Nutrition and Pulmonary Fibrosis: Eating Well for Better Breathing

When you think about managing pulmonary fibrosis (PF), diet might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But what you eat can have a significant impact on your energy levels, your body’s ability to fight off infections, and even how hard your lungs have to work.

Proper nutrition is a very important part of living well with pulmonary fibrosis. A healthy, balanced diet can provide your body with the fuel it needs to function well, helping to reduce fatigue and support your respiratory system.

In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of nutrition for people with PF, providing you with practical tips on what to eat, what to limit, and how to make every meal count.

This content is inspired by our “Living Well with Pulmonary Fibrosis” guide, designed to help patients live better. Create an account and access the full program for free.

The Link Between Nutrition and Lung Health

Every time you eat, your body uses oxygen to break down food for energy. This process, called metabolism, and it produces carbon dioxide, which your lungs must then get rid of. For someone with PF, the lungs are already working hard. Eating a balanced diet that provides adequate energy without putting extra stress on your body can make a real difference.

How nutrition helps:

Provides Fuel: Carbohydrates and healthy fats are your body’s primary energy sources.
Builds & Repairs: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, which is vital for daily activities and even for the muscles you use to breathe.
Fights Inflammation: Foods rich in antioxidants can help fight inflammation in your body.

Best Foods for Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Guide to Key Nutrients

Focus on a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need.

Lean Protein: Include sources like chicken, fish, beans, and low-fat dairy. Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, which can otherwise decline due to inactivity or the disease itself.
Complex Carbohydrates: Choose whole-grain bread, brown rice, oats, and vegetables like potatoes and corn. They provide long-lasting energy without adding extra strain on your lungs.
Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Healthy fats are a great source of concentrated energy and are important for overall health.
Fruits and Vegetables: A colorful plate means a variety of antioxidants. Aim for a wide range of fruits and vegetables to support your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential. It helps thin the mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up and breathe.

IDEALLY, MAKE SURE THAT:

1/2 your plate is filled with vegetables
1/4 of your plate contains meat and substitutes
1/4 of your plate contains grain products and/or starch
You complete your meal with a dairy product or a substitute and/or a fruit, if you are still hungry.

Foods to Avoid with Pulmonary Fibrosis

While it’s important to focus on what you should eat, knowing what to limit or avoid can also make a big difference in how you feel. These are some foods patients with pulmonary fibrosis should avoid:

Salty Foods: High-sodium foods can cause fluid retention, which puts extra strain on your heart and lungs, making breathing more difficult. Read food labels and choose low-sodium options whenever possible.
Gas-Producing Foods: Certain foods like beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks can cause gas and bloating. This can put pressure on your diaphragm, making it harder to breathe comfortably.
Large Meals: Eating a large meal at once can also put pressure on your diaphragm and make you feel full and short of breath.

Maintaining Your Weight with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Many people with PF struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Some may experience weight loss due to decreased appetite or the increased effort of breathing, while others might gain weight due to a more sedentary lifestyle.

Weight Loss: To combat unintended weight loss, choose nutrient-dense foods that provide lots of calories in small portions. Snacks like nuts, seeds, and avocados can be very helpful.
Weight Gain: If you’re gaining weight, focus on a balanced diet of lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables to get the nutrients you need without excess calories.
Balanced Diet is Key: Regardless of your weight, a balanced diet is crucial to prevent muscle wasting and support your body’s overall health.

The Connection Between Nutrition and Exercise

To live well with pulmonary fibrosis, it helps to focus on both healthy eating and safe exercise. Exercise strengthens your muscles, including your respiratory muscles, while a proper diet provides the energy and nutrients necessary for your body and muscles to function properly. Together, they create a positive cycle that helps your body use oxygen more efficiently and feel less tired.

Start Learning and Take Control of Your Pulmonary Fibrosis

This blog is part of the Living Well with Pulmonary Fibrosis program available exclusively on chroniclungdiseases.com.

These modules are designed to help you better understand your condition and build confidence in your daily self-management.

👉 Create a free account today to access this module and many more, covering topics like physical activity, oxygen therapy, healthy lifestyle, and more.

Take the first step toward living well with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Tips for Making Mealtime Easier for PF Patients

Living with PF can make cooking and eating a challenge, especially if you experience shortness of breath or fatigue.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day to avoid putting too much pressure on your diaphragm at one time.
Prepare Meals in Advance: Cook large batches of food on a day when you have more energy. You can freeze meals in individual portions to easily reheat on days when you feel tired.
Listen to Your Body: If you don’t feel like eating, don’t force it. Try a liquid supplement or a smoothie to get some nutrients without the effort of chewing and digesting a full meal.

Strategies for Eating Well and a Nutrition Plan

Creating a nutrition plan can help you stay on track and ensure you’re getting the right nutrients. Start with small, realistic goals and build on them over time.

This downloadable guide is part of our Living Well With Pulmonary Fibrosis module on “Adopting and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle” You can create an account to download the full guide and get more detailed strategies.

Set Goals:
- I eat 3 meals per day.
- I ask for help with meal preparation and grocery shopping.
- I make sure to eat protein at each meal (meat/substitute, dairy products).
- I include vegetables in my lunch and dinner.
- I include fruits in my breakfast and snacks.
- I take at least 2-4 dairy products and substitutes per day.
- I choose whole grain cereals and breads.
- I favor milk and fruit-based desserts.
- I drink 6-8 glasses of liquid per day.

Address Specific Challenges:
- Breathlessness: Rest before meals. Eat more slowly and divide your portions into several small meals.
- Getting full fast/Loss of Appetite: Eat energy-rich foods like whole milk, cream soups, nuts, or nutritional supplements. Reduce the amount of liquid ingested with meals.
- Bloating: Eat slowly to avoid swallowing air. Avoid chewing gum, sodas, and gas-producing foods like cabbage and broccoli.
- Constipation: Gradually increase your intake of fiber from whole grains, legumes, and fruits. Drink enough liquid (target 6-8 glasses per day) and stay active.

Remember to address your concerns with a healthcare professional or nutritionist. They are your best allies in finding solutions that work for you.

A Note from Respiplus

With “Living Well with Pulmonary Fibrosis” you will learn skills to adopt healthy new lifestyle behaviors. It was designed for you to be able to review at your own pace. Take it from the top or skip to the topics that are most meaningful to you. Share it with people close to you so that they can understand what you are going through.

We wish you well as you go through this program. Do not hesitate to discuss whatever thoughts and feelings you have with your resource person, professionals in your healthcare team, and your physician.

On behalf of Team RESPIPLUS

Start Learning and Take Control of Your Pulmonary Fibrosis

This blog is part of the Living Well with Pulmonary Fibrosis program available exclusively on chroniclungdiseases.com.

These modules are designed to help you better understand your condition and build confidence in your daily self-management.

👉 Create a free account today to access this module and many more, covering topics like physical activity, oxygen therapy, healthy lifestyle, and more.

Take the first step toward living well with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

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