A healthy diet is extremely crucial in managing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) as it can help your body stave off issues such as chest infections that can lead to being hospitalized. If you suffer from COPD, you must be really careful about your weight, as losing too much weight can increase respiratory troubles while carrying too much weight can increase your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Chronic diseases can make the management of COPD that much harder, making it important to keep your weight at optimal levels to get a better prognosis. Eating right is of paramount importance in the management of the condition, for which you should understand foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients. Make these foods a big part of your daily diet to stay healthy. People with COPD fare better when they include a varied diet including whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
A few foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients
- Protein-rich foods
A high-quality protein-rich diet is ideal for people suffering from COPD. Include foods such as grass-fed meat, oily fish such as salmon, sardines and pastured poultry and eggs, milk, cheese, nuts, and beans. Avoid fried and greasy foods, so when you cook something that should be fried, ensure you preserve the nutrients and do not overcook the same. While grilled meat with veggies is fine what is a complete no-no is fried chicken with french fries. - Foods rich in complex carbohydrates
Fiber-rich complex carbohydrates are a must-include in your diet if you are suffering from COPD. These are great for your digestive system and will regulate your blood sugar levels too. The complex carbohydrates include bran, peas, quinoa, steel-cut oats, lentils, millets, potatoes with skin, and beans among others. - Fruits and vegetables
Fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are nutrients that will keep you fresh and energetic all day long. Avoid certain veggies and fruits as some of them are more suitable for you than others. Foods to avoid if you are suffering from COPD include corn, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, leeks, apples, and melons. These options can cause bloating and increase your discomfort levels. - Potassium-rich foods
Potassium is extremely important for optimal lung function, as potassium deficiency can lead to breathing issues. Add foods such as beets, bananas, potatoes, dark leafy greens, avocados and so on to your diet. These foods are extremely useful for you, especially if your doctor or dietician has recommended a diuretic. - Healthy fats
A high quality-fat diet is ideal for COPD patients. However, it is important to focus on good fats only and not refined oils and butter. Among all the foods to eat for COPD patients, avocados, nuts, seeds, olives and olive oil, clarified butter, coconut and coconut oil, olives and olive oil, and cheese will provide you with healthy fats.
