Managing COPD – Safe Food Options and What to Avoid
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition that causes blocked airflow from the lungs. The signs and symptoms include wheezing, coughing up mucus (sputum), and breathing difficulty. While lung damage is a severe condition, lifestyle changes and medical care can help control COPD symptoms. They can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce breathing difficulties and flare-ups, and prevent further problems. Here is a list of foods that can help reduce COPD symptoms.
High-protein food
COPD patients frequently experience difficulty eating, resulting in unexpected muscle loss, weight loss, and malnutrition. As a result, they cannot meet their calorie and protein requirements. If there is a protein deficiency in the nutritional plan or insufficient calories are taken in, the respiratory muscles, which must be extremely strong during COPD, shrink, weaken, and worsen breathing problems. Therefore, it is advised to include protein in meals twice a day. Milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, etc., are excellent protein sources. Choose proteins with more fat, such as whole milk, cheese, and yogurt, to gain weight.
Foods rich in vitamin D
People with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease eventually develop a vitamin D deficiency. It might be caused by using COPD prescriptions, which can interfere with the absorption of vitamin D. It could also be due to conditions like shortness of breath, which force people to spend less time outdoors where they could get adequate vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones), which is common in COPD patients. Vitamin D intake can be increased by eating foods like egg yolks, almond milk, salmon, canned light tuna, uncooked mushrooms, etc.
High-fiber foods
Another critical component of a COPD-friendly meal plan is fiber. It helps in the smooth passage of food through the digestive system. Also, it can ease bloating and constipation – two conditions that trigger breathing difficulties. A nutritional regime high in fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. People with COPD are advised to eat 20–30 grams of fiber daily. Foods high in fiber include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain cereals, and brown rice.
Fruits and vegetables
The lungs require a lot of potassium to function properly and stay healthy. Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in potassium include dark leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, asparagus, beets, bananas, and oranges. These are also good options for sugar-free fruits and vegetable salads. Excessive sugar intake can lead to diabetes and other health problems. Fruits and vegetables contain other essential vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system and control infection. It is therefore advised to eat fruit and vegetables daily.
Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3-rich foods, such as cold-water fish and certain plant foods, may help to reduce COPD symptoms and lung inflammation. It eases other symptoms, like a persistent cough and wheezing. Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties and are high in calories, so they can help meet caloric requirements and provide adequate energy. These fats are crucial, considering the body does not produce them and must be ingested through food. Salmon, sardines, cod, flax seeds, walnuts, and eggs are omega-3-rich foods.
Hydrating foods and beverages
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health as it allows the body’s organs to function correctly. COPD patients must drink plenty of water as their organs are already under stress. They also secrete a lot of phlegm and other secretions. Hydration will help thin the mucus, making it easier to clear one’s lungs. To avoid overfilling the stomach, it is advised to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. Besides water, healthy, caffeine-free beverages such as milk, herbal teas, and juices can also help. Cucumbers, celery, and watermelon are also good sources of hydration.
Foods to avoid
Some foods can trigger gas and bloating while providing little to zero nutritional value. High sodium or salt intake causes water retention, which can affect breathing. Unsalted herbs and spices can be used to flavor dishes instead of salt. Consult a nutritionist before starting a low-sodium diet. Due to their fermentable carbohydrates, apples and stone fruits like apricots, peaches, and melons can make some people uncomfortable and bloated. Instead, low-fermentable fruits such as berries, pineapple, and grapes can reduce symptoms. There is a broad list of veggies and legumes known to cause bloating and gas. If this is the case for some, beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and corn should be avoided. If not, eating them is not harmful. One should avoid dairy products since they can add to the problem of excessive phlegm in COPD. These consist of milk and milk-based products, such as butter, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Fried, deep-fried, or oily foods can cause gas and indigestion. Spiced foods might also cause discomfort and interfere with breathing.
Tips for leading a healthy lifestyle with COPD
COPD can be difficult to live with; therefore, making food preparation a simple and stress-free process is essential. Instead of three large meals a day, try eating five to six smaller ones. Eating more frequently but in smaller portions may help prevent overeating and allow the lungs to expand, which eases breathing. Eat one large meal as early in the day as possible. It will give you more energy all day long. Pick meals that are simple and easy to prepare. It helps save energy and reduce the stress of preparing meals. Make a larger portion of a meal to refrigerate and prepare later without extra work. Any changes in eating habits, like inclusions and exclusions of food items, must be discussed with a healthcare expert first to avoid complications.
