Diet for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is caused mainly due to smoking. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you may be wondering what foods you can eat to help keep the condition under control.

In this article, we will tell you what constitutes a COPD diet. Check it out!

Research shows that foods cannot cure COPD, but the diet can certainly help keep the disease under control. A COPD diet is a diet that is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods and a high-fat, low carb diet. Moreover, it also includes foods that are good for health, such as proteins, vitamins, etc.

Diet for COPD patients should be regulated well. Moreover, diet certainly affects the COPD patients in the following ways.

• The problem with COPD is that the lung muscles used in breathing require 10 times more calories than a person without the condition. Hence, they need a lot of energy.
• Moreover, too much carbon dioxide in the body leaves COPD patients feeling weak. Hence, those with COPD should avoid carbohydrates as they produce the maximum amount of carbon dioxide. Therefore, a diet high in fats and low in carbohydrates helps the body breathe better.
• Further, COPD patients are prone to infections. Hence, their diet should reflect something rich in anti-inflammatory foods and antioxidants.
• Lastly, COPD patients should manage their ideal body weight as being overweight puts excessive pressure on the lungs.

So, what is the best diet for COPD? Let’s take a look.

Complex Carbohydrates

The diet for COPD sufferers includes complex carbohydrates such as pasta and whole-grain breads. Moreover, these foods are also rich in fibre. More examples of these foods include - 

• Barley
• Oats
• Beans
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Bran
• Furthermore, you can consult with a dietician to help you chart out other complex carbohydrates that you require.

Fibre

A diet for COPD disease requires you to eat around 20 to 30 grams of fibre from foods such as -

• Bread
• Pasta
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Mono and Poly Unsaturated Fats

These fats do not contain cholesterol. Hence, they are beneficial for the COPD diet. These fats are corn oils, sunflower oils and canola.

Vitamins and Minerals

It is because the sufferers of COPD take steroids that they need vitamins and supplements. Calcium is one such substitute that they require. Note that before adding any vitamins to your diet, it is essential to consult with your doctor.

Fluids

Around 8 fluid ounces of water is required per day. More water in your COPD diet implies that the mucus will be thin, so it can be easily removed. Most foods contribute to your fluid intake, as do the non-caffeinated drinks you may consume throughout the day.

Potassium-rich Foods

Potassium-rich foods are also beneficial for those with COPD. A potassium deficiency can cause breathing issues. Hence, eat foods such as -

• Oranges
• Bananas
• Avocado
• Beets Asparagus
• Tomatoes
• Dark Leafy Vegetables

Protein-rich Foods

A healthy diet for COPD patients includes meat, poultry, eggs, and oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

The diet plan for a COPD patient should include the following foods, in a proportion that a dietician recommends.

Moreover, certain foods are not a part of the diet plan for COPD patients. Let’s take a look at those below.

Simple Carbohydrates

Avoid foods made of simple sugars such as table sugar, candy, soft drinks and cakes.

Trans Fats and Unsaturated Fats

Limit foods that contain trans and unsaturated fats. Such foods include pastries, cookies, fried foods, butter, lard, and fat from animals.

Sodium

Too much sodium causes oedema or swelling, which is harmful to the patient. Hence, communicate with a doctor about the amount of salt you should consume.

People with COPD may experience a lack of appetite because of chest discomfort or breathing difficulties. Also, they may experience difficulty while eating. Hence, it makes it difficult for patients to finish their meals.

So here are some essential tips for eating that are specific to COPD patients.

1. Eat Smaller Meals

You can consume smaller instead of larger meals as that puts less pressure on the body. So you should eat around four to six meals a day. This should reduce overall fullness and associated pressure on the lungs.

2. Protein Drinks

Substitute your food for protein-rich drinks. It helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

3. Eat the Main Meal Sooner

A person may feel more energetic throughout the day provided that they have their main meals earlier in the day.

In conclusion, this was all about the COPD diet. Having a balanced diet helps to alleviate some of the sufferings of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Hence, try to eat foods with lots of protein, complex carbohydrates and fibre. When considering a change in diet, always consult with your family doctor before you incorporate the change.