How does food affect breathing in COPD patients. What nutritional guidelines should COPD patients follow. Which foods can help COPD patients breathe easier. How can COPD patients maintain a healthy weight through diet. What role do carbohydrates, proteins, and fats play in COPD nutrition. How can COPD patients stay properly hydrated. What supplements may benefit individuals with COPD.

The Crucial Link Between Nutrition and COPD Management

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a complex respiratory condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. While medication and exercise play vital roles, the importance of nutrition in COPD care is often underestimated. A well-balanced diet tailored to the unique needs of COPD patients can significantly impact their breathing, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Do COPD patients have different nutritional requirements compared to the general population? Indeed, they do. The increased energy demands of breathing with COPD mean that patients may require up to 10 times more calories than individuals without the condition. This heightened metabolic need underscores the importance of a carefully planned diet that provides adequate nutrition while supporting respiratory function.

Understanding the Metabolism-Breathing Connection in COPD

The relationship between food and breathing in COPD patients is intricate and directly linked to the process of metabolism. When the body converts food into energy, it produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. For COPD patients, minimizing carbon dioxide production can help ease the burden on their already compromised respiratory system.

How does the type of food consumed affect carbon dioxide production? Interestingly, different macronutrients have varying effects on this process. Carbohydrates tend to produce more carbon dioxide relative to the amount of oxygen used during metabolism. In contrast, fats generate the least amount of carbon dioxide. This metabolic difference forms the basis for dietary recommendations that often suggest a higher fat intake for COPD patients.

The Role of Carbohydrates in COPD Nutrition

While carbohydrates are an essential part of any diet, COPD patients may benefit from modifying their carbohydrate intake. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole-grain bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables, are generally preferred over simple carbohydrates like table sugar, candy, and soft drinks. These complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and essential nutrients without causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Should COPD patients eliminate carbohydrates from their diet? Absolutely not. The key is to choose the right types of carbohydrates and consume them in appropriate amounts. For those aiming to lose weight, focusing on fruits and vegetables as primary sources of carbohydrates can be beneficial. Conversely, individuals looking to gain weight may include a wider variety of whole-grain carbohydrates in their meals.

Protein: The Building Block for Respiratory Muscles

Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening respiratory muscles, which are often weakened in COPD patients. Incorporating adequate protein into the diet is essential for preserving muscle mass and supporting overall lung function.

What are the best protein sources for COPD patients? Excellent protein options include milk, eggs, cheese, lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, and legumes. The choice of protein sources may vary depending on individual weight management goals. Those aiming to lose weight should opt for low-fat protein sources, while individuals looking to gain weight may benefit from protein sources with higher fat content.

Balancing Protein Intake for Optimal COPD Management

Consuming protein at least twice a day is recommended for COPD patients to maintain strong respiratory muscles. However, it’s important to strike a balance, as excessive protein intake can lead to increased carbon dioxide production. Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can help determine the ideal protein intake based on individual needs and health status.

The Fat Factor: Choosing the Right Fats for Easier Breathing

Contrary to popular belief, fats can play a beneficial role in the diet of COPD patients. The key lies in choosing the right types of fats and consuming them in appropriate quantities. Mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which are typically liquid at room temperature and derived from plant sources, are generally recommended.

Which fats should COPD patients prioritize in their diet? Canola, safflower, and corn oils are excellent sources of healthy fats that can support respiratory function. These fats produce less carbon dioxide during metabolism compared to carbohydrates, potentially easing the burden on the lungs.

Limiting Unhealthy Fats in COPD Nutrition

While certain fats can be beneficial, it’s crucial to limit the intake of trans fats and saturated fats. Foods high in these unhealthy fats, such as butter, lard, fatty meats, hydrogenated oils, and fried foods, should be consumed sparingly. These fats not only contribute to weight gain but can also increase inflammation in the body, potentially exacerbating COPD symptoms.

Hydration: A Critical Component of COPD Management

Proper hydration is essential for everyone, but it takes on added importance for COPD patients. Adequate fluid intake helps keep mucus thin and easier to expel, a crucial factor in managing COPD symptoms and preventing complications.

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

Creative Strategies for Meeting Hydration Goals

For COPD patients who struggle to meet their daily fluid requirements, creative strategies can help. One effective approach is to fill a water pitcher each morning with the day’s fluid goal and track progress throughout the day. Remember that many foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, also contribute to daily fluid intake.

Supplementation: Filling Nutritional Gaps in COPD Care

While a balanced diet should be the primary source of nutrients, some COPD patients may benefit from targeted supplementation. Multivitamins, calcium supplements (especially for those on long-term steroid treatments), and vitamin D are common recommendations. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there specific supplements that can support lung function in COPD patients? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and N-acetylcysteine may have potential benefits for COPD patients. However, these supplements should only be taken under medical supervision and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Medical Nutritional Products for COPD Patients

In some cases, COPD patients may find it challenging to meet their nutritional needs through regular foods alone. This is particularly true for those with high caloric requirements or specific dietary restrictions. In such situations, medical nutritional products or supplements may be recommended by a healthcare provider or RDN.

These specialized products can serve as meal replacements or be added to regular meals to boost nutrient intake. They are often formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of COPD patients, providing a balanced mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals.

Tailoring Nutrition Plans for Weight Management in COPD

Weight management is a critical aspect of COPD care, as both being underweight and overweight can pose challenges for respiratory function. A personalized nutrition plan that addresses individual weight goals is essential for optimal COPD management.

How does weight affect COPD symptoms and progression? Being underweight can weaken respiratory muscles and compromise the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of infections and exacerbations. Conversely, excess weight can put additional strain on the lungs and make breathing more difficult. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition can significantly improve quality of life for COPD patients.

Strategies for Weight Gain in COPD Patients

For underweight COPD patients, increasing caloric intake while maintaining a balanced diet is crucial. This may involve:

• Incorporating healthy, calorie-dense foods like nuts, avocados, and olive oil
• Adding nutritional supplements or shakes between meals
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling overly full
• Choosing whole-fat dairy products and protein sources

Approaches to Weight Loss for COPD Patients

Overweight COPD patients can benefit from a carefully planned weight loss strategy that doesn’t compromise nutritional status. Key approaches include:

• Focusing on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods like fruits and vegetables
• Choosing lean protein sources and low-fat dairy products
• Limiting portion sizes while maintaining meal frequency
• Incorporating regular physical activity as tolerated and approved by a healthcare provider

The Role of Sodium in COPD Nutrition

Sodium intake is an important consideration for COPD patients, particularly those with comorbidities such as hypertension or edema. Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention, potentially exacerbating breathing difficulties and increasing blood pressure.

How can COPD patients reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor? There are several strategies to maintain a low-sodium diet while ensuring meals remain palatable:

1. Use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of salt
2. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables over canned varieties
3. Read food labels carefully to identify hidden sources of sodium
4. Prepare meals at home to have greater control over sodium content
5. Opt for low-sodium versions of common high-sodium foods like soups and broths

Individualized Sodium Recommendations for COPD Patients

The ideal sodium intake for COPD patients can vary based on individual health status and concurrent conditions. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider or RDN to determine the appropriate sodium limit. Some patients may need to restrict their intake to 2,000 mg per day or less, while others may have more flexibility.

Practical Tips for Implementing a COPD-Friendly Diet

Adopting a nutrition plan tailored to COPD management can seem overwhelming at first. However, with the right strategies and support, it’s possible to make sustainable dietary changes that improve respiratory function and overall well-being.

What are some practical ways to incorporate COPD-friendly nutrition into daily life? Consider these tips:

• Plan meals in advance to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients
• Keep healthy, easy-to-prepare snacks on hand for times when energy levels are low
• Use a food diary to track intake and identify areas for improvement
• Experiment with new recipes that align with COPD nutritional guidelines
• Involve family members or caregivers in meal planning and preparation
• Consider using meal delivery services that cater to specific dietary needs

Overcoming Common Challenges in COPD Nutrition

COPD patients often face unique challenges when it comes to nutrition. These may include:

• Reduced appetite due to medication side effects or breathlessness
• Fatigue that makes meal preparation difficult
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing certain foods
• Conflicting dietary advice for managing multiple health conditions

Addressing these challenges requires a personalized approach. Working closely with a healthcare team, including a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in COPD, can help develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and ensure optimal nutrition.

The Importance of Regular Nutritional Assessment in COPD Care

Nutritional needs can change over time as COPD progresses or as other health factors evolve. Regular nutritional assessments are crucial to ensure that dietary plans remain effective and appropriate.

How often should COPD patients have their nutritional status evaluated? While individual needs may vary, a general recommendation is to undergo a comprehensive nutritional assessment at least annually, or more frequently if there are significant changes in health status, weight, or COPD symptoms.

Components of a Comprehensive COPD Nutritional Assessment

A thorough nutritional assessment for COPD patients typically includes:

• Body composition analysis (weight, body mass index, muscle mass)
• Evaluation of current dietary intake and eating habits
• Assessment of nutritional deficiencies through blood tests
• Review of medications and their potential impact on nutrition
• Evaluation of functional status and ability to prepare meals
• Assessment of psychosocial factors affecting nutrition (e.g., depression, social isolation)

Based on the results of these assessments, healthcare providers can make targeted recommendations to optimize nutrition and support overall COPD management.

The Future of Nutrition in COPD Management

As research in COPD management continues to evolve, the role of nutrition in treatment protocols is likely to become even more prominent. Emerging areas of study include the potential benefits of specific nutrients on lung function, the impact of the gut microbiome on COPD progression, and personalized nutrition approaches based on genetic profiles.

What promising nutritional interventions are on the horizon for COPD patients? While more research is needed, some areas of interest include:

• The use of specific amino acid supplements to support respiratory muscle function
• Targeted probiotic therapies to modulate inflammation and immune response
• Personalized nutritional plans based on metabolomic profiling
• Integration of advanced technology for real-time nutritional monitoring and guidance

As these and other innovations emerge, COPD patients can look forward to increasingly sophisticated and effective nutritional strategies to support their respiratory health and overall well-being.

In conclusion, nutrition plays a vital role in the comprehensive management of COPD. By understanding the unique dietary needs of COPD patients and implementing tailored nutritional strategies, individuals can significantly improve their respiratory function, energy levels, and quality of life. Working closely with healthcare providers and registered dietitian nutritionists specializing in COPD care is essential for developing and maintaining an optimal nutrition plan. As research continues to uncover new insights into the relationship between nutrition and lung health, COPD patients can look forward to even more effective dietary approaches to support their overall health and well-being.

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

5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy COPD Diet

Maintaining good nutrition is important for everyone. It can be especially important if you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a group of diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

How COPD Can Affect What You Eat

If you’re living with COPD, breathing can require a lot of energy. A side effect of COPD is the reduced ability to exhale carbon dioxide. Metabolism of certain foods — such as healthy fats — produces less carbon dioxide for the amount of oxygen used than the metabolism of other foods, such as carbohydrates.

For this reason, fueling your body with a diet lower in carbohydrates and consisting of healthy fats rather than unhealthy fats can help you breathe easier. But it’s not just as simple as eating fewer carbs and healthier fats. The kind of food you eat matters. You should stick to nutritious options that don’t cause bloating — another issue that can make breathing more difficult.

Maintaining a COPD-friendly diet that helps you breathe better doesn’t have to be complicated. Read these simple swaps you can start making today. Then, download a copy of these tips to keep handy or share with loved ones.

1. Choose the Right Kinds of Fats.

Eat This:

When eating a higher fat diet, opt for nutrient-dense options. Avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, olive oil, fatty fish and cheese are good choices.

Not That:

Avoid fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, fried fish and onion rings. When foods are fried, they become extra greasy and need more effort to digest. The bloating that results can make it difficult to take full breaths.

2. Go for Complex Carbohydrates.

Eat This:

Eating a higher fat, lower carb diet does not mean avoiding all carbs — it means choosing the right carbs. Go for complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber to help your digestive system. This includes bran, lentils, quinoa, oats, potatoes (with the skin) and barley.

Not That:

Simple carbohydrates generally contain little nutritional value. Look at labels and avoid foods with sugar, corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup, glucose, fructose and sucrose. This includes a lot of processed foods such as packaged snacks and cereals, white bread and pasta.

3. Opt for the Right Fruits and Vegetables.

Eat This:

Choose a colorful diet filled with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Reach for more digestible fruits and vegetables that do not cause bloating — leafy greens, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, berries, pineapple and grapes.

Not That:

Fruits and vegetables have wonderful nutritional value. But, some can give people with COPD indigestion and bloating, making it harder to breathe. Pay attention to how you feel when eating the following fruits and vegetables:

• Apples, apricots, peaches and melons
• Cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale

If you don’t notice any bloating or indigestion, continue to eat them freely.

4. Sip Drinks That Hydrate and Thin Mucus

Drink This:

Water! Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. It can help keep your mucus thin, which means it’s easier to cough up. Want something more flavorful? Try infusing your water with fresh fruit, or sip on herbal or green tea (warm or iced).

Not That:

Some people with COPD may feel symptoms worsen after drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. It’s best to limit your consumption of these and stick to water as much as possible.

Alcohol and/or caffeine could interfere with your COPD medication, so be sure to consult your doctor. You should also avoid sugary drinks such as juice and soda.

5. Stick to a Nutrition Plan.

When you have COPD, it’s also important to make mealtimes as stress-free as possible. With a little planning, you can form healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you stick to a COPD-friendly nutrition plan:

Eat Small Meals

Instead of eating 3 large meals, try eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day. This will help you avoid a full stomach, giving your diaphragm and lungs more space to move freely.

Meal Prep

When living with COPD, you don’t want to spend too much energy preparing meals. Try breaking it up by doing meal prep in advance so you can throw meals together quickly. For example, chopping vegetables ahead of time.

Ask for Help

Recruit others to make meals easier. Ask friends and family to help with grocery shopping or meal preparation. You can also try a grocery or meal prep delivery service. These services are available for a range of budgets. Or, do some research to see if you qualify for a home delivery meal service.

Eat Slowly Now and Drink Later

If you find that you experience shortness of breath while eating, try to take your time with small bites. Chew food thoroughly, and eat while sitting upright. You can also try drinking water at the end of your meal, rather than taking sips between bites. This can help prevent bloating that can aggravate shortness of breath.

We’re Here to Support You

Follow your doctor’s dietary guidelines. If you make changes to your nutrition plan and don’t feel that the changes are helping your COPD, schedule an appointment at the Temple Lung Center for support.

Looking for more information about COPD? Check out the following resources:

• COPD FAQs
• Learn about COPD treatment options
• About Temple’s COPD Program

Want to keep a handy list of what you should eat or share it with a loved one? Download a copy of our COPD Diet Tips infographic.

What foods are good for the lungs: diet for COPD

What foods are good for the lungs, is there a special diet for COPD and other lung diseases?

What is obstructive pulmonary disease?

A few decades ago, few people heard about such a disease as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rather, the disease existed, but it was diagnosed and treated using terms such as chronic obstructive bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic pneumonia. COPD is characterized by impaired airflow through the broncho-pulmonary system. The disease develops due to the negative impact of long-term smoking, inhalation of harmful substances – industrial, street and house dust and under the influence of other factors (infections, obesity). According to statistics, COPD occurs in 10% of the population aged 40 years and older.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects large, medium and small bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, pulmonary vessels – that is, the entire human respiratory system. Over time, the heart, and the liver, and the whole body begin to suffer. COPD develops hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and hypercapnia (excess of carbon dioxide).

A chronic inflammatory process in the bronchi and lung tissue leads to copious sputum production and the loss of a large amount of protein along with it. Violation of gas exchange causes accumulation of carbon dioxide in the alveoli and depression of the respiratory center (and as a result – shortness of breath during physical exertion, short-term pauses in breathing during sleep)
Incomplete blood oxygen saturation impairs the functioning of the whole organism.

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), coughing and sputum production. The undulating course of COPD is characterized by recurrent episodes of acute exacerbations that often require hospitalization and adversely affect patients’ quality of life, accelerate the rate of decline in lung function, and are associated with mortality.

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a difficult task that requires high professionalism of a pulmonologist. And what can be done at home to alleviate the condition of a COPD patient? First of all, organize proper nutrition (diet). To do this, you need to know which foods are good for the lungs in order to make up for the loss of nutrients, provide organs and tissues with building material – protein, as well as vitamins and trace elements.

Therapeutic diet for COPD

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are recommended to prescribe a high-protein diet of increased energy value (2000-2700 kcal), with a high content of complete proteins – 110-120 g (of which at least 60% of animal origin), fats 90–120 g and carbohydrates 250–350 g (with an exacerbation, reduce to 200–250 g). Individually, the daily calorie content of the diet is calculated with light physical activity at the rate of 40 kcal per 1 kg of body weight, and the amount of protein is 1.5 g per kg of weight. Eating – in small portions 5-6 times a day.

1. In the initial stages of COPD, when the general condition of the body is slightly disturbed, you can use diet No. 15, that is, a common table. At the same time, in nutrition, you should pay attention to the usefulness of the diet – a sufficient content of protein (about 80-100 g per day), natural vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, restriction of easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, muffins, cookies). Chicken and fish, low-fat cottage cheese and kefir, their whole grain cereals, vegetables and fruits should be present daily on the dining table.
2. With the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – the appearance of a constant cough with copious sputum, shortness of breath with little physical exertion, it is necessary to focus on table number 10. The amount of salt in the diet is limited, fatty meat, lard, rich meat broths should be abandoned. At the same time, protein in the body with COPD must be supplied, but mainly with poultry meat, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, kefir. In the diet, you should limit the amount of carbohydrates that come with food (due to sugar, sweets, cakes), giving preference to cereals and black bread. Mandatory vegetables and fruits in the form of salads, vegetable soups, juices. The body should receive an increased amount of potassium (potatoes in their skins, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, dates), phosphorus, magnesium, zinc.
3. In chronic hypercapnia, manifested by frequent headaches, dizziness, fainting, weakness, it is necessary to limit the caloric content of the daily diet (provided that the body weight is normal or increased). At the same time, within 2-6 weeks, the daily calorie content of products should be 600-800 kcal (30-40 g of carbohydrates, proteins, fats each). Such a diet quickly improves the well-being of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With reduced body weight, the calorie intake should correspond to the individual norm + 15% of calories in excess of the norm. At the same time, the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet should be reduced to 25-30%, and the proportion of fats should be increased to 50-55%.
4. It is very important to use dietary fiber (fiber) for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Studies have shown that a higher dietary fiber intake reduces the risk of COPD by about 40%. The main positive effect was noted in fiber from grain products, less – from vegetables and fruits.
5. In accordance with the norms of therapeutic nutrition, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Health of Russia dated June 21, 2013 No. 395n “On approval of the norms of therapeutic nutrition”, a patient with COPD, while observing a high-protein diet, should receive daily 36 g of a specialized food product of a mixture of protein composite dry. For example, when using SBCS “Diso®” “Nutrinor”, the patient’s diet is enriched with 14. 4 g of high-quality, complete and easily digestible protein.
6. Pharmaceutical vitamins and dietary supplements should be avoided, including those containing carotene, retinol acetate (vitamin A), vitamin E. Studies have shown that artificial supplements of these vitamins do not benefit COPD, but only increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers, as well as cardiovascular diseases (CHD, arterial hypertension). When taking vitamins and antioxidants with natural foods (vegetables and fruits, nuts, olive oil, soy and legumes), no negative effects have been identified, and the positive effect on health is obvious.

In general, the individual selection of foods that are useful for the lungs in COPD is not an easy process, because for this particular patient it is necessary to create an optimal diet, taking into account the severity of the disease, the presence of concomitant diseases, the patient’s age, and the tolerance of certain dietary dishes.
If chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is identified and the process has not yet gone too far, methods such as reflexology, herbs, and exercise therapy can be effective.

Literature

1. Therapeutic nutrition for lung diseases. Baranovsky A. Yu. Zh-l “Practical Dietology” No. 1. 2017
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627281/

Nutrition and diet for COPD in the elderly pulmono.ru

COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by respiratory dysfunction. This pathology is considered incurable. But with the right approach, you can significantly improve the quality of life of the patient and prolong it. Patients with COPD expend more energy on inhaling and exhaling than healthy people. With improper nutrition, the weight of such a patient can quickly decrease, leading to serious complications. Diet for COPD in the elderly is especially important, as the body of these patients is already excessively weakened. The diet plan is developed by a pulmonologist, together with a nutritionist .

Frequency of meals

Patients with chronic lung diseases get tired quickly. Even habitual eating, a person may feel tired and weak. In this case, doctors recommend eating not three times a day, six times. But the portions in this case should be small. This way of eating has several advantages:

• The patient does not get tired while eating. Breathing remains completely normal.
• Smaller portions are absorbed faster by the body.
• Stagnation in the digestive organs, which can aggravate the course of respiratory pathologies, is excluded.
• The general well-being of the patient improves.

Nutrition in COPD must be balanced. It is unacceptable to include semi-finished products and harmful products in the diet, in which there are a lot of preservatives and dyes.

In case of pathologies of the respiratory organs, it is recommended to rest for about half an hour before each meal.

What to eat for breakfast

Patients with pathology of the respiratory organs are very tired by the middle of the day. Therefore, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is in the morning that the patient should eat enough high-calorie food. Do not forget that with COPD a person should eat at least 30 grams of fiber per day, so you can start the morning with cereals and bread.

Oatmeal is a good option for breakfast. Such a product is especially relevant for overweight patients. Oatmeal can be cooked both in milk and in water. Some fresh berries or dried fruits are added to the finished product. It is undesirable for the patient to abuse sugar.

Finish your breakfast with a cup of hot tea with a sandwich made from bread, butter and cheese. In addition to tea, you can make a coffee drink from chicory.

By consuming foods rich in fiber, a person feels full, consuming very few calories.

Lunch

Nutrition and health benefits should be taken into account when choosing food for lunch. For lunch, the patient should eat a small bowl of fresh soup or borscht, as well as a piece of meat or fish with a side dish. Meat can be steamed or baked, and the same goes for fish.

Boiled vegetables or cereals can be used as a side dish. In small quantities, the patient can also eat pasta. An approximate lunch menu looks like this:

• Soup with meatballs.
• Chicken meatballs with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.
• Kissel from natural berries.

There should always be bread on the table of a COPD patient. It is better to give preference to bran or rye. Do not abuse confectionery and baking, as this contributes to weight gain.

The weight of people with pathologies of the respiratory organs should always be normal. With a set of excess kilograms, the patient becomes very difficult to breathe.

Dinner

For dinner you can eat dairy products and baked vegetables. You can cook rice milk porridge, which is considered very nutritious and at the same time well absorbed. Together with such a porridge, you can eat a piece of bran bread with butter and cheese.

Drinking herbal tea with rose hips and mint right before going to bed is good. Such a drink fills the body with vitamins. Peppermint in the tea helps to calm and improve the quality of sleep.

Do not eat meat or fish for dinner. The stomach does not have time to digest these foods before sleep, and stagnation occurs.

What to eat between main meals

If diet therapy is observed, the condition of a COPD patient improves significantly. It must be remembered that a full stomach puts some pressure on the respiratory organs, due to which there may be shortness of breath. In this regard, the patient is recommended fractional nutrition.

Portions of main meals should not be too large. Between breakfast, lunch and dinner, the patient should have a snack. Snacks can consist of the following foods:

• Dairy products.
• Boiled meat with bread.
• Fried eggs.
• Cottage cheese casserole.
• Baked vegetables.
• Fresh fruit.

If a COPD patient really wants sausage, it is allowed to make a small sandwich with this product a couple of times a week.

The diet should contain a lot of fresh juices, not only from fruits and berries, but also from vegetables.

What foods are recommended for the patient to eat

The COPD diet should include nutritious and healthy foods. All food should be freshly prepared, so it is advisable to cook dishes in a couple of receptions.

The diet of a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease must include the following foods:

• Cheese – this product can increase the calorie content of any dish. Cheese contains a lot of calcium, which reduces bone fragility.
• Dairy products. It is helpful for a person with COPD to drink several glasses of milk throughout the day.
• Eggs are a healthy and nutritious food, but they should not be eaten raw, as they can cause poisoning.
• Bananas – these fruits contain a lot of potassium, which supports the work of the heart. Potassium deficiency is especially noticeable in the elderly.

The patient is advised to eat soup with peas and lentils, but these products should not be abused, as they increase gas formation.

A person with COPD is advised to keep a food diary. It should note the reactions of the body to a particular product. Through observation, you can create an optimal diet.

What to avoid

Health food should not contain a number of foods that overload the stomach and can irritate the respiratory organs. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is not recommended to use the following products:

• Coffee and other products containing caffeine.
• Fried and smoked products.
• Foods that are too spicy and greasy.
• Confectionery products that may contain colorants and preservatives.
• Semi-finished products of dubious quality.
• Canned products.
• Any carbonated drinks.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should not consume much salt. It is worth remembering that it is salt that contributes to fluid retention in the body, which leads to severe edema and makes breathing even more difficult. You can replace salt with various seasonings, but in this case, you should consult a nutritionist, as some seasonings are more harmful than salt.

If you have COPD, you should not eat foods that contain too much salt. It is necessary that the amount of salt in one serving does not exceed 300 mg.

A COPD patient should eat a lot of protein foods. To replenish this element in the body, you can not only eat a lot of dairy products, meat and eggs, but also add skim milk powder to drinks and dishes. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should consume protein products at every meal. But do not forget about fiber, it should also be quite a lot in the diet.