What Not to Eat With Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Guide to Optimizing Your Diet

October 16, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the American Lung Association, eating a healthy diet is a key part of managing pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and improving overall well-being. For many, this means being mindful of what not to eat with pulmonary fibrosis, as certain foods can exacerbate symptoms, lead to complications, or simply make breathing more difficult.

Quick Summary

A proper diet for pulmonary fibrosis involves avoiding foods high in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and excess sugar to prevent complications like bloating and inflammation. It emphasizes smaller, frequent meals and hydration to support easier breathing and overall lung function. Limiting carbonated drinks and processed foods is also crucial.

Key Points

Restrict Sodium Intake: High sodium foods like processed meats and salty snacks cause fluid retention, increasing breathing effort.
Avoid Gas-Producing Foods: Cruciferous vegetables and carbonated drinks can cause bloating, which puts pressure on the diaphragm and limits lung expansion.
Limit Saturated and Trans Fats: High-fat diets, particularly those with saturated and trans fats found in fried and processed foods, can worsen lung inflammation and fibrosis progression.
Cut Down on Added Sugars: Sugary drinks and desserts contribute to inflammation, which is detrimental to overall lung health.
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Large meals can cause stomach fullness and make breathing harder. Opt for smaller, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day to support energy levels and reduce lung strain.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep mucus thin and easier to clear from the lungs.
Manage Acid Reflux Triggers: For those with GERD, avoid acidic foods and eating late at night to prevent acid from irritating the lungs.

Understanding the Link Between Diet and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and chronic lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. While there is no cure, managing symptoms through lifestyle changes, including diet, is crucial for improving quality of life. What a person eats and drinks can have a direct impact on their respiratory function and overall health. For individuals with PF, the goal of a therapeutic diet is to reduce inflammation, prevent fluid retention, and avoid foods that can cause bloating or weight gain, which can all put extra strain on the lungs.

Foods High in Sodium

High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, also known as edema. For a person with pulmonary fibrosis, this excess fluid puts extra pressure on the lungs and can make breathing more difficult.

Processed and Canned Foods: Many convenience foods, including canned soups, vegetables, and frozen meals, are loaded with sodium. It's often hidden in unexpected places, so always read the nutrition labels carefully.
Processed Meats: Cured or processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats are notoriously high in salt and should be limited or avoided. Nitrites used as preservatives in these products have also been linked to impaired lung function.
Salty Snacks: Chips, crackers, pretzels, and salted nuts are quick, easy sources of excessive sodium. Opt for low-sodium or unsalted versions when possible.
Condiments and Sauces: Ketchup, soy sauce, and steak sauce can significantly increase sodium intake. Using herbs, spices, and lemon juice can be a flavorful, low-sodium alternative.

Foods Causing Gas and Bloating

Eating a large meal or consuming foods that cause gas can lead to stomach distention, which puts pressure on the diaphragm and restricts lung expansion.

Cruciferous Vegetables: While healthy, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts can cause gas in some people. If they cause discomfort, consider alternative vegetables like carrots or spinach.
Carbonated Beverages: Sodas and other fizzy drinks are infused with carbon dioxide, which can cause significant gas and bloating. Sticking to still water, decaf teas, or non-carbonated juices is a better choice.
Large Meals: Eating large meals can lead to stomach fullness that makes breathing more challenging. A better strategy is to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Foods High in Saturated and Trans Fats

While healthy fats like omega-3s may be beneficial, research suggests a high-fat diet, especially one rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), can worsen lung fibrosis.

Fried Foods: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and can take longer to digest, contributing to bloating and making breathing harder. They also lack nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain.
Fatty Cuts of Meat: Meats high in saturated fats can increase inflammation, which is detrimental to lung health. Leaner proteins like chicken, fish, and beans are preferable.
Baked Goods and Pastries: Many commercial baked goods, pastries, and cookies contain saturated and trans fats and added sugars. These offer little nutritional benefit and contribute to inflammation and weight gain.

Limiting Added Sugars

Excessive sugar intake can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, including the lungs.

Sugary Drinks: This includes not only soda but also many fruit juices and other sweetened beverages. Many contain high amounts of added sugars and can lead to inflammation and weight gain.
Candies and Desserts: These offer a high amount of sugar without the accompanying nutrients that can support overall health.

Comparison of Food Choices for Pulmonary Fibrosis


Food Category	Foods to Avoid	Healthier Alternatives
Processed Meats	Bacon, hot dogs, sausages, deli meats	Lean chicken, fish, beans, tofu
Salty Snacks	Potato chips, pretzels, salted nuts	Unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, homemade air-popped popcorn
Carbonated Drinks	Soda, seltzer, sparkling water	Plain water, herbal tea, unsweetened juices
Fried Foods	French fries, fried chicken, donuts	Baked potatoes, grilled chicken, fresh fruit
High-Sugar Desserts	Candy, cakes, cookies, sugary pastries	Fresh berries, plain yogurt, baked apples
High-Sodium Condiments	Ketchup, soy sauce, steak sauce	Herbs, spices, lemon juice, low-sodium sauces
Cruciferous Veggies*	Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage	Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, green beans

*Note: Some individuals may tolerate cruciferous vegetables better than others. It's important to monitor personal reactions.

The Importance of Smaller, Nutrient-Dense Meals

For those with pulmonary fibrosis, eating smaller, more frequent meals is recommended. This approach prevents the stomach from becoming too full, which could make breathing more difficult. Eating nutrient-rich foods at each meal helps maintain energy and muscle mass, both of which are important for managing the condition. Foods rich in lean protein and complex carbohydrates are good choices.

Additional Considerations for PF Patients

Beyond avoiding certain foods, other dietary adjustments can significantly impact a patient's health.

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is essential for keeping mucus thin, which is especially important for those with chronic lung conditions. It is recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Acid Reflux (GERD)

Acid reflux is common among people with pulmonary fibrosis. Stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially worsening symptoms. If acid reflux is a concern, it's advised to avoid certain trigger foods and drinks like citrus, coffee, and tomatoes. It is also recommended to avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.

Managing Medication Side Effects

Some medications for pulmonary fibrosis, such as anti-fibrotic drugs, can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea. A bland diet, composed of easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can be helpful during these times. Small, frequent meals and hydration are also key to managing these side effects. Discussing any adverse reactions with a healthcare provider is essential.

Conclusion

Making mindful dietary choices is a proactive step in managing pulmonary fibrosis. By understanding what not to eat with pulmonary fibrosis and opting for nutrient-dense alternatives, individuals can better control their symptoms and support their respiratory health. Limiting intake of high-sodium, high-fat, and gas-producing foods, along with smaller, more frequent meals, can help reduce strain on the lungs and promote easier breathing. It is always best to work with a doctor or a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that best suits your needs and health status.

For additional guidance and resources, you can visit the American Lung Association's website on Nutrition and Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

High-sodium foods cause fluid retention, which can put extra pressure on the lungs and make breathing more difficult for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis.

Carbonated beverages, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol should be avoided. Carbonation can cause bloating, which hinders breathing, and sugary drinks contribute to inflammation.

Yes, diet can help. Avoiding acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, and coffee, and not eating within a few hours of bedtime can help manage acid reflux symptoms and prevent potential lung irritation.

It is better to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Large meals can cause the stomach to become too full, which can push against the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult.

No, you don't need to avoid all fats. While saturated and trans fats should be limited, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and olive oil may have beneficial effects on lung function.

Processed meats like bacon and hot dogs contain high levels of sodium and can contain nitrites, which have been linked to impaired lung function.

Staying well-hydrated helps keep mucus thin and manageable, making it easier to clear from the lungs and improving breathing comfort for those with chronic lung conditions.