7 Healthy Foods and Practices to Include in Your Diet

Photo Credit: przemekklos / istockphoto.com How a Healthy Diet Can Impact COPD Following a healthy diet when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is very important, yet it can be problematic when you are facing symptoms and complications. Lack of energy, poor appetite, financial burdens, changes in the sensation of taste, and frequent coughing and congestion can make eating less enjoyable and make healthy choices difficult. Healthy foods can relieve symptoms and boost your energy levels, help prevent respiratory infections, and thin secretions. Maintaining a healthy weight will also allow your body to function well, and enhance your ability to breathe effectively and comfortably. 1. Eat Simple Foods Prepare simple foods that do not consume excess energy. Consider making up a few meals ahead of time and storing them in the freezer for times when fatigue or illness prevent you from preparing healthy meals easily. Take advantage of healthy packaged products and enlist the help of family and friends to aid with meal preparation. If you do use packaged foods, read labels carefully as many contain unhealthy additives and preservatives that could exacerbate symptoms of COPD. Photo Credit: Elenathewise / istockphoto.com 2. Avoid Mucus-Producing Foods Certain foods make your symptoms worse. Mucus-producing foods such as milk and ice cream may increase your congestion, so avoid them as much as possible. Don’t eat foods you sensitive to. Organic produce is likely to be less bothersome for you, so eat clean, organic foods whenever possible. Photo Credit: nata_vkusidey / istockphoto.com 3. Consider Going Vegan Following a vegan diet may decrease your frequency of contracting respiratory infections, your general level of health and respiratory wellness may rise, and you may experience improved energy levels. Numerous studies indicate that vegan diets are very healthy, especially if you are currently overweight. Be sure you take vitamin and mineral supplements — especially vitamin B12. Include a wide array of whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables so you consume enough iron. Photo Credit: SuzanaMarinkovic / istockphoto.com 4. Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with a wide array of compounds that boost your health. They thin mucus, relieve inflammation, and provide your body with a wide array of nutrients that enhance the health of your immune system and keep you well. Many fruits and vegetables also contain compounds that reduce inflammation and promote healing. Produce rich in vitamin C is particularly important if you are a smoker, as smoking destroys the vitamin C in your body. Be sure to consume extra vitamin C during times of sickness to facilitate healing. Fruits and vegetables contain needed fiber as well, which aids detoxification and ensures healthy bowel function. Keeping your gastrointestinal tract healthy is an important aspect of staying well, as most of your immune system resides there. Vegetables in the onion family contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds. They also help relieve congestion and thin mucus so it may be removed readily. During times of sickness consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, as they provide easily digestible nutrients. Add green superfoods such as chlorella, wheatgrass, or spirulina to juices for additional nutrition. These green foods are particularly helpful if you suffer from anemia or fatigue. Photo Credit: vm2002 / istockphoto.com 5. Eat Plenty of Whole Grains and Legumes Whole grains and legumes are inexpensive nutritional powerhouses. Whole grains, dried peas, beans and lentils are great, economical sources of protein, iron, magnesium and other minerals. Photo Credit: bbszabi / istockphoto.com 6. Propolis, Raw Honey and Pollen Are Potent Healers Obtain bee products from a local bee keeper, as commercial bee products are not as effective because they do not contain local pollens. Honey must be used raw for maximum effectiveness and may be eaten plain or combined with herbs as an effective cough syrup. Propolis is a potent substance that contains powerful infection- and allergy-fighting compounds. If you have history of allergies begin using small amounts of local bee products until you know you are not allergic to it. Photo Credit: nevarpp / istockphoto.com 7. Herbs Add Flavor and Provide Healing Benefits Herbs are a great addition to any diet, particularly if you want to reduce your intake of sodium. In addition to adding variety to your meals, herbs offer many healing benefits. Consuming adequate amounts of fluids is essential for preventing dehydration and thinning mucus. Herbal teas are a delicious way to ensure you drink plenty of healthy fluids. They can: Help you relax or sleep better Calm coughs and fight infections Provide soothing relief to inflamed air passages when consumed as teas Help open up constricted air passages, making breathing easier Eating well with COPD will not only relieve and prevent illness related issues, but it will provide you with enjoyment, conserve your energy, and improve your health. Be willing to try different foods and experience the healing benefits they offer. You will soon feel better, stay well, and experience some delicious sensory delights.

7 Healthy Foods and Practices to Include in Your Diet

Photo Credit: Elenathewise / istockphoto.com

2. Avoid Mucus-Producing Foods

Coping With COPD in the Cold Weather