What Is COPD?

COPD is a disease of the lung caused by the occurrence of chronic bronchitis, in which the airways become narrowed leading to breathing difficulties. The blockage on the airways causes there to be hurdles in the flow of air from and to the lungs, causing dyspnea or shortness of breath. COPD is primarily caused by poisonous gas particles that come from the smoking of tobacco, which triggers an exaggerated inflammatory response in the lung.
Due to the increases in the trend of tobacco smoking, COPD has become the 6thleading cause of death, as reported in 1990, and is predicted to become the 4th largest cause of death by 2030!

While COPD makes it extremely challenging for an individual to breathe, it also has the effect of making it hard to complete a meal as well, leading to malnutrition and severe weight loss. In such conditions it is very important to maintain a healthy diet. A COPD diet has been formulated by many dieticians to ensure a healthy shot at living. Even though, a COPD diet can not cure COPD, it can help promote a healthier living and prevent malnutrition.

COPD Diet!

Being the victim of any chronic lung disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can have quite a detrimental impact on one’s life. In order to soak out some of these dire consequences, it is highly essential that the Individual suffering from COPD maintains healthy diet, the diet for COPD.

Strike The Perfect Weight Balance!

If you are underweight or if you are overweight, you need to make a move and gain the perfect balance between the two states if you want to make your life easier as a sufferer of COPD! Being overweight can be extremely challenging for a COPD patient as that would just make it even harder for you to breathe as the heart and the lungs will have to work even harder to facilitate the process. On the other hand, if you are underweight, you may feel weaker and tired and become even more open to possible infections. It is recommended for a COPD diet to be sufficient enough in nutrition that it doesn’t lead to too much weight gain or facilitate weight loss either. It is recommended to keep checking your weight as well on a weighing scale and report any drastic fluctuations in weight to your dietician on an emergent basis!  

Keep Hydrated!

It is very important that during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should consume at least 6-8 glasses of non-caffeine containing beverages! This helps in thinning the mucus out, making it easier to breathe. Even out the consumption of these 8 glasses of beverages throughout the day, with one glass preferably carrying 8 ounces of the fluid.

Smaller Portions, Higher Frequency And Greater Calories!

In a COPD diet, it is advisable to maintain smaller yet more frequent portions of meals that are high in calories. This helps whether you are underweight or overweight. This COPD diet tip helps the underweight maintain constant supplies of energy throughout the day and helps the overweight evenly distribute their food consumption over a span of time that facilitates energy levels while putting minimal strain on the heart and the lungs in facilitating the breathing process. Make sure whatever you eat is in small portions but is high on calorie intake such as pudding and peanut butter dipped crackers if you must!

Lower Sodium Requirements!

In a COPD diet you must be conscious of the amount of sodium the food contains. Anything above a 300 mg of sodium per serving, take it as a forbidden! Too much sodium increases fluid retention which may make it harder to breathe. You can use salt substitutes instead. However, consult your dietician before doing so!

Fiber Needed!

Fiber is highly important when it comes to aiding and speeding up the digestion process. In order to breathe easily you must keep your heart and lungs as far at bay from any strains as possible! By eating foods that are high in fiber such as veggies, fruits, pastas, whole grains and cereals etc., you will be effectively speeding up the digestion process, aiding in the process of breathing! The daily required intake of fiber in a COPD diet is limited to a 25-30 grams!

Avoid Overeating!

When you overeat, you tend to bloat and when you bloat it becomes harder to breathe!Carbonated beverages, beans and cauliflowers are a few examples that cause gas in the stomach and make it bloat. Avoid consuming such foods as a part of an effective diet for COPD and experience easier breathing!

Monitor Proteins!

In a COPD diet it is very important to maintain the correct and sufficient levels of proteins which are easily overlooked when it comes to certain diets. Proteins are highly important with pulmonary rehabilitation as they are therapeutic in various regards including this one!