Respiratory issues are on the rise. If you have an existing condition, like COPD or asthma, that already affects breathing, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. With asthma and COPD patients may experience coughing, wheezing, and tightening of the chest. Most people know that too much exercise can exacerbate breathing problems, but unbeknownst to many, certain foods can also trigger breathing difficulties.

Here are some foods that can make your respiratory issues a lot worse:

1. Cold cuts
Cold cuts are a great way to make an easy meal in a short amount of time. However, the preservatives in processed meats are another trigger for respiratory issues. Try to eat as many natural, unprocessed foods as you can. Cold cuts tend to have a lot of nitrates, which can irritate your airways and cause inflammation. Hot dogs, bacon, and sausages are all bad for your lungs. One study in France showed that people who ate cured meat at least four times a week were 75 percent more likely to have respiratory issues than people who did not.

2. Acidic foods and drinks
Asthma is caused by the acidic buildup of mucus. Consuming foods with lots of acid in them can make this buildup much worse. Spicy foods are a common source of this added acidity in the stomach. The best way to prevent this is to avoid these kinds of food in the first place, but you may wish to eat some every once in a while. In that case, balance your meal with foods that combat symptoms of asthma. Try apples, bananas, and dark green leafy vegetables. These will balance out any acid overload you may experience.

3. Carbonated beverages
Another study in Australia suggested that carbonated beverages are another culprit in the battle against inflammation in the lungs. Cola, lemonade, mineral water, and sports drinks all create issues that can make your breathing worse. Part of the reason for this problem is that these drinks contain a lot of acids. However, their sugar also contributes to obesity, which is a big problem in managing long term respiratory issues.

4. Dairy products
Mild dairy sensitivity can stimulate more mucus production in the lungs of an otherwise healthy person. For those with asthma or other common breathing issues, this sensitivity can send a person over the edge and into a full asthmatic attack. You may want to try dairy alternatives such as coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk. There are plenty of dairy substitutes available on the market as the interest in healthy food consumption continues to grow.

5. Excessive salt
You may already know that a high salt diet can cause high blood pressure. You may not know that it can also make your asthma worse. Salt increases fluid retention, which is another major cause of mucus buildup. This excess of mucus can make it harder to breathe.

Acid, salt, dairy, carbonated beverages, and preservatives can all make your asthma and other breathing problems worse. Enjoy them in moderation, but be careful not to overindulge, or it may reduce your quality of life.