Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and mucus. According to National Heart, Lung and Blood institute, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Though nutritional changes will not cure COPD, it can help you feel better, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Nutrition and COPD
Food provides energy for body functioning including breathing. You require more energy to breathe if you have COPD. The muscles used in breathing can require 10 times more calories than in those without COPD, making good nutrition important. Having COPD can predispose you to chest infections, but a healthy diet can help reduce this risk. Proper nutrition can also help maintain a healthy body weight, which is important if you have COPD because being overweight causes your lungs and heart to work harder.
Weight Management
It's important to work with your doctor to determine your goal weight and the necessary caloric intake to maintain that goal. Being overweight can complicate your condition, but so can being underweight. If you are underweight, you may feel weak and tired because you require additional calories to meet your energy needs and to prevent wasting or weakening of your diaphragm and pulmonary muscles. You should monitor your weight by weighing yourself once or twice a week.
General Guidelines
Your physician will determine specific dietary guidelines for you to follow, but there are general guidelines to which COPD patients should adhere. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is important to drink 6 to 8 glasses of non-caffeinated beverages each day to keep mucus thin. You should also limit caffeine, as it may interfere with your medication. Include high fiber foods, like leafy green vegetables, fruits, bran and pasta, for easy digestion and cholesterol balance. Aim to consume 20 to 35 g of fiber daily. Control sodium to prevent water retention, which can complicate COPD. Use herbs and spices in place of salt and select low-sodium products with less than 300 mg of sodium. You should also choose high protein snacks like cottage cheese and fruit, tuna, string cheese or a protein bar. It is important to preserve energy by avoiding non-nutritive foods. Select lean meat, such as chicken and turkey breast, and use healthy fats like olive oil.
Weight Gain Tips
Some individuals with COPD have trouble gaining and maintaining weight, due to the increased caloric need. In addition to a calorie-rich diet, your dietitian can recommend nutritional high calorie shakes designed to promote weight gain. Eating a variety of whole milk dairy products can also help you gain or maintain your weight. You can prepare your own high calorie shakes by adding 2 scoops of ice cream to 1 cup of whole milk and 1 package of carnation instant breakfast and blending well; this shake contains 550 calories per serving. You can also make high calorie guacamole by blending two large avocados, with 1 cup of diced onions and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Large avocados are a healthy, high calorie food.
Member Comments