It’s very surprising for most people that the food they eat affects their breathing and health of their lungs. We know that our body uses food as fuel. Also, a single nutrient cannot help us to fulfil our body’s requirements and we need multiple nutrients from all food groups i.e. a healthy and balanced diet.
The process of
changing food into fuel is called metabolism. In this process oxygen and food
are raw materials and carbon dioxide is waste material which we exhale.
Carbohydrate food when catabolised releases maximum amounts of carbon dioxide
as compared to fat. So, in case of COPD patients, it sometimes becomes
beneficial to eat food with less carbohydrates as it can help to breathe
easier.
Our lungs work
tirelessly to keep our system going so it is necessary to give importance to proper
care of the lungs for proper functioning. Inflammation of lungs makes breathing
difficult and leads to congestion. In today’s polluted environment it becomes
even more important to focus on one’s nutrition.
Nutrition Recommendations
Diet plays an important role for healthy lungs. Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables. If you are obese or overweight, try to lose weight and achieve an healthy BMI. Obesity causes substantial changes to the mechanics of lungs and chest wall which can lead to difficulty in breathing, exercise intolerance and worsening of asthma and asthma like symptoms. Being Underweight is not directly related to poor lungs health but it leads to weakened immune system which makes you more prone to infectious and communicable diseases. Limit intake of simple carbs like sugars, cakes, soft drinks, candies etc.
Increase the intake of
fibres to approximately 20 to 30 g each day. Take a good amount of proteins each
day from natural sources, e.g. eggs, milk, meat, fish, nuts, etc. A good intake
of protein will help you to make your respiratory muscles strong. Try to take
healthy fats like canola oil, rice bran oil, olive oil etc. instead of
saturated fats like margarine, butter, ghee, cookies, pastries, hydrogenated
fats (like vanaspati ghee) etc.
Avoid foods that
cause gas or bloating as they can further lead to difficulty in breathing and
uneasiness.
Try to add more
fruits and vegetables to your diet as these are rich source of vitamins and
mineral which will help you to enhance your immune system and help you fight
off chest infections.
Increase the intake
of dairy products as these are rich in proteins and calcium. During COPD
treatment there are chances of deficiency of calcium.
Try to limit the use
of salt as excessive salt intake can cause edema (or swelling of the body) and
lead to high blood pressure.
Drink plenty of water
to keep yourself hydrated – at least 8 – 10 glasses per day. But in case of
pulmonary hypertension consult your physician first on how much fluids you can
take.
Consider adding a
nutritional supplement at night-time to avoid feeling full during the day.
So adding healthy
foods to your diet will give longer life to your organs. Before starting any
diet consult your dietician and physician as diet should be tailored to you as
per your body’s requirements call us: 0172-4911000, 9779030507.
Eat right with
every bite..
