Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive disease that is characterized by increasing breathlessness. COPD is an umbrella term meant to describe progressive lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. Its symptoms include shortness of breath or a lingering cough. While there is no cure for COPD, it is treatable in many ways, including medication, oxygen therapy, and diet. People with COPD require more energy for breathing since it takes more calories to breathe through obstructed airways. 

First, you need to know that if you are a smoker then it’s probably best to quit smoking. Not only will your overall health increase but you really can’t afford any more damage to your lungs. If you don’t have COPD, then not smoking at all can lessen your chances of developing COPD by a lot:

1. The COPD diet
A good diet to follow while living with COPD would be one low in dairy products, fairly high in protein, plenty of vegetables, some fruits, and low in dairy. This allows your body to have enough protein and vitamins without producing a lot of gas and phlegm, which can irritate COPD issues. Below is a list of foods while living with COPD.

2. Protein
You need to have a good amount of protein in your diet. This is true even while not diagnosed with COPD. Protein-rich foods like chicken, beef, and fish are good options if you want a complete protein. The reason that you want a complete protein is that it has a complete amino acid profile. Amino acids are the building blocks of the body and they allow the body to perform repairs to damaged tissue. 

3. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide your body with vital micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals. These minerals and vitamins help your body fight off and prevent disease and illness. The problem comes from fruits and vegetables that cause gas to build up in the body. For fruits, aim to eat berries, pineapples, and fruits like that. For vegetables, any carb-heavy vegetables like peas is a great choice.

4. Diary
Diary can make your phlegm a little thicker than normal so this is a no brainer to avoid or severely limit. If you want some replacements, then try adding almond milk or cheese substitute to your diet. This does vary from person to person so see if it applies to you first before making the change.

While COPD natural treatments can be a little suspect or unreliable, a good diet can make your life with COPD easier. If you do smoke, then just stop. It’s a habit that your lungs, or your life, really can’t afford. Keeping your diet high in protein, moderate in fruits and vegetables and low in dairy can keep COPD complications lower. This is mostly done by keeping your micronutrients high to fight off disease and your protein high so the body can repair itself. With this diet, you can safely manage your COPD problems.