Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that limits the ability of the lungs to function healthily. This condition might eventually lead to permanent, irreversible lung damage. While there is no cure for COPD yet, having a healthy lifestyle and diet can help manage symptoms and fight off infections. In this article, the foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients are discussed.

Foods to eat are as follows:

Oatmeal
One important tip when it comes to foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients is to start your day with a bowl of hot oatmeal. This breakfast is not only easy to swallow but also rich in nutrients like fiber, iron, vitamin A, calcium, and more. Consuming it with milk instead of water is advised. However, if milk tends to worsen your COPD symptoms, try a vegan alternative. The fiber in the oatmeal also helps in weight loss as it keeps you full for longer. It’s recommended you add berries on top for sweetness instead of using calorie-rich sugar.

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Consuming fresh produce can give patients suffering from COPD a dose of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When it comes to vegetables, gas-inducing ones like peas, corn, potatoes should be avoided. Fruits such as peaches, apricots, and apples contain fermentable carbohydrates that lead to bloating, and therefore, must be avoided too. Every other fruit and vegetable, especially if they are within your carbohydrate goal, can be eaten.

Protein-rich food
Those suffering from COPD can benefit from eating protein-rich food such as poultry, pastured eggs, lean meat, grass-fed red meat, and seafood like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Foods to avoid are as follows:

Fried and fatty food
It is necessary for those suffering from COPD to check what foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients. Foods which are very oily and greasy should be avoided. Such items take a long time and extra effort to get digested, which can lead to bloating in the abdomen. This feeling of bloating can cause discomfort in those with COPD as the excess gas can press against the diaphragm, causing difficulty in taking deep breaths. Excess consumption of fried food leads to weight gain around the abdomen, which can, in turn, put more pressure on the diaphragm too.

Salty food
While a small amount of iodized salt is necessary for a healthy sodium balance, excess consumption can lead to water retention and bloating. This condition is also called edema. Similar to gaining weight, this bloating and water retention puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe. Herbs, spices, and lime juice in salads can be added instead of salt to maintain flavor.

Caffeine-rich and aerated drinks
Besides knowing what foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients, it is necessary to know what drinks to consume and avoid. Caffeine-rich beverages like tea, coffee, energy drinks, etc. can interfere with COPD medication. They can also increase the feeling of restlessness and anxiety that can worsen COPD symptoms.

On the other hand, aerated drinks contain carbon dioxide and artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and color that can exacerbate COPD. They also do not provide any nutritional value to the body. The pressure builds up in the abdomen, thanks to the carbon dioxide in the sodas, and can even cause difficulty in breathing.