COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a collection of lung diseases that make breathing difficult by obstructing the airflow to and from the patient’s lungs. The damage caused to the lungs due to COPD is irreversible. It is a very common disease that affects hundreds of millions of people per year.

Choosing the right type of food is very important in patients with this condition as some foods can relieve symptoms, while others can aggravate it. Here are some foods that you should eat and foods that you should avoid.

Foods to eat

Complex carbohydrates

• Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy release as the body takes time to break down these long chains of sugar molecules.
• Food containing complex carbs alongside food with healthy fats can help patients with COPD gain weight in the right way.
• If the patient wants to lose weight, they can replace their usual carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates and protein.
• Foods containing complex carbs are:
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Beans and lentils

Protein

• Most people with COPD have increased protein needs.
• It helps gain weight for those patients who need it. When used correctly, it can also assist in weight loss for others who need that.
• Foods rich in protein are:
  • Meat and poultry
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Tofu
  • Legumes

Foods to avoid

Simple carbohydrates

• When compared with complex carbohydrates, simple carbs provide far fewer nutrients.
• Good nutrition is essential for COPD patients to improve the health of their respiratory system.
• Food items containing simple carbohydrates are as follows:
  • Table sugar
  • Carbonated or sugary drinks
  • Cakes and other sweet desserts
  • Processed food items
  • Refined white flour
  • Chocolate, candy, and other sweets.

Unhealthy fats

• As opposed to healthy fats, unhealthy fats are extremely deteriorating to one’s health.
• Avoid high-fat food items to improve your overall health, thereby improving the health of your respiratory system.
• Foods that are high in unhealthy fats are given below:
  • Fast food
  • Processed food and meats
  • Fried foods
  • Sugary food
  • Bacon
  • Ice cream
  • Margarine

Simple tips for cooking and eating
As patients with COPD are more likely to be tired all day and drained of energy, cooking and eating healthy, nutritious, and energy-packed food in an efficient way can benefit them greatly.

Here are a few tips for cooking and eating food efficiently.

• Buy pre-cut vegetables and fruits to make it easier to cook them in less time.
• Use crock-pot recipes to let all the ingredients cook for several hours altogether.
• Cook more than you require in one meal so that you may use the leftovers for at least two following meals.
• Cook in batches to keep the excess food in the freezer so that you may heat them up and eat later, saving you a lot of time and energy.
• Eat smaller meals six times a day rather than large meals thrice a day. This reduces stomach fullness and the resulting pressure on your lungs.
• Eat your breakfast early and make sure it contains a lot of energy-boosting ingredients.
• High energy drinks are a great alternative to heavy meals as they are easier to ingest.