If you are someone who is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, you should adopt healthy eating habits. Although a healthy diet won’t cure the disease, it would help manage the infection efficiently. You should know what foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients. Keeping a check on your eating patterns can make you feel better, in turn, energizing you.

You should consume a diet that is higher in fat and low in carbohydrates. A reduced carbohydrate diet will lower the production of carbon dioxide in the body. It is important to consume foods that give you more energy.

Foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients

• Intake protein-rich foods
  For patients suffering from COPD, consuming protein-rich foods is a must. They should consume more grass-fed meats, fish, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, and pastured poultry and eggs.
• Eat more carbohydrates
  Complex carbohydrates are high in fiber and also help to improve the function of the digestive system and blood sugar. Among the foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients, beans, bran, lentils, potato, quinoa, oats, and barley are a must.
• Embrace oatmeal with milk
  This is a great way to start your day. Eating oatmeal with milk is easy to prepare, and is an energy-rich food. It is rich in fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins.
• Avoid eating cold cuts and cured meats
  You should avoid eating cold cuts and cured meats like ham, hot dogs, and bacon. These foods contain additives called nitrates that are unhealthy.
• Avoid salty foods and dairy products
  Since salt causes water retention, which can make breathing laborious, it is advised to eat less salt. Similarly, milk and milk products cause an increase in mucus production. This might be injurious to people suffering from COPD. An alternative here can be almond or soy milk.
• Consume potassium-rich foods
  Potassium deficiency can cause breathing issues and also a lack of energy. To avoid such a situation, it is recommended to eat potassium-rich foods like avocados, dark leafy green vegetables, beets, potatoes, bananas, oranges, and asparagus.
• Avoid eating fried foods
  Among foods to eat and avoid for COPD patients, fried items are a complete no. Foods that are deep-fried cause indigestion. Foods that contain high amounts of spices also need to be avoided.
• Consume healthy fats
  Instead of opting for fried foods, you can choose snacks that contain good fats. Olive oil, fatty fish, cheese, coconut oil, and seeds are rich in healthy fats and can be consumed by COPD patients because they provide the energy required.

If you are allergic to certain foods mentioned above, consult your doctor or a dietician for a proper diet plan to avoid complications.