Bronchiectasis: Foods to Avoid

Living with bronchiectasis can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing symptoms like mucus buildup, shortness of breath, and lung infections.

While airway clearance therapies are vital, did you know that your diet can also play a role in your overall lung health? ¹ Certain foods may exacerbate inflammation, trigger mucus production, or weaken your immune system, making managing bronchiectasis symptoms difficult.

In this article, the experts at SmartVest cover foods to avoid with bronchiectasis and tips on creating a diet that supports your well-being.

Bronchiectasis: Foods to Avoid

Here are certain foods to limit or avoid if you're living with bronchiectasis.

Fried Foods. Fried foods are especially notorious for triggering inflammation and should be minimized or avoided.

Processed Meats. Processed meats such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats contain preservatives and nitrates that can worsen inflammation in the lungs. Studies have linked regular consumption of processed meats to poorer lung function. ²

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs). Studies have found that limiting ultra-processed foods is also important. The food category has additives and ingredients you don't normally find in home cooking. Common examples include:

• Mass-produced bread
• Frozen dinners
• Most canned soups
• Potato chips
• Packaged cookies
• Certain breakfast cereals and more ³

UFPs tend to be high in sodium, leading to inflammation and bloating, making breathing more difficult. ⁴ They also tend to be high in unhealthy fats, which can contribute to poor lung health over time.

Sugary and Carbonated Beverages. Consuming large amounts of soda and energy drinks, especially those with caffeine or lots of sugar, can lead to rapid breathing and an increased heart rate. ⁵ A diet high in sugar can also increase the risk of infections, which people with bronchiectasis are more susceptible to. ⁶

Salty Foods. Excessive salt can lead to fluid retention and bloating, which can make breathing feel more labored for those with bronchiectasis. Eat salt-heavy foods in moderation or opt for low-sodium options to help maintain better respiratory function. ⁷

Refined Carbohydrates. White bread, pastries, and other refined carbohydrates lack essential nutrients and contribute to inflammation.

Building a Lung-Friendly Diet

Focusing on nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods can improve your lung health and overall well-being. Here are a few foods to include for a lung-friendly diet:

• High-fiber foods, including fruits and vegetables. ⁸
• Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats. They provide more vitamins and antioxidants that support immune function.
• Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
• Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins.

If you're living with bronchiectasis, staying hydrated is also key-proper hydration helps thin mucus and keep your lungs clear. It's recommended that women drink an average of 11 cups per day and 16 cups per day for men. ⁹ Spread your water consumption throughout the day instead of consuming a lot of water at once.

By making mindful food choices, you can help reduce inflammation, minimize mucus production, support your immune system, and manage your bronchiectasis symptoms more effectively.

SmartVest Provides Bronchiectasis Support

Managing bronchiectasis involves more than just medical treatments-your diet can play a significant role in your lung health and quality of life. By avoiding foods that trigger inflammation, mucus buildup, and respiratory distress, you can create a diet that helps you breathe easier and feel better.

If you're unsure about which foods are best for you, consider speaking with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist who can help tailor your diet to your specific needs.

Looking for more information on navigating a chronic lung condition? Our bronchiectasis resources cover a myriad of topics to help make life easier.

Resources

[1] National Library of Medicine. "Processed meat consumption and lung function: modification by antioxidants and smoking." Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956622/

[2] National Library of Medicine. "Processed meat consumption and lung function: modification by antioxidants and smoking." Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956622/

[3] Healthline. "Healthy Food vs. Highly Processed Food: What to Know" Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/junk-food-vs-healthy-food#what-are-highly-processed-foods

[4] National Library of Medicine. "Our Hidden Enemy: Ultra-Processed Foods, Inflammation, and the Battle for Heart Health" Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10663139/

[5] Livestrong "Does Soda Affect Your Lungs." Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/549998-does-soda-affect-your-lungs/

[6] National Library of Medicine "Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation." Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9471313/

[7] American Lung Association. "Treating and Managing Bronchiectasis." Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchiectasis/treating-and-managing

[8] Asthma + Lung UK. "Eating well with a lung condition" Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/healthy-eating/eating-well

[9] Harvard T.H. Chan. School of Public Health. "The Importance of Hydration." Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.