COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cannot be cured by following a diet alone. Eating healthy helps manage symptoms better and improves the patient’s general health. Incorporating nutritional food in their diet and maintaining an optimum weight can help COPD patients save energy and improve lung function, making their condition manageable.
Some dietary suggestions for COPD patients are given below:
Keep the calories in check
Among the essential dietary suggestions for COPD patients is to keep their calories in check. Consumption of high-calorie food can lead to weight gain, which can make COPD symptoms worse. Carrying an excess of weight can lead to shortness of breath. Gaining weight around the middle of the body can also put more pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe. On the contrary, being underweight and consuming few calories can also have an adverse effect on the health of COPD patients. This can lead to fatigue. Therefore, a proper balance must be maintained.
Limit the intake of sodium
Avoiding salty food is one of the dietary suggestions for COPD patients. Consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention or edema, which has an effect similar to weight gain in COPD patients. It is advised that COPD patients use less salt in their foods (using lemon juice or herbs instead to flavor their salad, etc.), eat fewer amounts of sodium-rich food like French fries, pickles, and kimchi, and avoid canned or prepackaged foods that have high sodium levels.
Cut down on portion size
COPD patients need to be aware of how they eat and not just what they eat. It is advisable to consume six small meals a day instead of three large ones. Doing so prevents putting a strain on your digestive system, which leads to shortness of breath. Also, take note to sit upright while eating, as this puts less pressure on the lungs when your stomach expands. Chew the food slowly and in a way that doesn’t let too much air inside. This reduces the chances of bloating, which puts pressure on the diaphragm.
Keep yourself hydrated
One of the most important dietary suggestions for COPD patients is to increase their fluid intake.It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Doing so can help thin out the mucus and make it easy to pass, granting relief to those with COPD. Try drinking in between meals and not right after. Spread out your water intake throughout the day, and don’t just drink it all in one go. Try avoiding sugary beverages and sodas as a substitute for water as they may increase your calorie count.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Try incorporating food rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in your diet. Add more omega-3 fatty acids that are found in food like salmon, seeds, nuts, etc., high fiber foods like whole grains, potassium-rich foods, and fruits of different colors in your diet. Steroids can lower calcium levels in the body, and as some COPD patients take steroids to treat their condition, calcium supplements should be eaten. Proteins, especially from sources like lean meats and legumes, are essential to a COPD diet.