Eat Better to Breathe Better with COPD

People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, have permanent lung damage. This makes it difficult to breathe. But if you're living with COPD, healthy eating may lead to easier breathing.

Some experts believe a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish could help prevent COPD in smokers and ex-smokers. Not all smokers get COPD. But the best way to keep lungs healthy is to not smoke.

COPD develops in many current and former smokers. There's no special diet for people with COPD. But what they eat can affect their breathing.

How Eating Habits Affect COPD

If you have COPD, smart eating can keep your lung muscles strong. Be sure to eat protein, such as fish, meat, chicken, nuts, and beans, at least 2 times a day.

Also, check to see if you are losing weight. A person with COPD can burn 10 times more calories than a healthy person because their body has to work extra hard to breathe. If you just don't feel like eating, your doctor may be able to prescribe medicine to improve your appetite so you stay healthier.

What if you're overweight? It happens to some people with COPD. This includes those who take steroid medicines, which can add extra pounds. Too much weight gain puts pressure on the lungs and makes it harder to breathe. If you're overweight, work with your doctor to lose weight safely.

More Tips to Help You Breathe Easy

Here are some other ideas to help you eat right and live well with COPD:

• Try eating 4 to 6 small meals during the day. Big meals can cause your stomach to press on your organs and make it difficult to breathe.

• If you're troubled by gas, stay away from foods that may cause gas, like soda, broccoli, beans, and cauliflower.

• Too tired to shop? Do not go without healthy food. Ask a friend or relative to make a grocery run for you.

• If you're underweight, look for little ways to add calories to your diet. Spread jams and jellies on breads and muffins. Whip up easy shakes using liquid nutritional supplements, fruit, and yogurt.

• If swelling or high blood pressure is an issue for you, use spices and herbs instead of salt.

• Being active can help prevent the loss of muscle that affects many people with COPD. Activities like mall walking, golf, and gardening can improve your breathing. Ask your doctor if these are right for you.

Keystone Mercy is also here to help you. Please call 1-800-573-4100 to learn more about our program for members with COPD. You can also click here  for more information.