What is a COPD Diet?

A COPD diet helps to ease the symptoms of patients with chronic obstructed pulmonary disease. It primarily consists of eating in moderation and relying on small, frequent meals that are low in sodium and high in calories. The goal of the diet is to accommodate both the challenges of eating while afflicted with shortness of breath and to compensate for the increased energy needs that are a result of the extra effort required to breathe. A COPD diet also targets the malnutrition suffered by many patients with this condition.

Though the primary purpose of the COPD diet is to accommodate for the deficiencies of the disease, several of its key factors actually advise different forms of moderation. It is important to eat in moderation and avoid excessive weight gain. Patients on the diet are also advised to avoid overeating and foods that cause gas, as the bloating they cause in the system can increase breathing difficulties.

High fiber foods are an important part of the COPD diet because they help speed and ease the process of digestion, thus putting less strain in the gastrointestinal system. Fresh fruits and vegetables are strong sources of fiber. Grain-rich foods such as rice, cereal, bran, and pasta are also good. Dried legumes can also be beneficial, though they should be prepared and eaten with care in order to avoid excessive gas.

Eating small, frequent, high-calorie meals can help patients with COPD to overcome the overall challenges of getting enough to eat. When the meals are spread out, the body does not get as full, thus putting less strain on breathing. Supplementing with high-calorie snacks such as peanut butter and crackers can also be helpful.

COPD patients can manage fluid retention, which also impedes breathing, by eating low sodium meals. This includes both purchasing foods with low sodium content and refraining from adding salt to dishes. While a salt substitute may be advisable, it is important to discuss the ingredients with a doctor to ensure that they are not also detrimental to the COPD diet.

Drinking enough fluid can also help COPD patients by thinning mucus and thus easing breathing. The most effective way to stay hydrated is to drink non-caffeinated beverages — preferably water — throughout the day. It is also important to drink caffeinated beverages in moderation, as they can impede the effectiveness of medications for COPD.

There are also several kinds of foods and beverages that should be avoided in the COPD diet. Spicy, greasy, and fried foods can be a strain on the system. Fruits such as melons, apples, and avocados should be avoided. Carbonated drinks and foods including beans, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are not desirable because they cause excessive gas.