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As temperatures soar around the country, there’s no better time to stock up on fresh summer produce and other wholesome, in-season foods to include in your COPD diet. Experts agree that a high consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic (ongoing) illnesses, including COPD.[1] What’s more, a healthy diet that includes fish, fruit and dairy products is associated with improved lung function, less emphysema, improved six-minute walk scores and lower St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores.[2] Which foods should you concentrate on? Check out the following:
For more information about foods to include in a healthy, COPD diet, consult a nutritionist who specializes in COPD.
[1] Kaluza J, Larsson SC, Orsini N, et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of COPD: a prospective cohort study of men Thorax. Published Online First: 22 February 2017. doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207851.
[2] Corrine Hanson , , Harlan Sayles , Erica Rutten , Emiel F.M. Wouters , William MacNee , Peter M. Calverley ,Stephen I. Rennard. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2014;189:A5949.
[3] Rui Hai Liu. Health benefits of fruit and vegetables are from additive and synergistic combinations of phytochemicals. Am J Clin Nutr September 2003. vol. 78 no. 3 517S-520S.
[4] Boeing, H., Bechthold, A., Bub, A., Ellinger, S., Haller, D., Kroke, A., … Watzl, B. (2012). Critical review: vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European Journal of Nutrition, 51(6), 637–663. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-012-0380-y.
[5] Jiang, R., Jacobs, D. R., He, K., Hoffman, E., Hankinson, J., Nettleton, J. A., & Barr, R. G. (2010). Associations of dairy intake with CT lung density and lung function. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 29(5), 494–502.
[6] Hirayama F, et. al. Soy consumption and risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms: a case-control study in Japan. Respir Res. 2009 Jun 26;10:56. doi: 10.1186/1465-9921-10-56.
super thanks
I was never told my diet could help me.I love ice cream so much but it does cause k
Much more mucus.
Hi Judith, Ice cream is great in the summertime! However milk can cause mucus to build up in COPD patients. By making homemade ice cream or a smoothie, you can limit or substitute milk with low or non-fat yogurt. There are also great recipes out there for sorbets, which typically are milk-free. If you do purchase ice cream or sorbet this summer, make sure to look at the ingredients on the label.
Bring on the brightly colored vegetables like broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, leafy greens (if not on blood thinners) sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts as they may play a role in protecting your health.
so what does this mean? if not on blood thinners.
I am, does it mean I shouldn't eat these? I also have low blood count, so I eat the greens. please respond.
Hi Dorothy, Before starting or stopping any diet plan, please consult your doctor. In most cases, leafy green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach are wholesome healthy foods that most people don’t eat enough of. But your doctor may advise you to follow certain dietary guidelines if you’re on blood-thinning medication. Some guidelines might include limiting your intake of leafy green vegetables or at least keeping your consumption consistent from week to week. Please consult your doctor before making any dietary changes. For more information about leafy greens and blood thinners, please visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombophlebitis/expert-answers/warfarin/faq-20058443 and https://www.livestrong.com/article/537821-can-prunes-be-taken-while-on-blood-thinners/