COPD & Diet
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which cause severe difficulty breathing and commonly require oxygen supplementation. COPD is a progressive disease which cannot be cured or reversed. However, if you have COPD, you'll find that certain diet changes can help you feel better and have more energy.
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Beverages
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People with COPD usually are advised to drink at least six cups of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages each day. Being fully hydrated provides more energy, and COPD patients will find the mucus thinner and easier to cough up. However, patients who also have heart problems may need to limit fluid intake. You may need to avoid or reduce alcohol intake because it can slow breathing and make it difficult to cough up mucus.
Fiber
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COPD patients should eat high-fiber foods including whole-grain breads and cereals, whole-grain pasta and brown rice, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. Fiber helps food move through the digestive tract, decreasing feelings of sluggishness. A high-fiber diet also prevents constipation, a condition which can decrease energy.
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Salt
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If you have COPD, reduce salt intake as much as possible. Consuming salt causes your body to retain fluid, leading to more difficulty in breathing. Cook with herbs and spices instead of salt, and avoid adding salt to your food. In addition, most boxed, canned and other processed food contains enormous amounts of salt.
Overeating and Bloating
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Avoid overeating, because a full stomach can make breathing difficult. This is also true for foods that cause gas or bloating. Many types of vegetables can lead to gas problems, such as beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, lentils, onions, peppers, radishes, soybeans and turnips. Experiment with vegetables to find those that are best for you. Carbonated beverages also can cause gas, as do fried and greasy foods.
Eating Behavior
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Some COPD patients are tired much of the time and don't even feel like eating. However, it is essential to get enough nutrition. Eat food that's easy to chew, and try having several small meals a day instead of three large ones. Avoid drinking liquids before or during the meal, because they can be filling. Have food on hand that's easy to cook or heat up, or bring home healthy take-out food, such as a light Chinese stir-fry.
Prevention
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A John Hopkins Medicine Health Alert looks at several studies of diets that can prevent COPD. These studies indicated that both men and women eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish had significantly lower risk of developing COPD than those who ate more refined grains, cured and red meats, dessert food and French fries. Other studies showed that people frequently eating cured meat such as sausage, bacon and lunch meats were more likely to develop COPD. Cured meats are high in nitrates, which may lead to lung damage.
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