Most likely, if you’ve just received a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you’ve been advised to change your eating routine. In order to develop a customized nutrition plan, your doctor may have even recommended a licensed dietician.
Although a nutritious diet won’t cure COPD, it can aid your body in warding off illnesses like chest infections that might necessitate hospitalization. You may feel better if you eat healthfully.
It need not be dull or challenging to maintain a healthy diet while managing this illness. Just stick to these dietary recommendations.
It could be advisable to eat more fat and fewer carbohydrates.
A diet with fewer carbohydrates produces less carbon dioxide. It might make it easier for those who have COPD to manage their health.
The carbon dioxide emission and carbon dioxide end-tidal partial pressure (PETCO2) of healthy people who followed a ketogenic diet was found to be lower than those who followed a Mediterranean diet, according to a study published in the Lung journal in 2015.
A 2003 study also found that taking a high-fat, low-carb supplement instead of eating a high-carb diet helped persons with COPD.
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A balanced diet includes a range of foods even when carbohydrates are restricted. Try including these foods into your everyday diet:
- Protein-rich foods
- Fresh produce
- Healthy fats
- Potassium-rich foods
- Complex carbohydrates
Understand the pitfalls
Certain foods may have little to no nutritional value, create issues like gas and bloating, or both. Avoid or limit the following foods:
Salt
Your capacity to breathe may be hampered by water retention from eating too much salt or sodium. Don’t salt your food, and take the salt shaker from the table. To flavor meals, use unsalted herbs and spices.
Ask your dietician or another healthcare professional for information on low-sodium salt replacements. They might have components in them that are harmful to your health.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of sodium consumption comes from the food itself rather than the salt shaker.
Make sure to read the food labels before purchasing. Each portion of your snacks shouldn’t have more sodium than 300 milligrams (mg). No more than 600 mg should be present in a whole meal.
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Several fruits
Due to their fermentable carbohydrates, apples, stone fruits like apricots and peaches, and melons can make some individuals feel bloated and gassy. People with COPD may experience breathing issues as a result of this.
Instead, concentrate on fruits like berries, pineapple, and grapes that are low in fermentable or FODMAPs. You can include these foods in your diet, though, if they aren’t a problem for you and your carbohydrate goal permits fruit.
Dairy goods
Some people discover that dairy items like milk and cheese cause their phlegm to become thicker. You can keep consuming dairy products, though, if they don’t seem to worsen your phlegm.
Chocolate
Caffeine, which is present in chocolate, may affect your medicine. To learn whether you should avoid or limit your intake, speak with your doctor.
Fried food
Fried, deep-fried, or oily foods can give you gas and indigestion. Foods with a lot of spice might be uncomfortable and have an impact on your respiration. When possible, stay away from these meals.
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Keep an eye on both directions of your weight.
People with emphysema tend to be underweight, while those with chronic bronchitis tend to be obese. As a result, the evaluation of diet and nutrition is crucial to the management of COPD.
If you are obese
Breathing becomes more challenging when you are overweight because your heart and lungs have to work harder. The need for oxygen may rise as a result of excess body weight.
By adhering to a personalized food plan and a doable exercise routine, your doctor or dietitian can provide you with advice on how to lose weight and maintain healthy body weight.
If you lack weight
You may lose weight if you experience COPD symptoms including depression, loss of appetite, or overall malaise. You might feel weak and exhausted if you’re underweight, and you might be more prone to infections.
You must exert more effort to breathe when you have COPD. A person with COPD may burn up to ten times as many calories while breathing as someone without COPD, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
You must incorporate nutritious, high-calorie snacks into your diet if you are underweight.
The following items should be on your grocery list:
- eggs
- granola
- milk
- avocado
- quinoa, beans, and oats
- cheese
- oils
- nut butter
Don’t forget to monitor your alcohol intake.
People who have COPD should make an effort to hydrate themselves well throughout the day. It is advised to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated liquids daily. Water intake that is adequate maintains mucus thin and facilitates coughing out.
Caffeine should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether as it may affect your medicine. Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks like Red Bull are among the beverages that contain caffeine.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol. Due to their potential for interactions with drugs, alcohol use may be discouraged or restricted. Additionally, drinking alcohol may slow your breathing and make it more difficult for you to cough out phlegm.
Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with both COPD and heart disease, consult your physician. People with cardiac issues may occasionally need to decrease their fluid consumption.
Get ready for the mealtime
Making food preparation simple and stress-free is vital because COPD can be a difficult condition to manage. By following these general recommendations, you can simplify meals, increase your appetite if you’re underweight, and maintain a balanced eating plan:
- Early main meal consumption
- Eat small meals
- Select quick and simple dishes.
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Related content: 5 Simple Yet Excellent Ways to Take Care of Your Lungs
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- Strengthen Respiratory Immunity
- Open Airways
- Relieve Asthma Symptoms
- Relieve Nasal Congestion
- Improve Respiratory Allergies
- Healthy Mucus Production
- Relieve Symptoms of Sore Throat and Strep Throat
When you have COPD, it’s critical to maintain awareness of your entire health, and nutrition plays a significant role in that. You can manage symptoms and reduce complications by organizing wholesome meals and snacks that place an emphasis on consuming more fat.