Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable condition of the lungs characterized by inflammation and airway obstruction. Concern is rising in the medical community as more and more people are being diagnosed with COPD. In fact, experts predict that by 2020, it will be the third most common cause of death in Americans. By incorporating specific dietary changes into your life, if you have COPD you can decrease the impact of your illness and promote improved health and wellness.
Features of COPD
According to the American Lung Association, more than 12.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD. According to the American Dietetic Association's Nutrition Care Manual, the main symptoms of COPD include difficulty breathing accompanied by wheezing, a quick breathing rate and a lingering cough that may produce sputum. If you have advanced COPD, you have a low level of oxygen in your blood and may need to have supplemental oxygen to get through the day.
Significance of Nutrition
Some people with COPD find that they lose weight too easily while others feel they become overweight much faster because of inactivity. Weight loss is a concern because as breathing becomes more labored, people find it harder to eat enough. According to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD can burn 10 times as many calories breathing as a healthy person does. People who are struggling to breathe also may find shopping, preparing and even eating food exhausting. This can lead to poor food choices. Being overweight is also a problem because it puts additional strains on an overwhelmed heart and lungs.
Types of Foods That are Helpful with COPD
According to nutrition experts at the American Dietetic Association, small frequent meals and snacks can be a helpful way to increase the amount of calories in your diet. They make you feel full longer and prevent shortness of breath after a large meal. Have presliced cheese and crackers ready to go in your refrigerator, along with freshly washed fruits and vegetables. Carnation Instant Breakfast in a glass of low-fat milk or a purchased nutrition supplement like Ensure can be a good source of energy. When you are feeling better, shop for and then cook more food than you need, freezing the leftovers in containers containing the full meal rather individual items. Make sure you eat enough foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, avocados and olive oil. In addition, if you have COPD you will benefit from foods high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E such as sweet potatoes, red bell peppers and nuts.
Misconceptions
The American Dietetic Association reports that there are currently no studies that support limiting milk or milk products because of increased mucus production. In fact, milk can be a easy source of calcium, protein and nutrients. In addition, the American Dietetic Association recommends that people with COPD make their food choices based on food preferences and nutrient quality, as the research favoring one nutrient over another is limited.
Additional Suggestions
Making small changes can make a world of difference in your health. Registered dietitians recommend easy-to-prepare foods full of antioxidants, phytonutrients and omega-3 fatty acids to naturally reduce inflammation levels. Consider a multivitamin. If you are underweight, consider a medical food supplement between meals. Learn sequenced breathing and proper sitting posture from your health care team so you don't mix up your breathing and swallowing. Speak regularly with your health care team if you find you are having trouble with activities of daily living. They may have other ways they can help you manage your day.
References
- "Nutrition Care Manual"; American Dietetic Association; 2010.
- "American Nurse Today;" When Breathing Is a Burden: How to Help Patients with COPD; Gerene S. Bauldoff, PhD, RN, FCCP; 2009.
- American Lung Association: Living with COPD: Nutrition
