Because of the added effort that it takes to breathe, people with COPD typically have a higher energy requirement than most. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD requires 10 times as many calories to breathe than a healthy person does, which makes good nutrition even more important.
Although a healthy diet cannot cure COPD, it can help you feel better and give you more energy for all of your daily activities, including breathing. Eating right can also help you fight chest infections, which are common among patients with COPD.
To follow are some basic nutritional guidelines if you have been diagnosed with COPD or another chronic lung disease:
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
If you are overweight, your heart and lungs have to work harder to breathe. In contrast, if you are underweight, you may feel weak and tired and be more susceptible to infection. Chest infections can make it more difficult to breathe and lead to COPD exacerbation.Monitor Your Body Weight
Weighing yourself at least once a week will help you keep your weight under control. If you are taking diuretics or steroids, however, your doctor may recommend daily weigh-ins. If you have a weight gain or loss of 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week, you should contact your doctor.Drink Plenty of Fluids
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should drink 6 to 8, eight-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated beverages daily. This helps to keep your mucus thin, making it easier for your body to cough it up. Some people find it easier to fill a container full of their daily fluid requirement in the morning and spread it out during the day. If you try this method, it is best to slow down your intake of fluids towards evening so you are not up all night urinating.Decrease Sodium Intake
Eating too much salt causes your body to retain fluid. Too much fluid can make breathing more difficult. To reduce sodium intake, don't add salt when you cook and make sure you read all food labels. If the sodium content in food is greater than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving, don't eat it. If you are thinking of using salt substitutes, make sure you check with your doctor first, as some ingredients in them may be just as harmful as salt.Wear Your Oxygen Cannula While Eating
If your doctor has prescribed continuous oxygen therapy for you, make sure you wear your cannula when you eat. Since your body requires extra energy to eat and digest food, you will need the additional oxygen.Avoid Overeating and Foods that Cause Gas
When you overeat, your stomach can feel bloated making breathing more difficult. Carbonated beverages or gas-producing foods such as beans, cauliflower or cabbage can also cause bloating. Eliminating these types of beverages and foods will ultimately allow for easier breathing.Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals that Are High in Calories
If you are underweight, eating smaller, more frequent meals that are higher in calories can help you meet your caloric needs more efficiently. This can also help you feel less full making it easier to breathe. Avoid low-fat or low-calorie food products. Supplement your meals with high-calorie snacks like pudding or crackers with peanut butter.Include Enough Fiber in Your Diet
High fiber foods such as vegetables, dried legumes, bran, whole grains, rice, cereals, pasta and fresh fruit aid in digestion by helping your food move more easily through your digestive tract. Your daily fiber requirement should be between 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day.
A Last Word About Nutrition
Food gives your body the fuel that it needs for energy. Your body requires energy for everything that you do, including breathing and eating. If you are having difficulty breathing while eating, try these 7 Tips for Reducing Shortness of Breath While Eating.
For more information on dietary guidelines and COPD, be sure to check with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian.
Sources:
American Lung Association. Eating Well with COPD. Updated 2007. http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.3529631.
Cleveeland Clinic Health System. Nutritional Guidelines for People With COPD. Updated 2005. http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2400/2411.asp?index=9451.
