Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult and causes wheezing and coughing. It is usually caused by exposure to cigarette smoke and smoke from burning fuel. COPD can lead to chest infections and other problems. Hence, an integrated approach to treating this disease is needed. It involves medication and also a diet. Those suffering from COPD may be prescribed a diet to improve their health. Herein, we discuss the COPD diet that may be best suited for you.

How will a diet be helpful?
A specific diet is prescribed for those suffering from COPD. The right kind of food can help in improving immunity. This can avoid regular chest infections and other problems that occur due to low immunity. It can also ensure one consumes food that produces less carbon dioxide. A diet can also help in overall fitness and weight loss. Those who are overweight can experience a lot of relief in symptoms when they lose weight.

What you should eat
A good COPD diet would have less of carbohydrates. This can reduce carbon dioxide output and lead to improved breathing. More of proteins need to be consumed that would provide energy. This includes eggs, fish, grass-fed meat, yogurt, and low-fat milk.

If carbohydrates are consumed there should be more of complex carbohydrates in the diet. This ensures good fiber content in the food that makes digestion easy. It also helps to keep blood sugar in check. Complex carbs one can include in the diet are oats, peas, beans, potato with skin, lentils, and barley.

Tips on the diet to be followed
Following are some tips that you can keep in mind while planning a diet, in case you are suffering from COPD:

• Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are great for your general health and provide nutrition. Avoid apples, fruits with stones, soybeans, cauliflower, leeks, and corn as they may cause gas. You can eat these if there are no problems.
• Milk products can increase the production of phlegm in some people. It can be consumed if you don’t face this problem. Also, those wanting to lose weight can consume low-fat milk.
• Potassium helps in improving lung function. One can consume more food that is rich in potassium. This includes bananas, oranges, beets, asparagus, avocados, and tomatoes.
• Excess salt consumption must be avoided as it causes water retention that can lead to breathing-related issues. Salt in processed food must be avoided.
• Fried food, food with a lot of fat, and caffeine should be avoided as it can worsen the symptoms.
• One should drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses per day.
• Eating more number of small meals, instead of a heavy meal is advised. Heavy meals can lead to the stomach pressing on the lungs causing problems.

A good diet would be helpful for those suffering from COPD. Eating more of proteins, low carb foods, fruits, and vegetables help in boosting immunity. This can help in the improvement of general health.