Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Diet Tips for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | Dr Ashwani Kansal

 

 

Diet Tips for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

 

A reduced carbohydrate diet results in lower carbon dioxide production. This may help people with COPD better manage their health Trusted Source.

Diets rich in whole foods, vegetables, and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean diet, can preserve lung function Trusted Source inCOPD and even reduce the risk of it developing.

 

Protein-rich foods

High quality protein sources include:

 

Plant-Based Sources like Tofu, Tempeh, And Seitan

Beans, Pulses, Including Chickpeas and Edamame

Lean Poultry

Eggs

Lean Red Meat

Oily Fish like Salmon, Mackerel, and And Sardines

Complex carbohydrates

If you include carbohydrates in your diet, opt for complex carbohydrates. These foods are high in fiber, which helps improve the function of the digestive system and blood sugar management.

 

Foods to incorporate into your diet include:

 

Peas

Bran

Potatoes with Skin

Lentils

Quinoa

Beans

Oats

Barley

 

Potassium-rich foods

Potassium is vital to lung function, so a potassium deficiency can cause breathing issues. Try to eat foods containing high levels of potassium, such as:

 

Avocados

Dark Leafy Greens

Tomatoes

Asparagus

Beets

Potatoes

Bananas

Oranges

Potassium-rich foods can be beneficial if your dietitian or doctor has prescribed a diuretic medication.

 

Healthy fats

When choosing to eat a higher fat diet, instead of selecting fried foods, opt for snacks and meals containing fats like:

 

Avocados

Nuts

Seeds

Coconut and Coconut Oil

Olives and Olive Oil

Fatty Fish

Cheese

What to limit

Certain foods can cause problems, such as gas and bloating, or have little to no nutritional value. Foods to avoid or minimize include:

 

Salt: Too much sodium or salt in your diet causes water retention, which may affect your breathing ability.

Certain fruits: Apples, stone fruits, such as apricots and peaches, and melons may cause bloating and gas in some people due to fermentable carbohydrates. This may lead to breathing problems in people with COPD.

Some vegetables: Many vegetables and legumes cause bloating and gas, including:

Beans

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Corn

Onions

Peas

 

Dairy: Some dairy products, such as milk and cheese, make phlegm thicker.

Fried foods: Fried, deep fried, or greasy foods can cause gas and indigestion. Heavily spiced foods may also cause discomfort and may affect your breathing.

 

Hydration

People with COPD should try to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Around six to eight 8-ounce glasses of no caffeinated beverages are recommended per day. Adequate hydration keeps mucus thin and makes it easier to cough up.

 

Watch your weight

Your weight can affect COPD symptoms and management.

 

If you’re overweight

Having overweight or obesity can exacerbate COPD symptoms. Excess body weight often means your heart and lungs must work harder, making breathing more difficult. This may also increase the demand for oxygen.

 

Your weight will affect the number of calories your body requires to function. Your doctor or dietitian can advise you on managing your weight by following a customized eating plan and an achievable exercise program.

 

If you’re underweight

Some symptoms of COPD, such as lack of appetite, depression, or feeling unwell, can cause you to eat less and ultimately lose weight. If you’re underweight, you may feel tired or be more prone to infections.

 

People with COPD typically require more energy for breathing and other muscle functions. As a result, adequate energy intake is essential.

 

If you’re underweight, try to include healthy, high calorie snacks in your diet.

 

Be prepared for mealtime

With COPD, making food preparation a straightforward and stress-free process is important. Make mealtime easier, encourage your appetite if you’re underweight, and stick to a healthy eating program by following these guidelines:

 

Eat small meals

Try eating five to six small meals daily rather than three large ones. Eating smaller meals may help you avoid filling up your stomach too much and give your lungs enough room to expand, making breathing easier.

 

Eat your main meal early

Try to eat your main meal early in the day. This will boost your energy levels for the whole day.

 

Choose quick and easy foods

Choose foods that are quick and easy to prepare. This will help you avoid wasting energy. Sit down when preparing meals so you aren’t too tired to eat and ask family and friends to assist you with meal preparation if necessary.

 

You may also be eligible for a meal home delivery service.

 

Get comfortable

Sit comfortably in a high-backed chair when eating to avoid putting too much pressure on your lungs.

 

Make enough for leftovers

When making a meal, make a bigger portion to refrigerate or freeze some for later and have nutritious meals available when you feel too tired to cook


 

No comments:

Post a Comment