Soda And Bronchiectasis

Think of your mucus as Louisiana Mud. It needs the water drastically to move.

Is plain sparkling water okay or does that negatively impact the mucus too?

Soda and diet soda are generally not healthy for anyone so it's wise to try to cut back. I don't know that they're any worse for those of us with bronchiectasis. Water or if you wish sparkling water area better choice. Just avoid the waters with artificial sweeteners and colors. I don't notice any bad effects from using sparkling water, and I drink the ones with a touch of natural flavoring for variety. Herbal tea is another option.
Sue

I usually drink water or sparkling water , but every once in a while I like to have a glass of soda, (Coke). I do notice when I drink it that I have more mucus and cough more. I think it’s the sugar that does it. I recall reading once that sugar is not good for bronchiectasis/NTM patients. I could be wrong about that, not sure. But I do notice the increase in mucus in myself.

@painter2 Great analogy!

@kaypost2 Hi there. I have noticed that I get more phlegm when I drink sodas. I cannot even drink Mountain Dew because the yellow dye just tears me up. Coke causes me to make more phlegm. I was drinking the coke sparingly with my occasional cocktail with rum in it. Then I switched to fruit juice instead; and now I have quit drinking alcohol altogether. The coke was just a vehicle to drink the rum, I do not miss it at all.

I hear you @kaypost2! I had given up so many things I liked to eat (as I have some severe gut issues as well), but soda was my toughest - my addiction ran deep and I didn't even drink ones with sugar or caffeine 🙂 ! I'm embarrassed to say I would drink between 3 - 6 sodas a day!! It took me many months to completely get off it, but now it has been years since I've had even one, so it is doable. And my gut thanks me for it for sure.

I am wondering if many people on this forum also have gut issues? I have lymphocytic colitis as well and have to watch my diet closely and it is terrible when I travel. Am afraid to eat or drink until the vacation is over.....wonder if this goes hand and hand with many people?

@gej53, Yes, I believe many on this forum have or had gut issues. I had terrible GERD and acid reflux and my local pulmonologist believes that's how I got bronchiectasis because I'm a stomach sleeper and when you sleep on your stomach the acid aspirates into your lungs at night. Hence, I sleep on a wedge now. I try not to eat at least three hours before I go to sleep (which is hard for me) and don't ever turn over onto my stomach until 5 or 6 am.....I love sleeping on my stomach so that part has been hard. Nan

Looks like I need to work on my Soda problem. I just started eating more fruits and veggies also. I also purchased
a Book called Beating Bronchiectasis. I just started reading it.