Chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder or COPD as it is commonly called is a very common respiratory disorder affecting adults in developed countries. It is one of the leading causes of chronic illnesses in these countries. The two diseases that come under COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A patient with COPD complains of breathlessness, as airflow from and to the lungs is restricted. The disease is closely associated with smoking and the number of COPD patients in on the rise with the increase in number of smokers in the world.
If you are suffering from COPD, you are also likely to face weight problems. You may gain weight and become obese or lose weight leading to muscle wasting. If you lose weight, your breathing problems would become more severe. This is because muscles help in breathing and if you lose muscles, you will have more difficulty in breathing. On the other hand if you gain weight, your heart and lung will need to work harder thus leading to breathlessness.
Bronchodilators, steroids are used for treatment of COPD, but other than these medicines a good diet is equally important for its management. COPD diet should be carefully planned and well implemented in day to day life. Eating small but frequent meals work well for COPD patients. A good COPD diet should contain food rich in fiber like whole grains, cereals, rice, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
COPD diet plan:
1. Eat protein rich food: Protein is required for muscle building so your diet should contain food rich in proteins like meat, nuts, pulses etc. Mix protein supplements with water and that can be an ideal evening drink.
2. Eat food rich in antioxidants: Such food items like cherries, plums and apples will strengthen your immune system.
3. Decrease your salt intake: Too much salt will cause fluid retention. Excess fluid will worsen the breathing problems.
4. Avoid sour food: People suffering from COPD are often allergic to rice, curd and bananas. Consumption of these food items and caffeine can aggravate the symptoms, they should be avoided.
5. Limit your carbohydrate intake: Carbs with low nutritional value should be avoided like cake and white bread. Also, avoid food that leads to gas formation like beans. They lead to bloating of abdomen which further causes breathing problems.
Eating the right food in the right quantity can definitely help you to fight COPD in a much better way!
Leave a Reply