Processed meats, including bacon, cold cuts and hot dogs contain preservatives to extend their shelf life. However, these additives are unhealthy to consume especially for those living with COPD. In fact, lung conditions may actually worsen if patients eat large portions of the nitrates contained in these foods.
Cold cuts and cured meats
They are not a healthy option for anyone, but are especially bad for those suffering from COPD. When eaten in large amounts, the lung condition is said to worsen. This means bacon, ham, hot dogs and other cold cuts should be consumed as little as possible.
Protein at Every Meal
Protein is important at every meal for people with COPD. Good sources include eggs, lean meat, fish, poultry, legumes, and nuts.
Excessive phlegm is a problem with COPD, and dairy products can create phlegm – so they should be avoided. These include milk and milk-derived products, including butter, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
COPD can get worse from an infection (such as a cold or pneumonia), from being around someone who is smoking, or from air pollution. Other health problems, such as congestive heart failure or a blood clot in the lungs, can make COPD worse.
Foods that cause gas: Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating, which often make breathing more difficult. This may cause chest tightness and trigger asthma flare ups. Foods to avoid include: beans, carbonated drinks, onions, garlic and fried foods.
They include brown rice, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, oats, quinoa, and barley. Not only are whole-grain foods high in fiber, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, but they're full of vitamin E, selenium, and essential fatty acids, which are good for lung health.
Foods like green leafy vegetables, garlic, citrus fruits, berries, and ginger are great foods for detoxing the lungs and keeping them healthy.
Foods that are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids — such as broiled salmon or oatmeal sprinkled with flax seeds and walnuts — are not only delicious: They may also help those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to breathe easier.
Key Takeaways. Eating more tomatoes can help support lung health in COPD patients.
Eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day, from items such as bread, pasta, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Eat a good source of protein at least twice a day to help maintain strong respiratory muscles. Good choices include milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, nuts and dried beans or peas.
Consumption of green leafy vegetables, apples, pears or peppers reduced COPD risk the most. Researchers didn't find a link between eating berries and COPD risk, but bananas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, green peas and root vegetables all were connected to a lower risk.
Chicken Soup
The chicken broth will help to thin mucus, easing sinus pain, and it can also soothe sore throats—as long as it's not too hot! Add some other cold-busting ingredients such as mushrooms and peppers to make it extra healthy.
Aerobic activities like walking, running or jumping rope give your heart and lungs the kind of workout they need to function efficiently. Muscle-strengthening activities like weight-lifting or Pilates build core strength, improving your posture, and toning your breathing muscles.
Honey and warm water: The honey warm water drink is effectively great to help your lungs fight pollutants. This is so because honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which is effective in reducing inflammation.
Drink black coffee-Have a cup or two of black coffee. Caffeine can offer relief for shortness of breath by expanding airways and the heat aids in clearing mucus.
Bananas may be beneficial for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are potassium-rich and contain antioxidants and fiber. Other sources of these nutrients are berries and whole grains. COPD is a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
[coughing] Breathe in slowly and gently through your nose, and repeat the coughing if you need to. So when it's hard to breathe because of mucus in your lungs, you have three things you can do to help move the mucus out: postural drainage, chest percussion, and controlled coughing.
Supplementation of honey in patients with COPD results in better intermediate and long-term changes in the overall QoL.
Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home and workplace, mold and radon all can cause or worsen lung disease.
Don't spend time around lung irritants.
Since people with COPD have more sensitive lungs, being around any type of irritant can make the condition worse. Avoid things like secondhand smoke, air pollution, dust and fumes from chemicals, paint or cleaning products, as well as mold and mildew.