Good nutrition provides essential support for managing COPD. Your breathing muscles require proper fuel to work efficiently. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods that provide maximum nutrition without excessive volume. Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans to maintain strong breathing muscles. Whole grains and colorful fruits and vegetables provide necessary vitamins and energy.
Eating patterns matter as much as food choices. Large meals can push up on your diaphragm, making breathing difficult. Instead, eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day. Choose foods that are easy to chew and digest. For breakfast, try oatmeal with Greek yogurt. A mid-morning snack could be a banana with peanut butter. Lunch might be a chicken salad, followed by an afternoon snack of cheese and crackers. Keep dinner light and early to avoid breathing discomfort at bedtime.
Stay hydrated unless your doctor advises otherwise. Drinking enough water helps keep mucus thin and easier to cough up. If you find drinking water challenging, try taking small sips throughout the day rather than large glasses at once. Soups, herbal teas, and fruits with high water content also contribute to your fluid intake. If weight management is a concern, work with your doctor or dietitian to create an eating plan that meets your specific needs while supporting your breathing health.
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