Dietary Tips for COPD Patients

Dietary Tips for COPD Patients

The number of people suffering from the problem of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has grown tremendously. A little change and improvement in eating habits can bring relief to the patient. You can either visit a registered dietician or meet your doctor to know the changes you need to make in dietary plan. Here are some of the best diets that will help COPD patients fight off various infections.

Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet
Taking a low carb diet results in lower production of carbon dioxide. This help people suffering from COPD manage their health in a better way. Eating healthy food not only help you feel better but also help deal with this condition in an easier manner. As per a study conducted in this field, study subjects who followed a ketogenic diet had a lower output of carbon dioxide and reduced PETCO2 or carbon dioxide end-tidal partial pressure. While reducing carb intake, increase your fat intake by consuming a variety of foods. This help in managing this condition better.

Protein-High Foods
You definitely should eat high-protein foods if you have COPD. Pastured poultry, grass-fed meat, eggs, and fish and make the best diet for COPD patients . When adding fish to your diet, go for oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines.

Complex Carbohydrates
When planning a COPD diet, you must include complex carbohydrates. The complex carb rich foods are high in fiber. And this results in bringing a considerable improvement in blood sugar management and digestive system function. Some foods that can be added to the diet are bran, peas, potatoes with skin, quinoa, lentils, oats, beans, and barley.

Fresh Produce
Patients who are suffering from acute COPD must add fresh vegetables and fruits that comes packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber in their daily diet. The nutrients in these fruits and veggies keep bodies healthy and energetic. The amount of carbohydrate in non-starchy vegetables is low except in corn, potatoes, and peas and as such must be included in all diets.

Potassium-rich Diet
People who suffer from a variety of lung related problems besides COPD must add potassium to their diets. It is because this mineral is very critical to proper functioning of lungs. People who suffer from potassium deficiency may result into breathing troubles. Thus, make it a point to add foods that are replete with potassium to the diets. Some of the potassium foods are dark leafy greens, avocados, asparagus, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, potatoes, and beets.

Diet Comprising Healthy Fats
The last important food items that you need to make the best diet for COPD patients are healthy fats. Consuming fat-rich diet helps in managing this problem better. Go for nuts, avocados, coconut, seeds, olives, cheese, fatty fish, etc.

Paying attention to these tips will help you come up with the best diet for COPD patients, making it easier for you to manage this condition.