Healthy eating is important for everyone, but especially for those with COPD. In today’s world, it is sometimes hard to know what “healthy eating” really means. Fad diets are everywhere, and it can be hard to decide which type of diet is safe for you. With all the different information out there, it is easy to get frustrated and feel like you don’t know what to do. But don’t worry, we can help!
While many of us want to make healthy changes to our diets, it is important to first talk with your health care provider before making any changes. Some foods, even “healthy” ones, can interact with medications or aggravate other health conditions, making your breathing worse. And if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, you’ll want to avoid adding those items to your diet, even if they are “good for you.”
While you are talking with your health care provider, be sure to ask about your weight. It is important to maintain a healthy weight when you have COPD. If you weigh more than you should, the extra weight can make it harder for you to breathe. But if you weigh less than you should, you may not be taking in enough calories to support your work of breathing. Your health care provider can tell you what your weight should be, and how to reach a healthy weight. They may refer you to a dietitian to help you choose healthy foods that you enjoy, while ensuring you are getting enough calories and nutrients to help keep you healthy.
Once you have discussed your diet with your health care provider or dietitian, you can start making small changes by adding in healthy foods. In general, it is good to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as oats and barley, and lean protein. Good sources of protein can include meat, dairy, and plant-based options. But be sure to pay attention to how foods make you feel. Some people with COPD find that dairy products make them feel like they have more mucus to cough up.* Others notice that they feel short of breath or tired after eating simple carbohydrates like cakes, cookies, and sweets. You may also notice that certain foods trigger your other medical conditions, which can then cause your COPD to flare up. If you notice that a particular food affects your breathing, or causes other unusual symptoms, consider avoiding that food until you can talk with your health care provider. They may offer suggestions about how to avoid that food while still getting the important nutrients that you need to support your work of breathing.
If you are looking for some tips and tricks for healthy eating, be sure to visit the nutrition section of our website. You can also download a free copy of our Nutrition and COPD booklet in our Downloads Library.
What are your best healthy eating tips? Do you find that some foods make you feel better or worse than others? Share your thoughts and let’s learn from each other!
*While recent studies don’t show a connection between mucus production and dairy products, some people report feeling more congested after eating dairy.