Our body’s production of mucus is actually meant to keep us healthy as it serves as a sort of sticky tape that collects dust, bacteria, and other potentially harmful airborne particles so our body can get rid of these things more easily before they have a chance to settle into our lungs.

However, if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mucus production is often so excessive that it can actually hurt your health.

Mucus and COPD

An article published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease explains that the increase in mucus secretions commonly found with COPD patients negatively impacts both lung function and quality of life.

It also can increase your number of COPD-related exacerbations and hospitalizations.

It even can have more detrimental effects as the article goes on to say that several studies have found that people with “chronic mucus hypersecretion” have a higher risk of death. This is true in regard to respiratory-related death, death due to pulmonary infection, and some even found a higher mortality rate in general.

Though a person without COPD is generally able to get rid of excess mucus, those with this disease often have a more difficult time because of poor function of the cilia in the respiratory tract and from having an “ineffective cough” due to weak respiratory muscles and obstructed airways.

One way to help combat these effects is to stay away from foods that can potentially increase mucus production even more.

Mucus-Producing Foods

There are certain foods that, when eaten, can cause our bodies to produce even more mucus than ordinary or thicken the mucus that is already created, causing havoc in a different way. Therefore, avoiding these items can help ease the chronic mucus problems typically experienced with COPD.

With that thought in mind, here are 21 mucus-causing or mucus-thickening foods to consider removing from your diet:

1. Red meat
2. Milk
3. Cheese
4. Yogurt
5. Ice Cream
6. Butter
7. Eggs
8. Bread
9. Pasta
10. Cereal
11. Bananas
12. Cabbage
13. Potatoes
14. Corn and corn products
15. Soy products
16. Sweet desserts
17. Candy
18. Coffee
19. Tea
20. Soda
21. Alcoholic beverages

So what’s left to eat?

Foods That Reduce Mucus

While it may seem like you can’t eat anything because all of the major food groups have already been wiped out, there are actually some foods left that have the ability to reduce your mucus production.

Here are 21 of them:

1. Salmon
2. Tuna
3. Sardines
4. Flounder
5. Pumpkin
6. Pumpkin seeds
7. Grapefruit
8. Pineapple
9. Watercress
10. Celery
11. Pickles
12. Onion
13. Garlic
14. Honey or agar
15. Ginger
16. Lemon
17. Cayenne pepper
18. Chamomile
19. Olive oil
20. Broth
21. Decaf tea

If you or a loved one suffers from a chronic disease like COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis or other symptoms of lung disease, the Lung Health Institute offers a variety of cellular treatment options.

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3 Foods That Can Help Reduce Spring Allergies

In the spring, the temperature is rising, and the sun starts to shine more. However, these pleasant occurrences tend to lead to higher levels of pollen, mold and other allergens, and higher levels of allergens can cause issues for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Most people reach for an inhaler or oral allergy medications to combat allergies. However, COPD patients might also be able to protect their bodies from allergy symptoms with the foods they eat. Here are 3 foods in particular that can help protect you from allergies: 

1. Onions

Raw and cooked onions are an ingredient that many of us include in our diet without even thinking. It goes great as a raw vegetable in a mixed salad or salsa. Onions can also be sauteed or roasted along with other vegetables or a protein to add some delicious flavor to your cooking. 

One benefit of onions that many people may have overlooked is their ability to reduce allergy symptoms. Allergies cause the body to produce chemicals called histamines, and these chemicals can lead to airway inflammation and other symptoms. Research shows that onions contain a chemical called quercetin, which helps block the release of histamines. In fact, it’s a main ingredient of many allergy drugs. However, you can get quercetin naturally by eating onions; red onions contain the highest levels of this helpful chemical. 

2. Berries

Berries aren’t only a tasty dessert or addition to yogurt. They can also help protect COPD patients against allergies. These fruits contain a high amount of vitamin C, and this vitamin can help your allergies in several ways. 

It can help reduce the inflammation that allergies cause, since studies have shown that it’s a potent anti-inflammatory. In fact, 1 study reports that 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day led to decreased inflammation in its participants. This vitamin can increase the strength of your immune system as well, contributing to cellular functions, thereby decreasing your risk of lung infections. 

3. Fish

Out of all the allergy-fighting options out there, most people probably wouldn’t list fish as an option. But fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel can actually be protective against allergy symptoms like coughing and wheezing. 

Such fish options contain a high level of omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that these fatty acids can have many benefits for chronic lung disease patients; 1 study reports that patients who increased their intake of an omega-3 fatty acid called ALA had a 40% decrease in their coughing. The same study reports that these participants also had a 37% reduction in wheezing. 

Find Out How Lung Health Institute Can Help Treat Your COPD Symptoms

At Lung Health Institute, we offer natural treatment options for COPD and other chronic lung diseases. One of these options is our Anti-Inflammatory Initiative™, or AI2™. 

A major component of this plan is information about many lung-healthy food options, including seafood, as well as information about specific recipes that are designed to help your lungs. AI2 also includes exercise tips, sleeping tips and hydration advice. All these natural methods are combined with the intention of helping to boost your immune system and training your body to fight inflammation using fats.  

Take the next step to Breathe Easier™. Contact a Lung Health Institute patient coordinator today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.

From Yasuh