Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory asthma. COPD takes a couple of years to develop and show any symptoms. However, there are certain risk factors that make one susceptible to the disease. Food is a very important part of managing COPD. Here are energy-boosting foods to eat for COPD patients.
- Foods with potassium
According to studies, consuming foods high in potassium can reduce the risk of mortality by 20 percent. So, there is no doubt that this is an essential mineral for the functioning of the body. Studies suggest that adults should consume about 4700 milligrams of potassium in a day. However, it is noted that there are only fewer than 2 percent who actually consume the required amount daily. Low potassium intake can make one feel weak, and potassium deficiency can cause respiratory failure. Therefore, one must consume foods with high-potassium content like lima beans, bananas, oranges, avocados, dark leafy greens, beet greens, white beans, soybeans, potatoes, asparagus, and tomatoes.
- Foods with complex carbohydrates
COPD patients must choose foods with complex carbs over simple carbohydrates. According to studies, a diet with carbohydrates and more fat helps ease symptoms of COPD. Since complex carbohydrates are also foods with high fiber, it helps in improving the function of the digestive system. Consuming 20-30 grams of fiber each day is recommended by experts.
Foods that you can include in your diet are potatoes (leave the skin on), lentils, peas, bran, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, beans, oats, barley, and whole -grain bread.
- Fatty Fish
Being protein deficient is one of the side effects of suffering from COPD, so one must ensure a diet that is protein-rich. However, not just any protein, but lean protein should be the preferred choice as it is healthier for the body. Lean protein keeps the respiratory muscles strong, which helps in easy breathing. Choose fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, mackerel. Rich in omega-3, these fish help in fighting inflammation in respiratory muscles. Other items like eggs, nut butter, chicken, and low-fat dairy products are also good.
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
The phytochemicals in foods give them colors. These phytochemicals help in fighting cell damage in the body. Eating foods that help build healthy cells is important for people with COPD. Therefore, one must include corn, winter squash, cooked tomatoes, carrots, berries, pineapples, grapes, cherries, apricots, pears, watermelon, cantaloupe, brussels sprouts, leafy greens, beans, and broccoli in their diet.
- Foods with high-calories
Consuming enough calories in the day is necessary for the body to produce energy. People with COPD have a hard time meeting their daily calorie requirements. Therefore, one must choose foods that are high in calories but also nutritious. Nuts make for a great choice as they have good fats, are high in calories, and have nutritional value.
