Millions of people experience breathing issues due to respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and emphysema. While some people experience mild symptoms, others with chronic breathing conditions might deal with symptoms that are severe enough to impact their quality of life. Did you know that what you eat has a direct correlation with how well you breathe?

Here’s a list of foods that may be heightening your breathing difficulties:

1. Eggs

While they are a great source of protein, eggs are also believed to trigger breathing complications.

2. Cow’s milk

Dairy products are another item health experts recommend you avoid if you struggle with breathing. Dairy products like cow’s milk cause you to produce more mucus, which can lead to congestion in your lungs. The more dairy you consume, the more mucus prohibits your ability to breathe.

3. Nuts

For those with allergies, nuts are a common trigger for breathing issues. If your immune system identifies nuts as a threat, it can lead to anaphylaxis, or swelling of the throat. If this occurs, air can no longer easily travel through your airways, causing shortness of breath. Items containing nuts, like baked goods, nut based oils, and nut butters can also trigger anaphylaxis. So pay close attention to what you eat, especially if you have severe allergy symptoms.

4. Soy

Soy is a controversial ingredient in health food circles. While it is a staple in many vegan and vegetarian dishes, it is also a common allergen. Soy can cause shortness of breath or even anaphylaxis, depending on an individual’s level of intolerance. Asthma sufferers are particularly prone to struggling with their breathing after consuming soy-related products. Soymilk, beans, and soybean oil can all cause symptoms to arise.

5. Wheat

If you have asthma, bread is a food that should rarely ever make it onto your plate. Most breads are wheat based, meaning they contain both albumin and globulin amino acids that trigger asthmatic episodes. The gluten in bread can also trigger the overproduction of antibodies, which can impair your respiratory system. If you notice that a reaction occurs after wheat consumption and you haven’t been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately to find a solution.

6. Shellfish

Like nut-related products, shellfish intolerance and allergies can cause anaphylaxis and breathing difficulties. In some cases, a negative reaction can happen immediately, and in other cases it could be hours before an episode occurs.

Having a condition that impairs breathing already comes with its own complications. If you want to ease your symptoms naturally, do your best to avoid the previously mentioned foods. Not only can avoiding them make it easier for you to breathe, it can potentially save your life in severe cases.