What Foods to Eat and What Foods to Avoid

Diet is a large part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), then being aware of your food intake is very important, because certain foods are likely to trigger COPD symptoms.

On the other hand, there are several foods that are known to help COPD symptoms. Maintaining a calorie-rich diet is necessary in order to support proper breathing.

Below, Oxygen Always has provided a list of foods to stay clear from if you have COPD.

Cured meats that contain high levels of nitrates.
An excessive amount of salt makes your body retain water, inhibiting breathing ability and increasing the need for an oxygen concentrator.
Vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, radishes, and broccoli, are known to cause gas; thus, making it harder to breathe. The same can be said for carbonated beverages.
Fried food causes abdominal discomfort, which puts pressure on the diaphragm and can worsen COPD symptoms.
Foods with added sulfites are known for causing your bronchial passageways to narrow.
Noodles and processed foods with excessive starch can increase mucus production, making breathing uncomfortable.

Although the list above contains a lot of foods you may not eat, Oxygen Always reassures that you can still have a delicious diet, on a daily basis, and consume foods that will allow you to use your oxygen concentrator more efficiently and hopefully less often.

The following foods are the best for COPD patients:

Whole grains are high in fiber and will help maintain the increased carbohydrate needs of COPD patients.
Nuts, eggs, olive oil, avocados and salmon are all good fats. Good fats add to the calorie requirements, without adding on weight.
Beans are essential, as they contain zinc. Zinc is a mineral that our bodies need for normal growth and health.
Foods with vitamin D; such as: fish oils, fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks are essential, since Vitamin D plays an important part in maintaining proper bone structure.
Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated. Drinking water will help loosen any phlegm and improve your breathing, especially if you use an oxygen concentrator.