Nutrition Tips for COPD Patients: What to Eat and Avoid

For people with COPD, nutrition plays an essential role in overall well-being. A healthy diet helps reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Registered dietitian Krista Mielnik, RD, LD, explains: “The goal of a healthy diet for people with COPD is to optimize your health, not cure your condition.” A balanced diet can help patients maintain strength, support their immune system, and lower the risk of complications. This guide explores the best food choices for COPD and practical tips to help you feel your best every day.

November is COPD Awareness Month, and we’re excited to share helpful information for those living with this chronic illness. While there isn’t a diet that cures COPD, the right nutrition can strengthen your immune system, help you maintain energy, and reduce the risk of complications. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive more educational content and support throughout the month.

Nutrition Tips for COPD Patients

Table of Contents

Why Nutrition is Key for COPD

Nutrition is an essential part of health for everyone, but it’s especially critical for those with COPD. Since COPD is a lung disease, patients may wonder what impact diet could have on their condition. The answer lies in the many ways food influences immune function, energy levels, and even inflammation, which can all impact how well you manage COPD day to day.

For people with COPD, the body works harder to breathe, often burning more calories simply to keep up with increased respiratory effort. This can lead to weight loss, loss of muscle mass, and a general lack of energy, especially if nutrition isn’t prioritized. On the other hand, excess weight can also place pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe and move around comfortably. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet helps maintain a healthy weight and provides the body with the energy it needs for breathing, movement, and fighting off potential infections.

What to Eat When You Have COPD

For people with COPD, managing calorie intake is especially important to maintain a healthy weight and support respiratory health. According to the COPD Foundation, individuals with COPD often need extra calories to compensate for the energy used in breathing—an additional 430-720 calories daily.

In order to know what a healthy diet is for you, first ask yourself: "Am I at a healthy body weight? Do I weigh more than I should? Less than I should? Or am I 'just right?'"

1. To Lose or Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for people with COPD, as even mild cases of the disease can increase the risk of being underweight. According to the COPD Foundation, insufficient caloric intake can lead to muscle breakdown, including the muscles needed for breathing. This causes a cycle of worsening symptoms: weakened respiratory muscles lead to shortness of breath, which reduces appetite, leading to further weight loss and even greater weakness.

For individuals with COPD who are underweight, increasing calorie intake is essential to support energy needs and muscle maintenance. Here are some practical ways to add calories without increasing meal size, as recommended by the COPD Foundation:

  • Mix healthy fats like a teaspoon of olive oil into hot foods or add flaxseed oil to cottage cheese or non-dairy alternatives with fruit.
  • Incorporate calorie-dense snacks into your day. Keep high-calorie options like olives, walnuts, almonds, and dried fruits readily available.
  • Add nut butters such as peanut or almond butter to sandwiches, snacks, or smoothies.
  • Sweeten foods naturally with honey or date syrup, which can enhance the flavor and add calories without large portion sizes.
  • Try nutrient-rich smoothies made with fruits, nut butters, and protein powder or egg substitutes for a protein and calorie boost.

In addition to these tips, some people with COPD experience weight loss due to reduced appetite, fatigue, or even the physical difficulty of chewing and breathing at the same time. If appetite is low, creating a pleasant mealtime environment can help. Listen to calming music, avoid stressful topics at the table, and keep favorite foods on hand to make eating more enjoyable.

These strategies can help break the cycle of weight loss and muscle weakness, providing essential energy and supporting a healthy weight for better COPD management.

2. To Gain Weight

For individuals with COPD who need to gain weight, adding calories safely and sustainably is crucial. The COPD Foundation emphasizes that gradual changes are the best way to support lasting, healthy weight gain. Avoiding extreme dieting or sudden changes in eating patterns is essential, as these can be challenging to maintain and may lead to nutrient deficiencies, which could worsen COPD symptoms.

Instead, focus on increasing your caloric intake through balanced meals spread throughout the day. Eating six smaller meals every few hours can make it easier to consume the necessary calories without feeling overly full. Smaller, frequent meals also help prevent the hunger spikes that can lead to cravings or overconsumption of less nutritious foods.

In addition to dietary changes, incorporating light physical activity can help build muscle and improve overall strength. Many people with moderate to severe COPD can exercise effectively, especially under the guidance of a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Pulmonary rehab provides personalized support, showing COPD patients safe and effective ways to stay active, increase strength, and even improve lung function.

3. Bone-Building Foods

COPD and certain medications, like corticosteroids, can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures. To counteract this, foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are essential. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, but if you’re lactose-intolerant or avoid dairy, you can also find calcium in leafy green vegetables, almonds, and fortified plant milks. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, and fortified cereals. These nutrients work together to keep bones strong, helping prevent fractures that could impact mobility and lung function.

4. Immune-Boosting Foods

Infections can be particularly dangerous for those with COPD, making immune support critical. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and zinc help the body defend itself. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries, and tomatoes are high in vitamin C, while foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, and lentils provide zinc. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support the immune system, making it easier to ward off infections that could worsen COPD symptoms. Try incorporating a mix of bright-colored fruits and vegetables daily to ensure a broad range of antioxidants and nutrients.

5. Limit Sodium Intake

Sodium can cause the body to retain water, which leads to fluid buildup, potentially making breathing more difficult for people with COPD. Avoid foods high in sodium, such as canned soups, deli meats, and processed snacks, which can increase blood pressure and strain respiratory function. Instead, cook with herbs, spices, and natural flavor enhancers like garlic, ginger, or lemon juice. Reducing sodium intake can make a significant difference in reducing bloating and improving your comfort level throughout the day.

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Foods that Benefit COPD Patients

To support lung health and maintain energy levels, it’s helpful to focus on foods rich in complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables, provide steady energy that helps avoid the blood sugar spikes and drops that can lead to fatigue. Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and legumes, are necessary for muscle repair and maintenance, which is especially important for the muscles involved in breathing.

Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds, are excellent for providing concentrated energy, essential for people who may struggle to consume large meals. Finally, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help reduce inflammation, which can support lung health and overall wellness. Including these foods consistently will provide a balanced approach to nutrition that strengthens the body and helps you manage COPD symptoms better.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can make managing COPD more challenging by causing bloating, inflammation, or weight gain that puts extra pressure on the lungs. Here are some specific foods to avoid and why they may exacerbate COPD symptoms:

  1. Fried foods
  2. Carbonated drinks
  3. Excess Salt
  4. Cruciferous Vegetables
  5. Cold Cuts and Cured Meats

Fried Foods

Fried foods are typically high in fat, which can be difficult for the body to digest. The breakdown of these fats takes longer, often leading to bloating and discomfort in the abdomen. For people with COPD, this bloating can place additional pressure on the diaphragm, making it harder to breathe. Moreover, fried foods like french fries, onion rings, fried chicken, and deep-fried pickles are associated with weight gain, particularly around the midsection. This extra fat can increase pressure on the lungs, leading to greater discomfort and breathlessness. Avoiding fried foods not only helps with digestion but also aids in maintaining a healthier weight, which can reduce strain on your respiratory system.

Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks, such as sodas, energy drinks, and colas, introduce gas into the digestive system, which can cause bloating. This bloating can push against the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult. Additionally, these drinks are often packed with artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and caffeine, which offer no nutritional value and may contribute to dehydration. Staying hydrated with pure water is the best choice for those with COPD, as it helps maintain optimal fluid balance in the body and supports all metabolic activities essential for respiratory health.

Excess Salt

While a small amount of salt is essential for body function, excessive salt intake can lead to water retention, a condition known as edema. This retained fluid often accumulates around the diaphragm, increasing pressure and making it difficult to breathe comfortably. Reducing salt intake can help prevent water retention and improve overall respiratory comfort. Try using herbs, spices, and lime juice as flavorful salt alternatives in your meals. This approach reduces sodium without sacrificing taste, helping to prevent excess water buildup and its associated breathing difficulties.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, are nutrient-rich but high in fiber, which can lead to gas and bloating in some people. This bloating can place pressure on the diaphragm, making it harder for COPD patients to take full breaths. While these vegetables are generally healthy, limiting portions may be beneficial for those who experience discomfort. Experimenting with smaller servings or choosing other vegetables may help manage bloating and its impact on breathing.

Cold Cuts and Cured Meats

Processed meats like bacon, ham, and hot dogs are preserved with nitrates, which help extend shelf life but can worsen lung function in COPD patients. Studies indicate that high consumption of nitrates is associated with an increase in respiratory issues, making it best to avoid or limit these foods. Fresh, unprocessed meats are a healthier alternative, providing protein without the added preservatives and potential respiratory side effects.

While you don’t need to eliminate these foods entirely, being mindful of their impact on your body can help you make dietary choices that support better breathing and comfort. Each person’s body may react differently, so pay attention to how these foods affect your symptoms and adjust accordingly.

The Ultimate Guide to Treating COPD Flare-Ups

Discover essential tips to prevent and manage COPD flare-ups—read our Ultimate Guide to COPD Flare-Ups here:

Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet

For those with COPD, maintaining regular, nutritious meals can sometimes feel challenging. Many people experience low appetite or fatigue, making meal preparation and eating seem like an added effort. However, nourishing your body regularly with healthy foods is essential because food provides the energy required for daily activities, such as breathing and digestion, while also strengthening your immune system to help prevent infections. Here are some practical tips to make eating easier and more enjoyable:

  1. Make Eating Easier
  2. Avoid Shortness of Breath While Eating
  3. Eat a Variety of Nutritious Foods

1. Make Eating Easier

  • Choose simple-to-prepare foods: Opt for meals that require minimal prep time to conserve energy. Pre-chopped vegetables, ready-made salads, or frozen, healthy options can be helpful.
  • Create a comfortable setting: Try eating in a relaxed, enjoyable environment, and, if possible, with family or friends, which can make mealtimes feel less like a task.
  • Eat your main meal earlier in the day: Having your largest meal earlier can give you more energy throughout the day, helping you stay active and engaged.
  • Add a favorite food: Including something you enjoy in your meals can make eating more appealing, even on days when you might have less appetite.

2. Avoid Shortness of Breath While Eating

  • Rest before meals: If eating makes you feel short of breath or fatigued, take a break to relax and catch your breath before starting your meal.
  • Use your bronchodilator before eating: Using a bronchodilator around an hour before meals and clearing your lungs can improve breathing while you eat.
  • Sit up straight while eating: Sitting upright helps reduce pressure on your lungs, making it easier to breathe while you enjoy your meal.
  • Use oxygen if needed: If you use oxygen, try keeping it on while eating, as digestion requires more oxygen.
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day prevents the stomach from feeling overly full. A full stomach can push on the diaphragm, making it harder to breathe comfortably.
  • Drink beverages at the end of the meal: Drinking liquids before or during meals can make you feel full faster, so it’s best to save them for after eating to ensure you’re getting enough calories.
  • Limit gas-causing foods if needed: If you experience bloating that impacts breathing, limit foods that cause gas, such as onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and beans.
  • Avoid hard-to-chew foods and eat slowly: Eating slowly and taking small bites can help you avoid breathlessness. Try putting your fork or spoon down between bites to slow the pace naturally.
  • Consider liquid meal replacements: If breathing becomes challenging while eating solid foods, try a liquid meal replacement like Ensure, Boost, or similar breakfast drinks for a nutritious, easy-to-consume alternative.

3. Eat a Variety of Nutritious Foods

To ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients, aim for a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein sources. This variety supports overall health, helps maintain energy, and strengthens the immune system—key factors in managing COPD effectively.

With these tips, you can make eating easier and more enjoyable, helping you stay energized and nourished to support your health every day. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have additional dietary restrictions.

Additional Tools for COPD Patients

We highly recommend exploring the Healthy Diet Module from LWWCOPD. This resource is specifically designed to guide COPD patients in making dietary choices that support lung health and overall wellness. The module provides detailed insights into which foods can boost energy levels, aid in easier breathing, and strengthen your immune system. It’s a comprehensive and practical tool for anyone looking to optimize their diet as part of managing COPD.

You can download the module here.

For further reading on balanced diets, Canada’s Food Guide also offers helpful tips on healthy eating, which can complement your COPD-specific diet plan. Visit their site for additional guidance on building nutritious, well-rounded meals.

Conclusion

Nutrition is a powerful tool for those living with COPD. While it’s not a cure, a balanced diet helps you stay strong, reduce infection risk, and improve your quality of life. Consult with your doctor or nutritionist to personalize your diet according to your needs and goals. Use these tips to take care of your health every day!

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