Keep a healthy and balanced diet is important to people with COPD. There are some tips for you to get good control for COPD with healthy diet.
Keep Foods healthy
Healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, and proteins can help a lot during COPD. Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals. They also contain fiber.
Studies suggested high-fiber foods help with digestion, control blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol levels, and can also help control weight.
Drink water, without alcohol.
Getting enough water everyday is important for our health. Most people need six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Water helps your body lubricate and cushion joints which makes people with COPD cough easier.
In contrast, Alcohol, which interacts with medications, may make it harder to cough up mucus even difficulty in breathing.
Some certain foods as you can
Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce inflammation and improve lung function. But the decision is up to your doctor because it may conflict with the drugs you are using now.
Less salt
Salt (sodium) makes your body retain water, which increases swelling. This makes breathing more difficult. Too much salt increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Suggest you to read food labels and choose foods with fewer than 300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving.
Avoid Junk foods.
Junk foods such as chips and candy don't provide any nutritional value.
When you have COPD, you may have to make some diet changes to keep yourself health. But always do this under the guidance of a registered dietitian or other health care provider who can prepare a nutrition action plan tailored to your exact needs.
