Paying attention to nutrition can help manage COPD and support lung health. Limiting certain foods may help reduce symptoms or flare-ups.
This article explains foods to limit if you have COPD, as well as offers other nutritional advice.
Completely avoiding certain foods may not be necessary
Not everyone experiences the same effects from foods. In addition, some foods linked to COPD symptoms, such as dairy and starchy vegetables, can contain beneficial nutrients.
As a result, avoiding some foods altogether may not be necessary. Instead, limiting certain foods according to your doctor’s recommendations may be more beneficial.
Talk with a doctor or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. This includes lowering your intake of certain foods and food groups.
1. Salt
Sodium, or salt, can cause fluid buildup when consumed at high levels. People with COPD may already experience fluid retention, which causes swelling. This can make breathing even harder.
According to the American Heart Association,
To cut down on sodium, consider:
- limiting highly processed foods
- cooking and eating more meals at home
- choosing meals and products labeled “low sodium” in restaurants and supermarkets
- asking whether restaurants can prepare your food without adding extra salt
- avoiding seasoning your food with salt, and adding flavor with other herbs and spices
2. Foods that cause gas
Some foods can increase gas in the digestive system and
Foods that may especially cause gas include:
- onions
- beer
- dairy
- cruciferous vegetables, such as:
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- cabbage and sauerkraut
- cauliflower
3. Simple carbohydrates
Digesting carbohydrates produces more carbon dioxide than other foods, possibly making breathing more difficult.
Research suggests that a low carbohydrate diet may help
Learn more about low carbohydrate diets.
However, some carbohydrates contain essential nutrients, and some people may benefit from continuing to eat them.
The American Lung Association suggests prioritizing eating complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates contain three or more types of sugar, whereas simple carbohydrates contain one to two sugar types.
Complex carbohydrates include:
- whole grain products, such as brown or whole grain bread, rice, and pasta
- fruits
- starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, yams, and corn
- legumes, such as peas and beans
- nuts and seeds
Simple carbohydrates include added or refined sugars.
Read more about carbohydrates.
4. Carbonated drinks
Drinks that have been carbonated or aerated have added carbon dioxide, making them fizz. As with carbohydrates, carbon dioxide from drinks can also affect breathing ability.
Consider avoiding all carbonated drinks. Many carbonated drinks also contain high levels of added sugars.
5. Trans and saturated fats
The American Lung Association recommends limiting foods that contain trans fats and saturated fats if you have COPD.
Researchers
Saturated and trans fats may be in these foods:
- dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and ghee
- cooking fats, such as lard, margarine, and suet
- baked goods, such as cookies, pizza crusts, and pastries
- some oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil
- hydrogenated oils, which are noted on food packaging with the word “hydrogenated” before the name of the oil, such as hydrogenated soybean oil or hydrogenated vegetable oil
- highly processed and fatty meats, such as:
- pork sausages and hot dogs
- ham and deli meats
- burgers
- high fat mince
- bacon
- skin from meat
Fried or greasy foods can also be high in trans and saturated fats if they have been cooked in certain oils and fats.
6. Dairy
The effect of dairy on COPD can be mixed. Older
Dairy products include:
- milk
- cream and ice cream
- yogurt
- butter and ghee
- cheese
Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about whether cutting down on dairy may help you. To limit saturated and trans fats in your diet, choose low fat dairy products, such as skim milk instead of whole milk.
7. Alcohol
High alcohol consumption
Alcohol can reduce coughing, a natural defense against respiratory infections that helps clear the airways.
A
However, some early research links moderate alcohol consumption to a lower risk of developing COPD. This research includes a
It may not be necessary to cut out alcohol completely. However, the
Other nutritional advice with COPD
If you have COPD, also consider the following nutritional habits:
- staying hydrated with water
- following treatment and nutrition advice from a doctor or registered dietitian
following Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diet
If COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue cause difficulty eating, the following actions may
- working with a doctor or dietitian to create a meal plan that prioritizes smaller, more frequent meals
- eating slowly
- resting before eating
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your symptoms, nutrition, or treatment.
Summary
Foods to avoid with COPD generally include those high in sodium, added sugars, and trans and saturated fats. Some people may also find that dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol and cruciferous vegetables contribute to their COPD symptoms.
However, nutritional requirements and the impact of certain foods with COPD can vary per person.
Talk with your doctor for advice about COPD and nutrition, or if you have any questions.