The best snacks for COPD are protein-rich, fiber-filled options like Greek yogurt with berries, nuts, eggs, lean meats, or whole-grain crackers with nut butter, providing energy and supporting respiratory muscles without causing breathlessness from heavy meals. Focus on complex carbs, healthy fats, vitamins (D, C), and omega-3s, while limiting sugar, simple carbs, and excess sodium to help manage symptoms and maintain strength.
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.
6. Coffee, caffeinated tea, chocolates. According to the director of pulmonary medicine, people with COPD are usually prone to acid reflux due to GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, and having both can aggravate your COPD symptoms.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can protect your lungs and improve breathing. For example, eating berries, leafy greens, beets and tomatoes can reduce swelling in the lungs and give your body the vitamins it needs to heal.
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the best things to snack on and easy to make. Not only are they loaded with protein, lutein and zeaxanthin (all 3 are great for COPD) they are loaded with antioxidants too, which can help improve lung function.
Broth-Based Soups
Turns out there's something to drinking a bowl of hot chicken soup when you have a cold: It's one of the best foods to get rid of mucus. Broths and broth-based soups are rich in nutrients and can help loosen up phlegm and reduce congestion, according to Cleveland Clinic.
6 Foods Cardiologists Avoid
What Food Has The Most Oxygen? All foods that are rich in iron and nitrates increase the oxygen supply in the body. Beetroot, leafy vegetables, pomegranate, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, sprouted foods, eggs, nuts, and seeds- all these can help to increase oxygen levels and help to keep it optimum.
Lungs are self-cleaning organs that will begin to heal themselves once they are no longer exposed to pollutants. The best way to ensure your lungs are healthy is by avoiding harmful toxins like cigarette smoke, vaping and air pollution, as well as getting regular exercise and eating well.
The study also revealed that patients with COPD often have low levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. These insights could link nutritional deficiencies “as causal factors for COPD.” Ultimately, increased consumption of foods that contain high amounts of vitamins A, C and E may help to treat COPD.
Chemicals and Sprays
Cleaning products and paints can irritate COPD, as can perfumes, hair sprays, scented candles and air fresheners. Use non-toxic, natural cleaning products and skip the scented body products if they trigger a reaction.
Processed meats with nitrates, dairy that thickens mucus, and high-sulphite options like dried fruit and wine all contribute to irritating lungs. If you're sensitive, spicy foods can easily lead to coughing fits.
Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce lung irritation and improve circulation, making it easier for your lungs to function. Turmeric milk: This warm, anti-inflammatory drink can help clear out lung congestion and support your respiratory system.
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. To lose weight: Choose low-fat sources of protein such as lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
There are things you can do to manage your fatigue and have more energy:
Controlled coughing loosens mucus and helps it move through the airways. Uncontrolled coughing fits may trap mucus in your airways. Postural draining. You can lie down in different positions to help clear the mucus.
Tea and Diet: Incorporating antioxidant-rich teas like green tea and chrysanthemum tea can help reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve overall lung health. Foods rich in vitamins, such as leafy greens, apples, and beets, also support lung function.
Physical activity can be one of the best ways to help clear sputum out of your lungs. Physical activity that makes you breathe more deeply and quickly which will loosen the sputum and move it through your lungs, towards your mouth. It is important to be active and use an Airway Clearance Technique.
If you were looking for ways how to increase oxygen in your blood with food then you can prefer to eat oxygen-rich fruits like oranges, grapefruit, watermelon, etc. These foods consist of an adequate amount of oxygen along with other nutrients to provide the body with adequate energy.
Drinks rich in nitric oxide-boosting compounds, such as beetroot juice, green tea, and pomegranate juice, help open blood vessels and enhance circulation. These drinks aid in stimulating blood flow, lowering systolic blood pressure, and reducing the risk of arterial stiffness.
Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Avoid Potato Chips and Other Packaged Snacks. Don't eat chips and other ultraprocessed foods sold in vending machines, says Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.
Heart-healthy drinks (other than water)