Home | chronic bronchitis protection | Avoid These 6 Foods To Manage Bronchitis Symptoms

Avoid these 6 foods to manage bronchitis symptoms

Avoid these 6 foods to manage bronchitis symptoms

Bronchitis is when the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs get infected or swollen. It can lead to coughing, throat ache, increased mucus production, and general cold-like symptoms like body aches or chills. Bronchitis is mostly caused by viruses that do not respond to treatment, so patients often have to wait to feel better. However, symptoms can be managed by eating right. So, here are six foods to avoid when affected by bronchitis:

Foods rich in sodium
Sodium causes water retention, leading to shortness of breath in people with lung diseases such as bronchitis. This includes the food’s natural sodium content, as well as any added salt (by itself or in condiments and dressings). To limit sodium intake, one should cut back on salty foods and seasonings. One should also check the labels before buying a food item to confirm that the product doesn’t contain more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. One can choose herbs and spices instead of sauces to reduce salt and keep food flavorful.

Dairy products
When dairy products are broken down for digestion, an exorphin called casomorphin is released, which has been linked to the production of thicker mucus. This can cause irritation in people with bronchitis. It can also enhance symptoms like coughing, causing more wheezing or pain. Instead of dairy, one should opt for plant-based alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk. If dairy is unavoidable, one should choose between low-fat or non-fat dairy options.

Processed meats
Cured meats and cold cuts contain high levels of sodium and nitrate. Nitrates are generally added for color and preservation. However, this nitrate content has been linked to complications of the lungs, such as chronic bronchitis or another chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is best to avoid deli meat as much as possible or look for variants that carry “no nitrates added” tag. Deli meats should be replaced with anti-inflammatory sources of protein such as fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, mackerel, or sardines).

Carbonated beverages
Carbonated drinks contain carbon dioxide (that causes the carbonation), which can cause gas and bloating that can make it tougher for people with bronchitis to breathe. Additionally, most carbonated drinks also contain high levels of sugar, which can increase inflammation and multiply the symptoms of bronchitis. One should consider cutting down carbonated beverages such as soda and opting for other flavored beverages like tea, juice, or flavored water.

Fried foods
Fried foods are rich in unhealthy fats and can cause bloating and discomfort. Additionally, they lead to increased cholesterol levels over time, which can complicate or worsen symptoms for people with lung diseases like chronic bronchitis. When possible, skip fast-food joints and drive-throughs and opt for a healthy, nutritious meal.

Desserts
Many desserts contain high-fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to the rising rates of chronic bronchitis amongst adults in the country. Desserts also contain refined carbohydrates, which have been associated with lifestyle diseases. People with the disease should avoid foods with high-fructose corn syrup, including bread, nut butter, pastries, and beverages. One should also check the nutrition label for ingredients before making a choice. Instead of desserts with processed sugars and refined carbohydrates, one can turn to fruits like berries, citrus, and apples to satisfy sugar cravings.

In addition to eating healthy, better lifestyle choices can protect one from chronic bronchitis and other infectious diseases. Getting daily exercise will help strengthen the muscles that the body uses for breathing. One should talk to a healthcare provider and devise a daily workout routine, which can be as simple as 15 minutes of walking a day. Breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing, can also help slow down the fast breathing caused by bronchitis. The technique opens up the airways and makes it easier to clear mucus from the throat. One should avoid catching the flu or cold as much as possible, as these conditions can worsen bronchitis symptoms.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
Read More
Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
Read More
Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
Read More
How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
Read More