Foods that are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids — such as broiled salmon or oatmeal sprinkled with flax seeds and walnuts — are not only delicious: They may also help those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to breathe easier.
Food 1 - Bran Cereal or Whole Wheat Toast:
Skipping breakfast can worsen fatigue, which is one of the symptoms of COPD. Eating a fiber-rich breakfast, such as bran cereal with a side of whole wheat toast, helps maintain energy levels throughout the day and ease fatigue.
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.
Foods that are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids — such as broiled salmon or oatmeal sprinkled with flax seeds and walnuts — are not only delicious: They may also help those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to breathe easier.
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. However, it is important to get adequate calcium and vitamin D, which can be found in milk, so check with your doctor before you eliminate dairy.
Excessive phlegm is a problem with COPD, and dairy products can create phlegm – so they should be avoided. These include milk and milk-derived products, including butter, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
Practice holding a gentle stretch for 10 to 30 seconds, slowly breathing in and out. Repeat this a few times. Aerobic exercise is good for your heart and lungs and allows you to use oxygen more efficiently. Walking, biking and swimming are great examples of aerobic exercise.
The most common symptoms of COPD are dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, and less common but troublesome symptoms are wheezing, chest tightness, and chest congestion.
Bananas may be beneficial for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are potassium-rich and contain antioxidants and fiber. Other sources of these nutrients are berries and whole grains. COPD is a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Potassium-Rich Foods
Without enough potassium, your lungs may not expand and contract properly—a risk that those with COPD can't afford. You'll want to provide your body with plenty of potassium for proper lung function. Try to incorporate foods such as avocados, asparagus, beets, and dark leafy greens.
Research says adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those who ate fish, grapefruit, bananas and cheese tended to have better lung function and fewer symptoms than their counterparts who did not eat those foods.
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine is not a good choice for someone with COPD. It can interfere with some medicines and may cause nervousness and restlessness, which can exacerbate your symptoms. So avoid or limit coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas. And yes, unfortunately, the caffeine in chocolate lands it on the no-no list.
Alcohol is known to interfere with many COPD medications such as glucocorticoids and antibiotics. Even small amounts of alcohol can have this effect. Similarly, the effects of anxiety and pain medications could be increased, causing your heart and breathing rates to slow down dangerously, even to the point of death.
COPD can get worse from an infection (such as a cold or pneumonia), from being around someone who is smoking, or from air pollution. Other health problems, such as congestive heart failure or a blood clot in the lungs, can make COPD worse. Sometimes no cause can be found.
What Foods Can Increase Mucus? It might not surprise you to learn that most processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, sodium, and thickening agents—all of which can increase mucus production [4]. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, or ice cream can do the same.
Inhaling steam from a hot shower or boiling pot of water can open the airways and help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. Breathing in steam may also provide temporary relief to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who experience labored breathing.
Bronchodilators to open up airways. These come in long-acting and short-acting versions. Mucolytics to make mucus thinner so it's easier to cough up and out. Oxygen therapy to improve your oxygen levels.
Foods like green leafy vegetables, garlic, citrus fruits, berries, and ginger are great foods for detoxing the lungs and keeping them healthy.
Supplementation of honey in patients with COPD results in better intermediate and long-term changes in the overall QoL.