resistance. Apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, apricots, cantaloupe, watermelon, berries, cherries, and even certain fruit peels top the list of superfoods to eat for COPD. Omega-3 fatty acids Essential compounds found in omega-3 fatty acids help battle lung infection that can be a result of COPD.

The temptation to eat when one might be feeling low is a natural response of the body. It is one of the reasons why many people go back to a food or beverage of their choice (the comfort food) to lift spirits and boost mood. And comfort food does not always have to be sweet, fatty, carb- or calorie-rich. Many healthy substitutes improve one’s outlook and boost morale to fight depression. At the same time, these substitutes ensure no health complications arise in the process. Following is a list of essential mood-boosting foods for depression that help manage certain symptoms. Foods rich in omega 3 Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to brain development and enhance cell signals to improve communication between the neural networks. The fatty acids improve the fluidity of the membranes that make up the brain cells. One must consume more oily and greasy fish, including mackerel, tuna, herring, salmon, anchovies, and sardines as part of their daily diet. Alternatively, flaxseed oil, fish oil, and echium oils are rich sources of omega 3. A complete and nutrient-rich diet can help combat depression to a certain extent and boost one’s mood. Research suggests that a proper diet is always vital to maintaining a healthy mind and body outlook to reduce stress and anxiety, ensuring mental well-being.

One of the main problems of ulcerative colitis is inflammation that can trigger pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and discomforts associated with diarrhea. The inflammation can last for more extended periods and vary in terms of severity. There are medications and treatment options for ulcerative colitis that provide long term relief. However, making proper changes in one’s diet can significantly help reduce the frequent flare-ups that cause discomfort. That is why knowing what not to eat can help one plan a diet that doesn’t result in symptoms of the condition flaring up unexpectedly. Here are the top foods to avoid with colitis. Whole foods high in fiber Fiber is one of the crucial compounds that the digestive system benefits from to help flush out cholesterol and harmful carcinogens while promoting healthy bowel movements. Those who have ulcerative colitis must altogether avoid the intake of whole foods that comprise fiber. These include whole bread, cereals, pasta, noodles, and even macaroni. The high fiber tends to increase gas, force abdominal cramps, and affect the frequency of bowel movements, thus flaring up the symptoms. In fact, at times, to avoid this kind of inflammation caused by fiber-rich food, medical professionals recommend foods made out of white flour, unless of course, a person may be suffering from gluten intolerance.

There are more than 10-million people in the United States who suffer from asthma and more than 20-million adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both of these conditions affect the lungs and can greatly impact your quality of life. Although there is no cure for COPD or asthma, there are several ways to manage the symptoms, which include medications, exercise, and watching what you eat. There are also a variety of different foods beverages that have been proven to worsen and contribute to breathing difficulties: 1. Acidic foods and drinks Acidic foods and drinks are considered the worst foods for COPD and young lungs, which can eventually lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux and lung disease often go hand-in-hand, which is why many people who suffer from lung disease avoid acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, orange juice, and spicy foods. Acidic foods cause your digestive acids to flow back into your esophagus and affects the vagus nerve, which causes your lungs to tighten. Shortness of breath is commonly linked to acid reflux, which can cause a series of respiratory symptoms including wheezing, coughing, and asthma triggers. Even though many people have difficulty understanding the relationship between GERD and lung disease, the two conditions are linked and often occur together.

Patients with breathing related conditions such as allergies, asthma and COPD, try their best to improve the quality of air that they breath to avoid COPD triggers and asthma triggers. As such, it is common for patients to use devices that help to filter allergens and dust particles in their homes. However, one of the things many patients may never consider is the food they eat. In fact, scientist suggests that the food we eat can agitate symptoms far worse than any dust particle or pollen can: 1. Milk Milk and other dairy products such as ice cream and yogurt can worsen breathing symptoms of patients with breathing related illnesses such as asthma and COPD. While it may be true that milk is rich in calcium, it is also rich in casomorphin. Casomorphin has been known to increase mucus production in the intestines. The problem with this is that asthma patients and lung disease patients experience an increase in mucus production when a flare up occurs. As such, consuming dairy products can increase the intensity of flare ups. 2. Salt Sodium is an essential nutrient that the body needs in very, very small quantities. But, a heavy sodium diet can be a problem.