Nutrition Diet: What Foods Should I Avoid With Pulmonary Fibrosis?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

For individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, dietary choices can significantly impact symptom management and overall well-being. Understanding what foods should I avoid with pulmonary fibrosis is a crucial step toward reducing inflammation, preventing acid reflux, and supporting respiratory function.

Quick Summary

Dietary adjustments for pulmonary fibrosis involve limiting high-sodium, processed, and fried foods to reduce fluid retention and inflammation. Avoiding triggers for acid reflux and gas-producing items can help ease breathing difficulties and other related symptoms. Small, frequent meals and proper hydration are also important strategies.

Key Points

Avoid high sodium: Processed and canned foods are high in sodium and lead to fluid retention, which can increase breathlessness.
Limit GERD triggers: Acidic foods like tomatoes, coffee, and chocolate can worsen acid reflux, a common comorbidity in PF patients.
Steer clear of processed meats: Cured meats contain nitrates linked to inflammation, which can negatively impact lung function.
Minimize fried and fatty foods: These can cause bloating and weight gain, putting extra pressure on the lungs and exacerbating symptoms.
Watch for gas-producing foods: Beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks can cause bloating, which can restrict lung movement and make breathing harder.
Choose small, frequent meals: This strategy prevents a full stomach from putting pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, aiding in more comfortable breathing.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health and can help manage certain medication side effects.

The Impact of Diet on Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms

Living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) means managing symptoms that affect your day-to-day life, including breathlessness and coughing. While diet can't cure the disease, proper nutrition plays a critical role in symptom management. Certain foods can exacerbate common PF-related issues such as systemic inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and breathing difficulties. For instance, high-sodium intake can cause fluid retention, adding pressure on the lungs and increasing shortness of breath.

Moreover, a significant portion of PF patients also experience GERD, which can lead to the micro-aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs, potentially worsening fibrosis. By carefully selecting what you eat, you can minimize these adverse effects and improve your quality of life. This guide will help you understand which foods to limit or avoid and why.

High-Sodium Foods to Limit

High sodium intake is a major concern for people with PF. Excess sodium causes the body to retain fluids, which can strain the lungs and heart and make breathing more challenging. A low-sodium diet is highly recommended for managing PF symptoms, especially fluid retention.

Common High-Sodium Culprits:

Processed and cured meats: This includes bacon, sausages, ham, and deli cold cuts, which are packed with sodium and nitrates.
Canned soups and vegetables: Many canned products contain high amounts of sodium for preservation. Opt for low-sodium or fresh versions instead.
Frozen dinners and pre-packaged meals: These are notoriously high in sodium. Reading nutrition labels is essential.
Snack foods: Chips, crackers, and pretzels are often loaded with salt.
Condiments: Ketchup, soy sauce, and steak sauce contain significant levels of sodium.

Foods That Can Worsen Acid Reflux (GERD)

GERD is a common comorbidity in PF patients, and managing it through diet is important. Certain foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and potentially be aspirated into the lungs.

GERD Trigger Foods:

Acidic foods and drinks: Tomatoes, citrus fruits, and juices can worsen reflux symptoms.
Caffeine: Found in coffee, some teas, and sodas, caffeine can contribute to acid reflux.
Chocolate: This is another well-known culprit for triggering GERD.
Spicy foods: These can irritate the esophagus and trigger heartburn.
Fatty foods: High-fat meals, especially fried foods, can delay stomach emptying and increase the risk of reflux.

Processed and Fried Foods to Reduce

Beyond their sodium content, processed and fried foods are generally poor choices for PF patients. Processed meats, for example, contain nitrates that have been linked to increased inflammation. Fried foods, with their high saturated fat content, can lead to bloating and weight gain, both of which put extra strain on the lungs. Minimizing these foods can help control inflammatory responses and maintain a healthy weight.

Gas-Producing Foods and Bloating

Bloating caused by gas can push up on the diaphragm, restricting the lungs and making breathing more difficult, especially after a large meal. PF patients may find relief by identifying and limiting foods that cause them gas.

Common Gas-Producing Foods:

Beans
Lentils (some patients, though fiber is good, so manage portion size)
Broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables
Onions
Carbonated drinks

Other Foods and Substances to Consider

Dairy: Some individuals with lung conditions, such as COPD, report that dairy products like milk can increase mucus production, though scientific evidence is mixed. Pay attention to your body's reaction to dairy.
Alcohol: Heavy drinking is linked to worse lung function. Alcohol can also interfere with medications and dehydrate the body.
Sugary Drinks: Soft drinks and other sweetened beverages offer empty calories and can contribute to weight gain, impacting breathing.

Comparison of Foods to Limit vs. Healthier Alternatives


Foods to Limit / Avoid	Why to Avoid Them	Healthier Alternatives
High-Sodium Foods (Processed meats, canned soups)	Cause fluid retention and increase breathlessness.	Fresh poultry, fish, low-sodium or homemade soups, home-cooked meals.
GERD Triggers (Tomatoes, coffee, chocolate, spicy food)	Can cause stomach acid to flow back, potentially worsening lung damage.	Non-acidic fruits (melons, berries), ginger tea, water.
Processed/Fried Foods (Fried chicken, deli meat, chips)	Promote inflammation, bloating, and unhealthy weight gain.	Baked chicken, grilled fish, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
Gas-Producing Foods (Beans, broccoli, carbonated drinks)	Cause bloating, which restricts lung expansion and makes breathing harder.	Foods that don't cause personal discomfort, smaller portions of problematic items, water.
Sugary Beverages (Sodas, sweetened juices)	Contribute to weight gain and offer poor nutritional value.	Water, herbal teas, fresh fruit smoothies.

Creating a Personalized Dietary Strategy

An optimal diet for pulmonary fibrosis focuses on nutrient-dense foods that support lung health and minimize aggravating symptoms. Instead of cutting out entire food groups, the focus should be on balance and portion control. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can prevent the stomach from getting too full, leaving more room for the lungs to expand. Prioritizing lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help maintain muscle mass, which is crucial for respiratory muscles.

Staying well-hydrated is also essential, especially when on medications that may cause side effects like diarrhea. A registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and help you navigate dietary changes while ensuring you receive adequate nutrition. For more detailed information on managing symptoms, the American Lung Association offers valuable resources.

Conclusion

While there is no special diet to cure pulmonary fibrosis, making informed nutritional choices is a powerful tool for managing symptoms and enhancing overall wellness. By understanding what foods should I avoid with pulmonary fibrosis, you can reduce triggers for inflammation and acid reflux, prevent uncomfortable bloating, and help maintain a healthy weight. Focusing on a low-sodium, low-inflammatory, and balanced diet of fresh, whole foods can significantly improve comfort and quality of life for individuals with this condition. Always consult with your healthcare team and a registered dietitian before making major changes to your diet to ensure your nutritional needs are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some patients with lung diseases like COPD report that dairy products can increase mucus production, but evidence is mixed. It is best to pay attention to your own body's reaction to dairy and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

High sodium intake causes fluid retention in the body. This excess fluid can accumulate and put additional pressure on your lungs, making it more difficult to breathe and worsening shortness of breath.

Yes. Since acid reflux (GERD) is strongly linked to pulmonary fibrosis, managing it through diet can help prevent stomach acid from potentially being aspirated into the lungs, which some experts believe can worsen lung damage.

Fried foods are high in saturated fats and can cause bloating, which can push against your diaphragm and make breathing feel more labored. Over time, they can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, further straining your respiratory system.

To manage nausea, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid strong-smelling or heavily spiced foods. Eating bland foods like toast or rice may also help. Consuming ginger or peppermint (in tea or biscuits) can sometimes settle your stomach.

Yes, it is often recommended to eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones. This prevents your stomach from becoming overly full and putting pressure on your lungs, which can make breathing harder.

Processed meats contain nitrates and high levels of sodium. Nitrates have been linked to inflammation, while high sodium can cause fluid retention, both of which can negatively impact lung health and exacerbate symptoms in PF.