How does nutrition impact COPD management. What are the best dietary choices for people with COPD. Which foods should be avoided with COPD. How can a proper diet improve breathing in COPD patients. What role does hydration play in COPD management. Why is protein important for COPD patients. How can weight management be addressed through diet in COPD.

The Connection Between Nutrition and COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a complex respiratory condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. While medication and physical therapy are crucial components of COPD treatment, nutrition plays a surprisingly significant role in managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life for patients.

The relationship between food and breathing might not be immediately apparent, but it’s a critical aspect of COPD care. The body uses food as fuel for all its activities, including the process of breathing, which requires more energy for people with COPD. In fact, the respiratory muscles of a COPD patient may require up to ten times more calories than those of a person without the condition.

How Does Metabolism Affect Breathing in COPD?

Metabolism, the process of converting food into energy, involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. For COPD patients, this process becomes even more crucial. During metabolism, oxygen and food are transformed into energy and carbon dioxide, with the latter being a waste product that is exhaled. The type of food consumed can significantly impact this process and, consequently, breathing efficiency.

Can the type of nutrients consumed affect breathing ease? Indeed, it can. A diet with fewer carbohydrates and more fat may help COPD patients breathe more easily. This is because when the body metabolizes carbohydrates, it produces more carbon dioxide for the amount of oxygen used compared to when it metabolizes fat. Therefore, a carefully planned diet can potentially reduce the workload on the respiratory system.

Essential Nutritional Guidelines for COPD Patients

Developing an effective COPD diet plan requires careful consideration of various nutritional aspects. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

Carbohydrate Choices

• Opt for complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread and pasta, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Limit simple carbohydrates, including table sugar, candy, cake, and regular soft drinks.
• Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily from sources like bread, pasta, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Protein Intake

Why is protein crucial for COPD patients? Protein is essential for maintaining strong respiratory muscles, which are vital for effective breathing. COPD patients should aim to consume a good source of protein at least twice a day. Excellent protein sources include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Meat
• Fish
• Poultry
• Nuts
• Dried beans or peas

Fat Consumption

Which fats should COPD patients prioritize? The focus should be on mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, which do not contain cholesterol. These are often liquid at room temperature and come from plant sources such as:

• Canola oil
• Safflower oil
• Corn oil

It’s important to limit foods containing trans fats and saturated fats, such as butter, lard, fat and skin from meat, hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortening, fried foods, cookies, crackers, and pastries.

Tailoring the COPD Diet Plan for Weight Management

Weight management is a crucial aspect of COPD care, as being either underweight or overweight can exacerbate symptoms. How can dietary choices help in weight management for COPD patients?

For Weight Loss

• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over bread and pasta for the majority of complex carbohydrates.
• Opt for low-fat sources of protein such as lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
• Limit intake of mono- and poly-unsaturated fats.

For Weight Gain

• Eat a variety of whole-grain carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose protein sources with higher fat content, such as whole milk, whole milk cheese, and yogurt.
• Add mono- and poly-unsaturated fats to meals.

The Role of Hydration in COPD Management

Proper hydration is essential for everyone, but it holds particular importance for COPD patients. Why is staying hydrated crucial for those with COPD? Adequate fluid intake helps keep mucus thin, making it easier to remove from the airways. This can significantly improve breathing and reduce the risk of complications.

How much fluid should COPD patients aim to consume daily? While individual needs may vary, a general goal is 6 to 8 glasses (8 fluid ounces each) of water per day. It’s important to spread this intake throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

• Fill a water pitcher each morning with the day’s fluid goal to track progress.
• Include other healthy, caffeine-free fluids in the daily count.
• Remember that most foods contribute to fluid intake as well.

Are there any fluids COPD patients should avoid? While water is the best choice, any healthy caffeine-free fluid counts toward the daily fluid goal. However, it’s advisable to limit or avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Supplementation and COPD

In some cases, meeting nutritional needs through regular foods alone can be challenging for COPD patients, especially those requiring a high calorie intake or a diet higher in specific types of fats. In such situations, healthcare providers may recommend medical nutritional products or supplements.

Vitamins and Minerals

Many COPD patients find taking a general-purpose multivitamin helpful. Additionally, those on long-term steroid treatment may need to increase their calcium intake. Calcium supplements, preferably ones that include vitamin D, may be recommended. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good sources of calcium.

Is it safe for COPD patients to take supplements without medical advice? No, it’s crucial to discuss any dietary supplements with a healthcare provider before adding them to the daily routine. This ensures that the supplements are appropriate and don’t interfere with any medications or treatments.

Medical Nutritional Products

In some cases, healthcare providers may suggest the use of medical nutritional products. These liquid supplements can be used in two ways:

1. As a complete diet for those unable to eat ordinary foods
2. As an addition to regular meals for those who can’t eat enough to meet their nutritional needs

These products can be particularly helpful in meeting specific nutritional goals, such as increasing calorie intake or consuming more of certain types of fats.

Sodium Intake and COPD

Sodium management is an important consideration in COPD diet plans, particularly for patients who also have edema or high blood pressure. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, which may exacerbate breathing difficulties and increase blood pressure.

How can COPD patients reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor? Here are some strategies:

• Use herbs and spices to season food instead of salt
• Choose fresh or frozen vegetables over canned varieties
• Read food labels carefully to identify hidden sources of sodium
• Prepare meals at home to have more control over sodium content

It’s important for COPD patients to consult with their healthcare provider about appropriate daily sodium limits, as individual needs may vary based on overall health status and any co-existing conditions.

Creating a Personalized COPD Diet Plan

While general nutritional guidelines provide a solid foundation, developing a personalized COPD diet plan is crucial for optimal management of the condition. This tailored approach takes into account individual factors such as:

• Food preferences and aversions
• Daily schedule, including exercise routines
• Other health problems or special dietary needs
• Current weight and weight management goals
• Severity of COPD symptoms

How can COPD patients create an effective personalized diet plan? The most effective approach involves collaboration with healthcare professionals, particularly a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in COPD. These experts can help develop a meal plan that not only meets nutritional needs but also aligns with the patient’s lifestyle and preferences.

Steps to Developing a Personalized COPD Diet Plan

1. Consult with your healthcare provider about your nutritional needs
2. Seek a referral to an RDN specializing in COPD
3. Discuss your food preferences, daily routine, and health concerns with the RDN
4. Work with the RDN to create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and fits your lifestyle
5. Regularly review and adjust the plan as needed based on your progress and any changes in your condition

By following these steps and working closely with healthcare professionals, COPD patients can develop a diet plan that not only supports their respiratory health but also enhances their overall quality of life.

The Impact of Nutrition on COPD Symptoms and Quality of Life

While medication and physical therapy form the cornerstone of COPD treatment, the role of nutrition in managing symptoms and improving quality of life cannot be overstated. A well-planned COPD diet can contribute significantly to overall health and well-being in several ways:

Improved Breathing

How can proper nutrition enhance breathing for COPD patients? By choosing foods that produce less carbon dioxide during metabolism, patients can reduce the workload on their respiratory system. This can lead to easier breathing and decreased shortness of breath, particularly during physical activities.

Enhanced Energy Levels

COPD patients often experience fatigue due to the increased energy demands of breathing. A balanced diet that provides adequate calories and nutrients can help combat this fatigue, providing patients with more energy for daily activities and exercise.

Better Immune Function

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system. For COPD patients, who are often more susceptible to respiratory infections, a nutrient-rich diet can help bolster the body’s defenses against pathogens.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for COPD patients. Being overweight can put additional stress on the respiratory system, while being underweight can weaken respiratory muscles. A tailored diet plan can help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight, thereby improving overall COPD management.

Reduced Inflammation

Certain foods, particularly those rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial for COPD patients, as chronic inflammation is a key component of the disease process.

By focusing on nutrition as an integral part of COPD management, patients can potentially experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. However, it’s important to remember that dietary changes should always be made in consultation with healthcare providers to ensure they complement other aspects of COPD treatment.

Nutrition and COPD | American Lung Association

Most people are surprised to learn that the food they eat may affect their breathing. Your body uses food as fuel for all of its activities. No single food will supply all the nutrients you need—a healthy diet has lots of variety. You and your healthcare team will work out a meal plan just for you. Meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) will help you get on track. Find an RDN who specializes in COPD by asking your doctor or visiting the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at EatRight.org.

Be sure to mention:

• What foods you like
• What foods you don’t like and won’t eat
• Your daily schedule, including your exercise
• Other health problems or special dietary needs you have

How Does Food Relate to Breathing?

The process of changing food to energy in the body is called metabolism. During metabolism, oxygen and food are changed into energy and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a waste product that you exhale. Breathing requires more energy for people living with COPD. Your muscles may require 10 times more calories than someone without COPD. 

The foods you eat provide your body with nutrients like carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Eating a diet with less carbohydrates and more fat may help you breathe easier. When your body metabolizes carbohydrates, it produces more carbon dioxide for the amount of oxygen used. When your body metabolizes fat, it produces the least.

Nutritional Guidelines

Choose complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain bread and pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables.

• To lose weight: Choose fresh fruits and veggies over bread and pasta for the majority of your complex carbohydrates.
• To gain weight: Eat a variety of whole-grain carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Limit simple carbohydrates, including table sugar, candy, cake and regular soft drinks.

Eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day, from items such as bread, pasta, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. 

Eat a good source of protein at least twice a day to help maintain strong respiratory muscles. Good choices include milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, nuts and dried beans or peas.

• To lose weight: Choose low-fat sources of protein such as lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
• To gain weight: Choose protein with a higher fat content, such as whole milk, whole milk cheese and yogurt.

Choose mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, which do not contain cholesterol. These are fats that are often liquid at room temperature and come from plant sources, such as canola, safflower and corn oils.

• To lose weight: Limit your intake of these fats.
• To gain weight: Add these types of fats to your meals.

Limit foods that contain trans fats and saturated fat.  For example, butter, lard, fat and skin from meat, hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortening, fried foods, cookies, crackers and pastries.

Many people find taking a general-purpose multivitamin helpful. Often, people with COPD take steroids. Long-term use of steroids may increase your need for calcium. Consider taking calcium supplements. Look for one that includes vitamin D. Calcium carbonate or calcium citrate are good sources of calcium. Before adding any vitamins to your daily routine, be sure to discuss with your doctor.

Too much sodium may cause edema (swelling) that may increase blood pressure. If edema or high blood pressure are health problems for you, talk with your doctor about how much sodium you should be eating each day. Ask your RDN about the use of spices and herbs in seasoning your food and other ways you can decrease your sodium intake.

Drinking plenty of water is important not only to keep you hydrated, but also to help keep mucus thin for easier removal. Talk with your doctor about your water intake. A good goal for many people is 6 to 8 glasses (8 fluid ounces each) daily. Don’t try to drink this much fluid at once; spread it out over the entire day. Some people find it helpful to fill a water pitcher every morning with all the water they are supposed to drink in one day. They then refill their glass from that pitcher and keep track of their progress during the course of the day. Remember, any healthy caffeine-free fluid counts toward your fluid goal, and most foods contribute a substantial amount of fluid, as well.

You may find it difficult to meet your nutritional needs with regular foods, especially if you need a lot of calories every day. Also, if your RDN has suggested that you get more of your calories from fat—the polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and low-cholesterol variety—you may not be able to meet this goal easily with ordinary foods. Your RDN or doctor may suggest you drink a liquid called a medical nutritional product (supplement). Some of these products can be used as a complete diet by people who can’t eat ordinary foods, or they can be added to regular meals by people who can’t eat enough food.

Read more on our Each Breath Blog about COPD and Nutrition: Managing Difficulties with Weight Gain

If you find yourself short of breath while eating or right after your meals, try these tips:

• Rest just before eating.
• Eat slowly, take smaller bites of food. 
• Sit upright while eating.
• Take a break in between bites and practice deep breathing exercises. 
• Eat more food early in the morning if you’re usually too tired to eat later in the day.
• Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating. They tend to make breathing more difficult.
• Eat 4 to 6 small meals a day. This enables your diaphragm to move freely and lets your lungs fill with air and empty out more easily.
• If drinking liquids with meals makes you feel too full to eat, limit liquids with meals or drink after meals.
• Consider adding a nutritional supplement at nighttime to avoid feeling full during the day.

Check Your Weight

Get in the habit of weighing yourself regularly. The scale will alert you to weight loss or gain. You should see your doctor or dietitian if you continue to lose weight or if you gain weight while following the recommended diet. There are health complications that can result from being underweight or overweight. A well-nourished body is better able to handle infections. When people with COPD get an infection, it can become serious quickly and result in hospitalization. Good nutrition can help prevent that from happening. If illness does occur, a well-nourished body can respond better to treatment.

Note: These are general nutritional guidelines for people living with COPD. Each person’s needs are different, so talk to your doctor or RDN before you make changes to your diet.

Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.

Page last updated: May 23, 2023

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.