To expel the excess mucus and phlegm, the body generally coughs it out. For patients with COPD, coughing and wheezing can lead to a significant amount of discomfort. Common foods and beverages containing dairy that should be consumed less frequently include milk, ice cream and cheese.
As the body digests dairy products, a breakdown of milk digestion called casomorphin increases the amount of phlegm and mucus produced by the body. This can increase coughing, which can cause wheezing and pain in COPD patients. To reduce dairy intake: Trade lactose for milk alternatives such as almond, oat or soy milk.
Dairy: Dairy products like milk and cheese have been reported to lead to extra phlegm and mucus production in COPD patients, which can aggravate coughing.
Excessive phlegm is a problem with COPD, and dairy products can create phlegm – so they should be avoided.
Salty Foods
Getting too much salt in your diet can cause your body to hold on to fluids, which can increase your risk of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs), a common complication of COPD, says Han.
Foods that cause gas: Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating, which often make breathing more difficult. This may cause chest tightness and trigger asthma flare ups. Foods to avoid include: beans, carbonated drinks, onions, garlic and fried foods.
Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are essential for keeping bones healthy. That's why milkshakes and smoothies are the perfect snacks for many people with COPD. Use milk or yogurt -- choosing lower-fat products if weight control is desired -- and use fresh fruit for nutrients and fiber.
Oatmeal with milk is another good breakfast option that is a good source of calcium, iron, fiber, vitamin A and protein; all essential nutrients for a healthy body. Top the meal with a cup of fresh berries to add a burst of flavor and antioxidants.
The ALA recommends that people with COPD eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Fiber-rich foods include: Whole wheat bread.
Respiratory Infections, such as a cold, flu or sinus infection, are the most common causes of triggering increased COPD symptoms and may lead to a COPD flare-up or exacerbation. Some ways to protect yourself include washing your hands often and avoiding people who are sick.
Dust is a lung irritant, one that can worsen COPD. You should also avoid secondhand smoke and fumes from paint or other household chemicals. If you're not able to clean your house regularly, you may want to find someone who can help you. People with COPD also should avoid using a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which may be beneficial in COPD. A 2020 study of 81 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD found that potassium levels are lower in these people compared to controls. The study also associated lower potassium levels with higher death rates in COPD patients.
Some people contend that drinking milk or consuming dairy products during a cold or sore throat can make symptoms worse by producing more mucus. While there is currently no scientific evidence of this, it is possible that milk can increase respiratory mucus in some people, such as those with lactose intolerance.
According to Dr Lakshmi, though it is a common belief that milk and other dairy products increase the production of mucus or phlegm when you have a cold, there is no scientific evidence to back this up. Phlegm is the sticky and thick mucus you get when you are suffering from a cold.
Add high protein/high fat snacks such as a 5-10% Milk Fat (MF) Greek yogurt, toast + peanut butter, scrambled eggs and toast, snack on cheese, olives, nuts. Drinking a meal replacement shake such as Boost/Ensure can be helpful between meals or as a drink after a meal.
You should incorporate carbohydrates into your diet, but not simple ones—they are essentially sugar and do little for your body. Complex carbs, on the other hand, contain more nutrients and are therefore better for you. These can be found in foods like whole-wheat bread, quinoa, barley, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
Eat a good source of protein at least twice a day to help maintain strong respiratory muscles. Good choices include milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, nuts and dried beans or peas.
There is no cure for COPD, and the damaged lung tissue doesn't repair itself. However, there are things you can do to slow the progression of the disease, improve your symptoms, stay out of hospital and live longer. Treatment may include: bronchodilator medication – to open the airways.
Fiber-rich foods
According to the American Lung Association, a person with COPD should aim for around 20–30 grams of fiber each day. Foods that contain a good amount of fiber include: beans and lentils.
In general, COPD progresses gradually — symptoms first present as mild to moderate and slowly worsen over time. Often, patients live with mild COPD for several decades before the disease progresses to moderate or severe.
COPD can cause many complications, including: Respiratory infections. People with COPD are more likely to catch colds, the flu and pneumonia. Any respiratory infection can make it much more difficult to breathe and could cause further damage to lung tissue.
Can you live 10 or 20 years with COPD? The exact length of time you can live with COPD depends on your age, health, and symptoms. Especially if your COPD is diagnosed early, if you have mild stage COPD, and your disease is well managed and controlled, you may be able to live for 10 or even 20 years after diagnosis.