COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is something that over 16 million Americans deal with on an annual basis. This disease essentially obstructs the breathing process for individuals. Examples of COPD could include constant bronchitis as well as emphysema. While there’s no sure for the disease, there are ways to manage it properly.
This piece will speak about the foods that can help the process in dealing with COPD. Along with eating more slowly with smaller portions, the consumptions of these superfoods should be able to help those with COPD battle some of the more difficult symptoms. This piece will take a look at which foods to consider when dealing with COPD.
Complex Carbs
It is very important to eat the right types of carbohydrates. This could easily have an impact one way or another on someone’s breathing. Most medical professionals insist that complex carbs (fruits, vegetables, seeds, beans) are superior to the likes of bread, pasta, soda, and anything with large quantities of sugar. Along with that, one should opt for things such as olive oil over lard, fat, vegetable oil, or butter.
Whole gains (bulgur, quinoa) are far healthier when it comes to giving energy and helping with lung support and functionality. For example, nuts are high in protein. Anything without the presence of a ton of added sugar is a very good thing for overall health. Beans are also great when it comes to alleviating symptoms. These offer not only fiber and protein, but also zinc.
Veggies and Fruit
As is the case with virtually everything, eating foods high in antioxidants is great for those with COPD. There’s even one study reportedly suggesting that increasing the amount of fruit one consumes by 100 grams can reduce a mortality risk by roughly 24-percent. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are excellent. Sweet potatoes offer plenty when it comes to minerals and vitamins, and the likes of tomatoes, brussels sprouts, collard greens, carrots, pumpkin, and squash all satisfy the baseline requirement for adding antioxidants to one’s diet.
Additionally, we must also look at fruit and the requisite properties these sorts of foods bring to the proverbial table. Blueberries offer arguably more antioxidants than any other food. From there, you’ve got the usual in terms of health: Apples, grapes, cherries, melon, and pears (among other sorts of fruit).
Fish
Lastly, the consumption of fish is beneficial for those with COPD. This is primarily the case due to the omega-3 fatty acids that are present. Fish offers a good source of protein. This works for COPD suffers because tests have shown that those with COPD may be suffering from a protein deficiency. Salmon or tuna in particular would be a great way to load up on vital amounts of protein and vitamins.
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