In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, breathing is impaired by a narrowing of the bronchial tubes. As the disease, colloquially known as smoker’s lung, progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to supply the body with sufficient oxygen. A change in diet is an important part of COPD treatment and enables sufferers to actively counteract the progression of this lung disease.
Balanced diet for smoker’s lung
For COPD patients, it is particularly important to eat a healthy and varied diet. This not only fundamentally benefits health and strengthens the immune system. A COPD-appropriate diet also reduces the risk of respiratory infections and allergic reactions. Which diet is appropriate for COPD depends on the situation of the individual patient.
COPD increases energy requirements
To burn nutrients from food, the body needs oxygen. The energy released during combustion is in turn needed for respiratory muscles, among other things. So limited oxygen intake impairs metabolism – and vice versa. In addition, the difficulty in breathing results in an energy requirement that is up to ten times higher. COPD patients must therefore make sure they eat energy-rich foods. If the body lacks energy, it breaks down muscle protein, which reduces the musculature of the respiratory system and diaphragm, among other things. Thus, shortness of breath is further exacerbated and the general resilience of the COPD patient is further reduced.
BMI determines ideal weight
Body weight plays a critical role in the progression of COPD disease. Ideally, the BMI (body mass index) value should be between 21 and 25. This is because being overweight or underweight can greatly affect the health of COPD patients. For example, being overweight can worsen breathing problems, as the lungs and cardiovascular system are subjected to greater stress. Concomitant diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease may develop as a result.
Underweight in COPD
Most COPD patients are underweight, often due to loss of appetite and high energy demands. This makes them more susceptible to infections and muscle wasting. If the diet does not supply sufficient calories, protein, trace elements and vitamins, deficiency symptoms, weight loss and increased depletion of essential amino acids also occur. Since the latter serve to produce energy, their absence further accelerates weight loss.
Nutritional counseling for COPD patients
Because of their high energy needs, those affected by the lung disease must adjust their diet in terms of quantity and food choices. Even those who are overweight can suffer from malnutrition if their eating plan is not right. Nutrition counseling can help COPD patients adjust their eating and drinking habits to meet their changing needs.
Nutrition tips for COPD
In COPD, the diet should be complete, low in fat, and rich in nutrients and carbohydrates. Consider the following dietary tips:
- Low-fat meats, legumes, and dairy products are a good source of protein.
- In potatoes and cereals are many carbohydrates.
- Good combinations of protein and carbohydrates are cereals or potatoes with dairy products.
- Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins and nutrients. However, avoid beans, cabbage and acidic fruits, as these foods can cause gas in the body.
- If you are underweight, meals can be enriched with vegetable fats and nuts.
- Food containing nitrite or salt can make it difficult to breathe.
- Calcium lowers the risk of osteoporosis, which often co-occurs with COPD.
- Magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the immune system and help fight inflammation in the body.
Daily supplementation with essential amino acids may be advisable, but should be discussed with a doctor.
The right eating habits
It is not only the choice of food that is crucial. Eating behavior also plays an important role in COPD:
- Cough up mucus before eating to avoid shortness of breath while eating.
- Take your time to eat and chew thoroughly.
- Many small meals relieve the digestive system and lungs.
- Eat less, especially in the evening, and give your body enough time to digest before bedtime.
- Observe your body’s reaction to certain foods and adjust your diet accordingly if necessary. Some foods cause increased gas formation in the body and thus increase the pressure on the lungs and diaphragm.
- Drink plenty of fluids – this helps with coughing up and thus clears the airways. Still water, tea and juice spritzers are well suited. However, drink only after eating, so as not to get full too soon, and avoid alcoholic, highly sugared and carbonated drinks.
Combine exercise and diet
Nutritional therapy in COPD should also always be accompanied by regular exercise – this strengthens muscles, maintains mobility and reduces the risk of osteoporosis disease.
