COPD means chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Of course, this disease needs medication for getting relief. But food plays a vital role in getting better off. It really takes efforts for the people who suffer from COPD to breathe. Thus the calorie requirement for them is comparatively higher than the normal beings. Taking calories means you should not eat high calorie foods and become over weight. It means that you should pass proper nutrition to your body and eat foods that will help getting more energy. COPD is a chronic and progressive lung disease and it includes chronic bronchitis, non-reversible asthma and a few other lung issues too. In this the lungs become weaker and thus the patient has to be extra cautious. It causes breathlessness in the patient.
Thankfully a few food items do give some relief in the condition. Here are the foods that help the patients of COPD.
[Read: The Art of Maintaining Balanced Diet]
Foods that COPD patients should take
High fiber foods:
Whole grain and high fiber foods are recommended for the patients who suffer from COPD. Make sure that you reduce the carbohydrate intake. This is because it will put pressure on the lungs. You can start with whole grains like bulgar and millet. People do not frequently use such food grains in diet. But they should be used.
Low fat milk:
Patients of COPD should get enough of vitamin D and protein. This would be possible with milk. But make sure that you are taking low fat milk. This will fulfill the calorie requirement of the patient. Try to have at least 3 servings of milk.
Try some healthy fats:
Rather than thriving on hydrogenated fats it would be better to start with some healthy fats. This would include the fats present in nuts, eggs, olive oil and avocados.
Take lots of fruits and veggies:
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must for those who have health issue like COPD. The vitamins and minerals present in the fruits and veggies help you cope up with many problems that would otherwise come up if you don’t take healthy diet. Tomatoes, carrots, radish, cabbage etc all work very nicely for the patients of COPD.
Have foods rich in zinc:
Zinc is an important mineral and it is essential for the patients of COPD. Beans and legumes have ample of zinc and this can really help the patients of COPD to cope up with the issue. Of course, they also supply good amount of energy to the patients.
Vitamin D:
Patients who suffer from COPD should be high on vitamin D. for that, they can go out for a while in sunlight and also there should be proper intake of foods that are rich in vitamin D. Fish diet such as Tuna and Salmon are very good sources of vitamin D.
Take water and other fluids:
Staying hydrated is secret of being healthy. Patients of COPD should consume fluids time and again so as to stay hydrated. Drinking water along with other healthy beverages will really give amazing results.
[Read: Know the Best Meal Plans for Weight Loss]
Apart from the above dietary care, patients of COPD should take their medications on time. They should be aware that eating well and right will help them manage the symptoms of the disease. Apart from that, the doctors’ appointments should be attended properly. The family members should take good care of the patient.