What foods should people with COPD eat. How can diet help manage COPD symptoms. Which foods should be avoided with COPD. What is an ideal COPD meal plan. How does nutrition impact lung function in COPD patients.

Understanding the Impact of Diet on COPD Management

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While medication and lifestyle changes are crucial for managing COPD, diet also plays a vital role in symptom management and overall health. A well-balanced, nutritious diet can help reduce inflammation, maintain muscle strength, improve lung function, and lower the risk of metabolic and heart diseases in COPD patients.

Research indicates that a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods may be particularly beneficial for preventing and managing COPD. However, the ideal diet for someone with COPD may vary depending on their weight, lifestyle, and individual health needs.

How does nutrition affect COPD symptoms?

Proper nutrition can have several positive effects on COPD symptoms:

• Reduced inflammation in the airways
• Improved muscle strength and endurance
• Enhanced lung function
• Better weight management
• Decreased risk of comorbidities

Essential Foods to Include in a COPD Diet Plan

When developing a COPD diet plan, it’s crucial to focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide energy, support lung function, and promote overall health. The American Lung Association recommends the following food groups for people with COPD:

Complex Carbohydrates: Sustained Energy for COPD Patients

Complex carbohydrates are an excellent source of sustained energy for COPD patients. These foods contain long chains of sugar molecules that the body breaks down slowly, providing a steady release of energy throughout the day. Some examples of complex carbohydrates include:

• Fresh fruits and starchy vegetables
• Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice, oats)
• Whole grain bread and pasta
• Beans and lentils

Including a variety of complex carbohydrates in your diet can help maintain energy levels and support weight management goals, whether you’re trying to gain or lose weight.

Fiber-Rich Foods: Supporting Digestive Health in COPD

Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and can help prevent constipation, which is common in COPD patients. The American Lung Association recommends that people with COPD aim for 20-30 grams of fiber daily. Good sources of fiber include:

• Beans and lentils
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains, such as oats

Protein: Building and Maintaining Muscle Mass

Protein is crucial for COPD patients, as it helps build and maintain muscle mass, which can be compromised due to the condition. A study in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease found that people with COPD may have increased protein needs. Incorporating protein-rich foods into meals and snacks can improve nutritional status and quality of life. High-protein foods include:

• Lean meats and poultry
• Fish
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes
• Tofu
• Cheese
• Milk

Healthy Fats: Supporting Heart Health and Reducing Inflammation

Mono and polyunsaturated fats are beneficial for COPD patients as they can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Some foods rich in healthy fats include:

• Olive oil and avocado oil
• Fatty fish like salmon
• Nuts and seeds
• Avocados

For COPD patients looking to gain weight, adding these healthy fats to meals can be beneficial. However, those aiming to lose weight should limit their intake of all fats, including the healthier options.

Foods to Avoid or Limit in a COPD Diet Plan

While certain foods can benefit COPD patients, others may exacerbate symptoms or contribute to overall poor health. The American Lung Association recommends that people with COPD avoid or limit the following food types:

Simple Carbohydrates: The Impact on Blood Sugar and Energy Levels

Simple carbohydrates provide fewer nutrients than complex carbohydrates and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes. Foods high in simple carbohydrates to avoid include:

• Table sugar
• Chocolate and candy
• Cakes and sugary desserts
• Sugary drinks
• Processed foods
• White bread and pasta

Unhealthy Fats: The Link to Inflammation and Heart Disease

While some fats are beneficial, others can contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease. COPD patients should avoid or limit the following high-fat foods:

• Fast food
• Bacon and other processed meats
• Fried foods
• Sugary pastries
• Margarine
• Ice cream

Creating a Balanced COPD Meal Plan

Developing a meal plan for COPD can vary depending on individual dietary requirements and personal circumstances. However, the following sample meal plan can serve as a guide for creating a balanced diet that supports lung health:

Sample COPD Meal Plan

Breakfast: Oatmeal with strawberries, blueberries, and almond butter

Morning Snack: Boiled egg and fresh sliced vegetables

Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with salad and new potatoes

Afternoon Snack: Mixed nuts

Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa and zucchini

Dessert: Greek yogurt with pumpkin seeds and berries

This meal plan incorporates a balance of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods to support overall health and manage COPD symptoms.

Practical Tips for Cooking and Eating with COPD

Living with COPD can sometimes make meal preparation challenging due to low energy levels or breathing difficulties. Here are some practical tips to make cooking and eating easier:

Quick and Easy Meal Ideas for Low Energy Days

On days when energy levels are low, consider these simple meal options:

• Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken with a microwaved sweet potato and steamed vegetables
• Canned soup with whole grain crackers and cheese
• Scrambled eggs with whole grain toast and sliced avocado
• Greek yogurt parfait with granola and fresh berries

Meal Prep Strategies for COPD Patients

Meal prepping can help ensure that nutritious meals are always available, even on challenging days:

• Cook large batches of meals and freeze individual portions
• Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers for easy access
• Prepare overnight oats or chia seed puddings for quick breakfasts
• Use a slow cooker to prepare meals with minimal effort

The Role of Hydration in COPD Management

Proper hydration is crucial for COPD patients, as it helps thin mucus secretions and makes them easier to clear from the airways. However, some COPD patients may need to limit their fluid intake due to other health conditions.

How much water should COPD patients drink?

The ideal amount of water intake can vary depending on individual factors such as body weight, activity level, and overall health. Generally, aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider.

Hydrating Alternatives to Plain Water

For those who find it challenging to drink plain water, consider these hydrating alternatives:

• Herbal teas (caffeine-free)
• Infused water with fruits or herbs
• Clear broths
• Fruits and vegetables with high water content (e.g., watermelon, cucumber)

The Importance of Nutritional Supplements in COPD

Some COPD patients may benefit from nutritional supplements to address specific deficiencies or support overall health. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Common Nutritional Supplements for COPD Patients

Depending on individual needs, the following supplements may be recommended:

• Vitamin D: Important for bone health and immune function
• Omega-3 fatty acids: May help reduce inflammation
• Multivitamins: To address potential nutrient deficiencies
• Protein supplements: For patients who struggle to meet protein needs through diet alone

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as they can interact with medications or have unintended effects on COPD symptoms.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your COPD Diet Plan

As COPD is a progressive condition, dietary needs may change over time. Regular monitoring and adjustment of your diet plan are essential for optimal management of the condition.

When to Consult a Dietitian or Healthcare Provider

Consider seeking professional advice in the following situations:

• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Difficulty meeting nutritional needs through diet alone
• Changes in COPD symptoms or overall health status
• Concerns about potential nutrient deficiencies

A registered dietitian or healthcare provider can help create a personalized nutrition plan that addresses your specific needs and supports your overall health goals.

In conclusion, a well-planned COPD diet can play a significant role in managing symptoms, maintaining overall health, and improving quality of life for those living with the condition. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and working closely with healthcare providers, COPD patients can optimize their nutrition to support lung function and overall well-being. Remember that individual needs may vary, so it’s essential to tailor your diet plan to your specific circumstances and health goals.

Foods to eat, foods to avoid, and diet plan

A person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may find that consuming specific foods and following certain diets can help manage their condition.

This article describes how diet affects COPD and outlines the best diet for COPD, including foods to eat and avoid. We also provide an example meal plan for COPD, along with tips for cooking and eating.

Share on PinterestA well-balanced diet may help reduce inflammation in a person with COPD.

A healthful diet can help prevent or manage some of the adverse health effects of COPD, a lung condition characterized by airflow limitation that makes it hard to breathe.

According to reviews in 2015 and 2019, a healthful, well-balanced diet can have the following beneficial health effects in people with COPD:

• reducing inflammation
• maintaining and improving muscle strength
• improving lung function
• lowering metabolic and heart disease risk

Research suggests that a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods may help prevent and manage COPD.

The best diet for someone with COPD often depends on the person’s weight and lifestyle. Below are some general tips on foods to eat and foods to avoid.

The American Lung Association recommend the following types of food for people who have COPD:

Complex carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates contain long chains of sugar molecules. The body takes time to break down these molecules. As such, complex carbohydrates provide a relatively sustained release of energy.

Foods that contain complex carbohydrates include:

• fresh fruit and starchy vegetables
• whole grains
• whole grain bread and pasta
• beans and lentils

If a person with COPD wants to gain weight, eating a variety of complex carbohydrates alongside healthful sources of fat and protein can help.

Alternatively, if a person with COPD has extra body fat to lose, replacing refined carbohydrate sources with complex carbs, protein, and healthful fat can promote weight loss.

Fiber-rich foods

According to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD should aim for around 20–30 grams of fiber each day. Foods that contain a good amount of fiber include:

• beans and lentils
• fruits and vegetables
• nuts and seeds
• whole grains, such as oats
• vegetables

Protein

A study in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease found that people in Vietnam with COPD had increased protein needs. Including protein-rich foods at meals and snacks may help with improving nutritional status and quality of life.

Foods that are high in protein include:

• meat and poultry
• fish
• eggs
• nuts and seeds
• legumes
• tofu
• cheese
• milk

Protein sources can help increase muscle mass and help people gain weight if needed. Alternatively, adding high-quality protein sources to meals and snacks or swapping refined carbohydrate sources with healthful proteins may promote weight loss.

Mono and polyunsaturated fats

Mono and polyunsaturated fats are healthful fats that can help lower a person’s cholesterol. Some foods that contain these fats include:

• certain vegetable oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil
• certain fish, including salmon
• nuts and seeds
• avocados

According to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD who is looking to gain weight should try adding these fats to meals. If they are looking to lose weight, they should limit their intake of all fats, including mono and polyunsaturated fats.

The American Lung Association recommend that people with COPD avoid or limit the following food types:

Simple carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates provide fewer nutrients than complex carbohydrates. Foods consisting of simple carbohydrates include:

• table sugar
• chocolate and candy
• cakes and other sugary desserts
• sugary drinks
• processed foods
• white bread and pasta

Unhealthful fats

Many high-fat foods are nutritious, and people can include them in a healthful diet. However, many highly processed foods are high-fat, and people with COPD should avoid or limit them to promote overall health.

People with COPD must avoid or limit the following high-fat foods:

• fast food
• bacon and other processed meats
• fried foods
• sugary pastries
• margarine
• ice cream

Meal plans for COPD can vary depending on a person’s individual dietary requirements and personal circumstances. However, people can consider the following meal plan as a guide:

People interested in developing a more formal or tailored meal plan should seek the advice of a doctor or registered dietitian.

Sometimes, a person with COPD may experience low energy levels and may not feel up to cooking. In these instances, a person may want to consider the following options:

• Quick meals: Some healthful recipes take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Buying pre-cut vegetables can reduce meal preparation times further.
• Crock-Pot: With crock-pot recipes, a person can leave all the ingredients to cook over several hours.
• Leftovers: When making meals, a person may consider cooking more than they need so they can have food the next day.
• Batch cook: On days when a person with COPD may be feeling less fatigued, they may consider batch cooking meals to keep in the freezer.

Some people with COPD may experience a lack of appetite due to breathing difficulties and general chest discomfort. Breathing difficulties also increase the physical effort required for eating, and this can make it difficult for a person to finish meals.

Below are some tips that may help improve a person’s appetite and energy levels, or ease the effort required for eating.

• Eating smaller meals: Instead of eating three large meals a day, it may be helpful to aim to eat four to six smaller meals. This should reduce stomach fullness and associated pressure on the lungs.
• Eating the main meal earlier: A person may find that they have more energy throughout the day if they eat their main meal earlier in the day.
• Drinks: A 2019 review found that readily available high-protein, high-energy drinks can help boost nutrition in people unable to tolerate high volumes of food.

COPD can lead to changes in a person’s metabolism and body composition.

Changes in metabolism

Metabolism is the process that occurs within the body to sustain life, such as converting the food a person eats into energy.

According to an article in The Journal of Translational Medicine, many people with COPD are in a state of hyper-metabolism. This is where the body uses more energy to perform essential body functions, such as breathing.

A person who has COPD and hyper-metabolism will require more calories than someone who does not have these conditions.

Changes in body composition

Around 25-40% of people with COPD develop pulmonary cachexia syndrome (PCS). This is a metabolic condition that causes weight loss and muscle wasting.

Some factors that may contribute to PCS in COPD include:

• widespread, or systemic, inflammation
• hyper-metabolism and insufficient calorie intake
• increased energy expenditure due to more effortful breathing
• muscle atrophy resulting from inactivity
• use of glucocorticoid medications to treat COPD

People with COPD and PCS typically require dietary interventions to counteract the PCS and prevent further health complications.

COPD and weight

People with COPD who have underweight or overweight may encounter additional health issues.

Being underweight can sometimes indicate malnutrition. A 2019 review notes that malnutrition alongside COPD may lead to poor health outcomes, including increased risk of COPD exacerbations or flare-ups.

According to a 2013 review, people who have COPD with obesity tend to experience more significant breathing difficulties compared to people with COPD without obesity. According to the review, excess fat, or adipose tissue, puts pressure on the chest wall, exacerbating breathing difficulties.

A 2014 review suggests that controlling obesity may help prevent and manage lung impairment in people with COPD.

If a person with COPD is looking to gain or lose weight, they should discuss the necessary dietary and exercise requirements with their healthcare team.

According to a 2016 review, exercise can improve muscle function and exercise tolerance in people with COPD.

Another 2016 study found that exercise and dietary restriction provided additional benefits for participants who had COPD and obesity. These benefits included:

• improved weight
• improved exercise tolerance
• improved health status

People with COPD who have underweight or have PCS may also benefit from regular exercise.

If someone with COPD wishes to take up exercise, they should discuss this with their healthcare team.

Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet may alleviate some of the breathing difficulties that people with COPD experience. It may also help to prevent certain health complications.

A person with COPD should try to eat plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber-rich foods and add healthy sources of fat to meals and snacks.

Dietary patterns for people with COPD depend on many factors, including body weight and overall health.

When considering a change in diet or lifestyle, talk to a doctor for advice on how to do so safely and effectively.

Foods to eat, foods to avoid, and diet plan

A person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may find that consuming specific foods and following certain diets can help manage their condition.

This article describes how diet affects COPD and outlines the best diet for COPD, including foods to eat and avoid. We also provide an example meal plan for COPD, along with tips for cooking and eating.

Share on PinterestA well-balanced diet may help reduce inflammation in a person with COPD.

A healthful diet can help prevent or manage some of the adverse health effects of COPD, a lung condition characterized by airflow limitation that makes it hard to breathe.

According to reviews in 2015 and 2019, a healthful, well-balanced diet can have the following beneficial health effects in people with COPD:

• reducing inflammation
• maintaining and improving muscle strength
• improving lung function
• lowering metabolic and heart disease risk

Research suggests that a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods may help prevent and manage COPD.

The best diet for someone with COPD often depends on the person’s weight and lifestyle. Below are some general tips on foods to eat and foods to avoid.

The American Lung Association recommend the following types of food for people who have COPD:

Complex carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates contain long chains of sugar molecules. The body takes time to break down these molecules. As such, complex carbohydrates provide a relatively sustained release of energy.

Foods that contain complex carbohydrates include:

• fresh fruit and starchy vegetables
• whole grains
• whole grain bread and pasta
• beans and lentils

If a person with COPD wants to gain weight, eating a variety of complex carbohydrates alongside healthful sources of fat and protein can help.

Alternatively, if a person with COPD has extra body fat to lose, replacing refined carbohydrate sources with complex carbs, protein, and healthful fat can promote weight loss.

Fiber-rich foods

According to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD should aim for around 20–30 grams of fiber each day. Foods that contain a good amount of fiber include:

• beans and lentils
• fruits and vegetables
• nuts and seeds
• whole grains, such as oats
• vegetables

Protein

A study in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease found that people in Vietnam with COPD had increased protein needs. Including protein-rich foods at meals and snacks may help with improving nutritional status and quality of life.

Foods that are high in protein include:

• meat and poultry
• fish
• eggs
• nuts and seeds
• legumes
• tofu
• cheese
• milk

Protein sources can help increase muscle mass and help people gain weight if needed. Alternatively, adding high-quality protein sources to meals and snacks or swapping refined carbohydrate sources with healthful proteins may promote weight loss.

Mono and polyunsaturated fats

Mono and polyunsaturated fats are healthful fats that can help lower a person’s cholesterol. Some foods that contain these fats include:

• certain vegetable oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil
• certain fish, including salmon
• nuts and seeds
• avocados

According to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD who is looking to gain weight should try adding these fats to meals. If they are looking to lose weight, they should limit their intake of all fats, including mono and polyunsaturated fats.

The American Lung Association recommend that people with COPD avoid or limit the following food types:

Simple carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates provide fewer nutrients than complex carbohydrates. Foods consisting of simple carbohydrates include:

• table sugar
• chocolate and candy
• cakes and other sugary desserts
• sugary drinks
• processed foods
• white bread and pasta

Unhealthful fats

Many high-fat foods are nutritious, and people can include them in a healthful diet. However, many highly processed foods are high-fat, and people with COPD should avoid or limit them to promote overall health.

People with COPD must avoid or limit the following high-fat foods:

• fast food
• bacon and other processed meats
• fried foods
• sugary pastries
• margarine
• ice cream

Meal plans for COPD can vary depending on a person’s individual dietary requirements and personal circumstances. However, people can consider the following meal plan as a guide:

People interested in developing a more formal or tailored meal plan should seek the advice of a doctor or registered dietitian.

Sometimes, a person with COPD may experience low energy levels and may not feel up to cooking. In these instances, a person may want to consider the following options:

• Quick meals: Some healthful recipes take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Buying pre-cut vegetables can reduce meal preparation times further.
• Crock-Pot: With crock-pot recipes, a person can leave all the ingredients to cook over several hours.
• Leftovers: When making meals, a person may consider cooking more than they need so they can have food the next day.
• Batch cook: On days when a person with COPD may be feeling less fatigued, they may consider batch cooking meals to keep in the freezer.

Some people with COPD may experience a lack of appetite due to breathing difficulties and general chest discomfort. Breathing difficulties also increase the physical effort required for eating, and this can make it difficult for a person to finish meals.

Below are some tips that may help improve a person’s appetite and energy levels, or ease the effort required for eating.

• Eating smaller meals: Instead of eating three large meals a day, it may be helpful to aim to eat four to six smaller meals. This should reduce stomach fullness and associated pressure on the lungs.
• Eating the main meal earlier: A person may find that they have more energy throughout the day if they eat their main meal earlier in the day.
• Drinks: A 2019 review found that readily available high-protein, high-energy drinks can help boost nutrition in people unable to tolerate high volumes of food.

COPD can lead to changes in a person’s metabolism and body composition.

Changes in metabolism

Metabolism is the process that occurs within the body to sustain life, such as converting the food a person eats into energy.

According to an article in The Journal of Translational Medicine, many people with COPD are in a state of hyper-metabolism. This is where the body uses more energy to perform essential body functions, such as breathing.

A person who has COPD and hyper-metabolism will require more calories than someone who does not have these conditions.

Changes in body composition

Around 25-40% of people with COPD develop pulmonary cachexia syndrome (PCS). This is a metabolic condition that causes weight loss and muscle wasting.

Some factors that may contribute to PCS in COPD include:

• widespread, or systemic, inflammation
• hyper-metabolism and insufficient calorie intake
• increased energy expenditure due to more effortful breathing
• muscle atrophy resulting from inactivity
• use of glucocorticoid medications to treat COPD

People with COPD and PCS typically require dietary interventions to counteract the PCS and prevent further health complications.

COPD and weight

People with COPD who have underweight or overweight may encounter additional health issues.

Being underweight can sometimes indicate malnutrition. A 2019 review notes that malnutrition alongside COPD may lead to poor health outcomes, including increased risk of COPD exacerbations or flare-ups.

According to a 2013 review, people who have COPD with obesity tend to experience more significant breathing difficulties compared to people with COPD without obesity. According to the review, excess fat, or adipose tissue, puts pressure on the chest wall, exacerbating breathing difficulties.

A 2014 review suggests that controlling obesity may help prevent and manage lung impairment in people with COPD.

If a person with COPD is looking to gain or lose weight, they should discuss the necessary dietary and exercise requirements with their healthcare team.

According to a 2016 review, exercise can improve muscle function and exercise tolerance in people with COPD.

Another 2016 study found that exercise and dietary restriction provided additional benefits for participants who had COPD and obesity. These benefits included:

• improved weight
• improved exercise tolerance
• improved health status

People with COPD who have underweight or have PCS may also benefit from regular exercise.

If someone with COPD wishes to take up exercise, they should discuss this with their healthcare team.

Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet may alleviate some of the breathing difficulties that people with COPD experience. It may also help to prevent certain health complications.

A person with COPD should try to eat plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber-rich foods and add healthy sources of fat to meals and snacks.

Dietary patterns for people with COPD depend on many factors, including body weight and overall health.

When considering a change in diet or lifestyle, talk to a doctor for advice on how to do so safely and effectively.

COPD: health food

COPD: health food

The Germans say that the trouble is when the stomach is more stubborn than the mind. People suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will certainly appreciate this German saying, because they have to strictly monitor what they eat.

COPD is a lung disease characterized by a persistent problem with airflow from the lungs. Doctors still consider this disease incurable, but it is still quite possible to slow down its progress.

You may think this disease is not serious because of its name – COPD, but in fact it is very serious. According to WHO, more than 3 million people die from COPD every year in the world. If this figure did not impress you, then know that scientists predict that in the next ten years, the overall mortality from this disease will increase by 18%.

The most common symptoms of COPD:

• shortness of breath (or feeling short of breath)
• abnormal sputum (mixture of saliva and mucus in the airways)
• chronic cough
• fatigue

The human body constantly needs energy. He gets it from food, water and oxygen. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need a healthy diet. Why? The fact is that with COPD, breathing requires more strength and energy. Therefore, people should get more energy and nutrients from food.

In addition, nutrients help the lungs to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the body. How can a person who is limited in nutrients feel good? Of course not!

Healthy nutrition in COPD allows a person to maintain a normal body weight and remain active, and therefore lead a full, full of feelings and emotions.

COPD Diet

Doctors recommend that people with COPD eat a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits and fish as they provide the body with all the nutrients it needs. You need to give preference to vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, legumes, fish, poultry. But it is better not to get carried away with processed and fried foods.

Of course, many people find it difficult to give up fried potatoes or well-done steak, but if you really care about your health, you have to be prepared for certain “sacrifices”.

If you have COPD, try the following dietary guidelines:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables. The National Emphysema Foundation, an American non-profit organization, claims that plant foods help fight inflammation and infections. In addition, they are easily absorbed by the body, providing it with energy. A variety of fruits and vegetables in supermarkets and markets will brighten up this “vegetarian” bias in the diet. As practice shows, a huge number of very tasty salads can be made from fruits and salads.
• Eat more protein. Protein maintains healthy bones, muscles, blood, immunity. It is an important part of the diet of people with COPD, as they are at high risk of lung infections. Good sources of protein are fish, eggs, poultry, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and red meat (in moderation).
• Less sodium. If a person with COPD has too much sodium in the body, blood pressure rises, shortness of breath occurs, and the excretion of moisture decreases.
• Avoid simple carbohydrates. Foods with simple carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, most processed foods that are low in fiber and nutrients, sweets) break down quickly in the body and produce large amounts of carbon dioxide as a result. But people with COPD often don’t have enough oxygen to expel excess carbon dioxide. The logical solution is to reduce the amount of simple carbohydrates in your diet. However, sweet tooth can sometimes treat themselves to sweets or cakes.
• Buy whole grains and complex carbohydrates. People with COPD are encouraged to eat whole grains, peas, fruits, and vegetables to keep their body producing as little carbon dioxide as possible. It sounds a bit boring, but it’s actually just part of the diet. No need to switch exclusively to these products – hardly anyone can withstand such a diet even for a week.
• Drink plenty of water. Lack of water in the body can adversely affect the lungs if a person has COPD. So drink water, decaffeinated tea, milk. Avoid sugary carbonated drinks.

It is quite common for people with COPD to say that they have no appetite and therefore eat little. Well, this can be dealt with without any significant effort. How, you ask? Just about half an hour before meals in this case, you should not drink liquids. As you can see, everything is actually very simple.

Foods harmful to the body and vice versa, protective foods

Amount of food and frequency of meals

If a person with COPD eats three meals a day, their symptoms will worsen. Doctors explain this by saying that if there is a lot of food, then more energy is needed to digest it. As a result, the body has less oxygen available for other functions. Also, if you eat a lot at one time, your stomach may get upset.

That’s why people with COPD should try to eat six small meals a day. This will allow the body to store more energy and digest food more easily. In addition, small portions are easier to eat when breathing is difficult.

How to make chewing and swallowing easier?

Some people with COPD, especially if the disease progresses, have trouble breathing when chewing and swallowing food. As a result, a person loses appetite, which leads to weight loss.

In order to make it easier for people with COPD to chew and swallow food, it is recommended to eat soft or pureed foods – boiled vegetables, soups from well-cooked or pureed vegetables and meat, cereals from well-cooked whole grains and rice.

Try not to worry before and during meals, avoid stressful situations, because this can lead to shortness of breath, which will make it difficult to eat. In addition, it is generally harmful to worry, any doctor will tell you about this.

When eating, sit upright in an upright position – this will improve the flow of air into the lungs. After eating, take a walk, read a book or watch a movie, but do not lie down. Even such inconveniences are experienced by people with COPD.

Healthy weight and COPD

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often lose weight, although there seems to be no reason for this. Scientists were able to find out that with this disease, due to a lack of fat, the body burns muscles. As a result, a person loses weight, and people begin to pay attention to his thinness.

Don’t worry, a special diet will help you maintain a healthy body weight!

If you eat and drink full-fat dairy products, add olive oil, nuts, avocados and protein shakes to your diet, then a healthy weight will become a reality, not a dream.

How to improve digestion?

People with COPD are known to have stomach problems and gas discomfort quite often. Fortunately, these problems can be dealt with, and very effectively. For this, there are digestive enzyme preparations (they help the body break down food more efficiently) and probiotics (they will add healthy bacteria to the intestines).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Health School

Talk to your doctor before taking these medicines.

As you can see, nutrition in COPD does not in principle have serious problems. It is complete, it contains fats, a lot of protein, complex carbohydrates. The only problem is that you need to eat less sweets. Yes, this is a rather serious problem, but, as they say, health is the most precious thing.

COPD diet – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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About 16.4 million people are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Millions more suffer from COPD but don’t know it. This condition can cause pneumonia, which will affect the flow of air in and out of the lungs. What to eat and what is the diet for COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we will analyze in this article.

Because this disease is progressive, it is important to do everything you can to control your condition. With these tips, you’ll learn which nutrients you need to fight infections. Make a healthy eating plan for yourself with these foods to help your COPD diet work. Be sure to coordinate your actions with your doctor before doing this.

Drink enough fluids

First, make sure you drink enough fluids. Your body needs water to carry healing nutrients throughout your body.

Focus on six to eight glasses of water each day. Drinking water helps thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up.

Try to reduce your caffeine intake. In some cases, caffeinated drinks may interact negatively with COPD medications. List of unwanted drinks:

• Coffee
• Soda
• Tea
• Energy drinks

Talk to your doctor about whether you can drink alcohol. Your doctor may advise you not to drink alcohol at all, especially if the medication can cause side effects. In some cases, drinking alcohol makes it difficult to cough up mucus. It can also slow down your breathing.

Foods to Eat for COPD

One study showed that a ketogenic diet can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve COPD symptoms. The keto diet focuses on reducing carbs and increasing healthy fats and proteins. Try the following quality proteins:

• Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Poultry
• Eggs
• Grass-fed meat

Oily fish is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Remember to also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to eat vegetables that are low in starch and carbohydrates, such as potatoes. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals that improve organ function.

Choose foods rich in potassium to improve lung function:

• Avocado
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Leafy vegetables
• Tomatoes

You may also benefit from adding complex carbohydrates to your COPD diet. Complex carbohydrates are rich in fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels. They are ideal for improving the health of the digestive system.

Complex carbohydrates may include:

• Lentils
• Peas
• Bran
• Potato

Don’t forget healthy fats. Try nuts, seeds, and olive oil in your favorite COPD meals.

What to avoid with COPD

It is important to avoid certain foods. If you don’t want to eat too much salt, which can affect lung function, use unsalted herbs and spices in your meals. Here are the foods to avoid with COPD:

• Grapes
• Pineapples
• Berries
• Melons
• Apples
• Peaches
• Apricots
• Brussels sprouts
• Beans
• Bow
• Peas

Knowing which foods to avoid with COPD can improve your health and comfort.

Get Happy and Healthy with an Improved COPD Diet

Develop a Smarter and Healthier COPD Diet. With these tips, you can focus on your health and manage your symptoms.