Abnormal swelling and destruction of the tiny air sacs called alveoli in the lungs characterize emphysema, a disease of the respiratory system. Breathing out or exhaling, becomes more difficult as the disease progresses, requiring more energy. Emphysema is one of the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, referred to as COPD. While there is no specific "emphysema" diet, certain diet changes can be extremely beneficial to reduce mucus, increase stamina, decease the incidence of infection and improve your quality of life.
Well-Rounded Diet
Because oxygen and nutrients fuel the body, it is particularly important for someone with emphysema to select foods with good nutritional value. According to National Jewish Health, a good diet will provide energy to strengthen, build and repair body tissue. A healthy diet should consist of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber and water. Eliminating high-calorie foods such as cake, cookies, packaged bakery goods and a majority of processed foods will allow room for the foods that will help to maintain healthy lung tissue and improve the function of your immune system.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Free radicals are unstable oxygen atoms produced by your body as part of metabolism. These free radicals are damaging to the cells. According to the Cleveland Clinic, antioxidant enzymes, which are obtained from foods rich in antioxidants, such as dark green and orange vegetables, capture and neutralize these free radicals. Examples of foods high in antioxidants include asparagus, avocados, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, chili peppers, collards, red grapes, red and yellow onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelon.
Foods Rich in Cysteine
Cysteine is one of the amino acids that contain sulfur in a form that inactivates free radicals, thus protecting your cells against toxins and pollutants. Cysteine also thins and clears mucus from your body. Low-sodium chicken soup is particularly beneficial for those suffering with emphysema. Because chicken contains cysteine, it helps to clear your body of excess mucus. Chicken soup is often recommended for people with colds for the same reason. Additional food sources of cysteine include wheat germ, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Avoid Mucus Forming Foods
Olive oil aids in the removal of waste and mucus from the gallbladder and large intestine, so cooking with olive oil, as opposed to other vegetable oils, not only adds nutritional value, but also aids in cleansing your body. Onions and raw foods are also beneficial. Avoid foods that encourage the formation of mucus, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and processed foods. Because salt or sodium causes your body to retain fluids, which then causes mucus to be thicker, making it more difficult to breathe and cough, a low-sodium diet can be beneficial.
Fiber
While high-fiber foods are important in any healthy diet, fiber is particularly important for those suffering with emphysema. Fiber helps your body to use the nutrients taken in from other foods by moving the foods through the digestive system. Fiber also helps to control blood glucose or sugar levels and can help to reduce cholesterol. Examples of high-fiber foods include legumes such as cooked peas and beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, bran, rice, and fresh fruit and vegetables. However, gas-forming foods need to be taken with care to avoid bloating, which makes it more difficult to breathe.
