According to the American Lung Association, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, is a chronic lung disease affecting as many as 24 million Americans and is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. As with many chronic conditions, dietary and nutritional considerations should be followed to help alleviate symptoms and effects of the disease. COPD patients burn 10 times more calories breathing than healthy people do, the American Lung Association states, and a healthy diet can help make the condition easier to bear.
COPD
COPD inhibits the ability and ease of breathing. The passages that carry air in and out of the lungs become partially blocked and ineffective so there is difficulty breathing, which may be accompanied by a chronic cough. COPD comes in two main forms. Chronic bronchitis has a long-term cough and mucus, while emphysema is a general destruction of the lungs over time. COPD patients most often have a combination of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, frequent respiratory infections and wheezing.
Diet Recommendations for COPD
A healthy diet helps COPD patients because a well-nourished body is better able to fight infections. COPD patients expend more energy to breathe and that means there are additional nutrient needs to get that fuel. The American Association for Respiratory Care, AARC, recommends that COPD patients make sure to eat foods from the basic food groups each day. Salt intake and caffeine consumption should be limited. Eat the main meal of the day early. Carbohydrates and protein are important tokeep up energy and maintain respiratory muscles. Mono and polysaturated fats are another source of energy.
Preparations
COPD patients should take care to choose foods that are easy to prepare. Meal preparations can take a lot of energy and that can be problematic for COPD patients. The AARC recommends a rest session prior to starting a meal. Consume meals in a relaxed setting with friends and family to help ease any stress-related issues. A feeling of an overinflated lung can put pressure on the stomach and cause stress and a feeling of fullness for COPD patients and having a relaxed environment to eat in can help ease this stress. Asking a friend or relative to help with grocery shopping, especially if this task causes shortness of breath, is an important part of the preparation process.
Timing
Five or six small meals and snacks a day are recommended for COPD patients instead of three large meals. Breaking the food in to smaller meals can also help relieve the uncomfortable feeling associated with a full stomach and overinflated lung. A small breakfast, lunch and dinner with the rest of the nutritional needs broken in to one or two snacks in between helps ensure the nutritional needs are met without undue pressure or stress.
Considerations
Always speak to a physician before starting a new diet and nutrition regimen while undergoing treatment for COPD. Limiting salt and caffeine means lesser chance for fluid retention and interference with medications. Not paying attention to diet and physician-approved exercise suggestions can lead to weight gain, and excess body weight can increase the strain on lung function. Some COPD patients may need a supplemental medical nutritional product in liquid form to meet the recommended nutritional needs especially if more calories from fat are necessary.
