With COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, your meals should give you extra energy to support your lung function as you go about your daily activities. COPD includes a group of respiratory disorders, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and some forms of asthma, in which damaged lung tissues cause ongoing breathing difficulties. You may have coughing, wheezing, thickened sputum and shortness of breath with COPD. The work of breathing and susceptibility to respiratory infections increase your need for nutrient-rich calories.
Food Choices
A meal plan for COPD may be relatively high in protein and fats compared to carbohydrates. Metabolizing carbohydrates produces carbon dioxide, which can increase the work of your lungs and leave you feeling weak. To keep your respiratory muscles strong, include at least two servings of a quality protein in your diet each day. To control saturated fat and cholesterol, choose lean proteins such as skinless chicken, fish, pork, eggs, legumes, nuts and low-fat milk products. Eat fats that promote cardiovascular health, such as the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in olive oil, canola oil, avocados, sunflower or pumpkin seeds and nuts. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help lower your cholesterol levels, which may prevent blockage in the vessels that supply blood to your heart and lungs. Limit or omit the fats in red meat, butter, eggs and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds that support the health of your lung tissues and help you avoid respiratory infections.
Preparing Meals
The cardiovascular effects of COPD may cause fluid retention and make you prone to high blood pressure. To prevent fluid retention, limit your intake of sodium and avoid adding table salt to your foods. When you're preparing your meals, use herbs, spices and citrus juices to season or marinate meats and other dishes. Foods or beverages that cause gas, such as broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions and soda, may cause bloating and inhibit breathing. Ask friends, family members or caregivers to help you shop for food and cook so that you'll have more energy for eating and digestion.
Weight Management
Having COPD may increase your caloric needs by 10 percent, according to the American Lung Association. If you need to add extra calories to your diet, try adding protein powder to hot cereals, yogurt and other soft, moist foods. Your doctor or dietitian may also recommend liquid medical nutrition products for concentrated calories and nutrients. If you need to lose weight, focus on foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and heart-healthy fats. Avoid foods that are high in calories with little or no nutritional value, such as pastries, chips, cookies, candy, crackers and other snack foods. Whether you are overweight or underweight, getting the most nutritional value from your calories is vital for maintaining your energy and preventing COPD complications.
Eating Tips
Breathing comfortably while eating can require extra energy when you have COPD. To conserve your energy, try getting most of your calories early in the day before you've been active. Eating several small meals each day may require less effort than sitting down for three large, heavy meals. Rest for a period of time before you eat, and wear your nasal cannula during meals if you are taking supplemental oxygen. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you drink six to eight glasses of noncaffeinated fluids daily to thin the secretions in your lungs. If drinking liquids with meals makes you feel too full, try drinking your liquids after meals. Take the time to taste and enjoy your food so your meals are a relaxing experience.
