Nutrition

We learn early in life that food and air are basic to our survival. They are so basic, in fact, that to describe the importance of eating and breathing seems unnecessary--too simplistic for words.

For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eating should be treated as importantly as breathing and should not be taken for granted. A well-nourished body helps the COPD patient to fight infections, and it may help prevent illness and cut down on hospitalizations.

Food is fuel, and the body needs fuel for all of its activities, including breathing. Because the COPD patient expends much energy in the simple act of breathing, his ventilatory muscles can require up to ten times the calories required by a healthy person's muscles. This is why it is so important for persons with COPD to eat properly. Good nutritional support helps maintain the ventilatory functions of the lungs, while improper nutrition can cause wasting of the diaphragm and other pulmonary muscles.

The American Association for Respiratory Care has gathered some nutrition tips for persons with COPD. These are general guidelines only; your physician is your best source of information on diet and other information about your lung disease.

Eat foods from each of the basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cereal and grains, proteins.

Limit your salt intake. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids that may interfere with breathing.

Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks. Caffeine may interfere with some of your medications and may also make you feel nervous.

Avoid foods that produce gas or make you feel bloated. The best process to use in eliminating foods from your diet is trial and error.

Try to eat your main meal early. This way, you will have lots of energy to carry you through the day.

Choose foods that are easy to prepare. Don't waste all of your energy preparing a meal. Try to rest before eating so that you can enjoy your meal.

Avoid foods that supply little or no nutritional value.

Try eating six small meals a day instead of three large ones. This will keep you from filling up your stomach and causing shortness of breath.

If you are using oxygen, be sure to wear your cannula while eating - and after meals, too. Eating and digestion require energy, and this causes your body to use more oxygen.

Try to eat in a relaxed atmosphere, and make your meals attractive and enjoyable.

Consult your physician if you have other dietary restrictions, such as ulcers, or if you are overweight or underweight.

In many states, there are agencies that will provide meals for people for a small fee or at no charge. Check with local church organizations or government agencies to see what is available in your area.
A proper diet will not cure your disease, but it will make you feel better. You will have more energy, and your body will be able to fight infection better. These tips from the American Association for Respiratory Care are general guidelines. Your own physician is your best source of specific information. Good nutrition and a balanced diet are essential to everyone's health, but patients with lung disease must be even more careful than most about following good nutrition guidelines.