Eat to Breathe Better with COPD-Part I

By Jane M. Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, Health Pro Monday, May 21, 2012

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In this sharepost How your body uses food Maintaining the right weight for you Foods to breathe better, foods to boost energy and foods to avoid It’s easy to see why you should pay attention to what you eat when you’re trying to lose weight, gain weight, or if you have iss...

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Jitney

6/ 8/12 11:58am

I strongly disagree with some of the information given here namely the recommendation of fats and oils. Animal products, refined oils, yes even olive oil can cause the deposit of plaque in the arteries and create sluggish circulation. Our lungs are already damages and stress our hearts, so we need to be attentive in keeping our hearts as healthy as possible.

My lung disease, broncholitis obliterans is autoimmune in origin and has responded very well to the elimination of animal products. I have regained optimal health by following a whole foods, plant based, eating program. My need for supplemental oxygen has decreased, my medication requirements have decreased. and my mental acuity has increased. My weight is down 50 pounds and my cholesterol is in normal limits without the use of medication. I was unable to work for over two years, but I am now working part time.

I agree with eating a diet full or colorful fruits and vegetables and sufficient calories and protein. However, these calories and protein can be obtained by eating whole grains, legumes, nuts (limited if cholesterol is a problem), and beans. Adequate hydration with good old water will enhance body function including circulation. Items to be eliminated are fats, refined sugar, caffeine and salt. I have been fortunate to connect to a support group that gives encouragement and continuing education on healthy eating and living.

I realize that my dietary practices are not in keeping with the ADA recommendations. However, there is sound research available to support my choices. These can be checked out on the Engine 2 Diet, Dr. John McDougall, and CHIP Coronary Health Improvement website, to name a few, which give reference to current studies.

I realize that this program sounds too radical for many, but you need to ask what is more important. feeling good for the moment something is in your mouth or improving your health and feeling better all the time? It is a choice you make. The resources and people are out there to help you do it.

Happy eating and good breathing.

Jane M. Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, Health Pro

6/18/12 12:45pm

Dear Jitney,

Thank you for your comment. It's wonderful to hear that you're doing much better and that the broncholitis obliterans has responded so well to your change in diet. Being able to safely decrease or eliminate medications is definitely a plus, as is being well enough to return to work.

I can't agree with you more when you talk about asking yourself what is more important, and that's why in the case of many people with COPD for whom keeping weight on is a huge issue, I suggest they look at the big picture and not go with ADA guidelines.

For a person with COPD who is extremely thin and requiring more calories just to breathe than they can possibly consume in a day, plaque deposits are the least of their worries. Certainly not all, but some, individuals with COPD will lose their lives due to malnutrition long before they will have a heart attack caused by a high fat diet.

Your suggestion to include beans in the diet, while a great source of protein indeed, can cause bloating, pushing up on an already compromised diaphragm, so this is why this protein source can present a problem for some.

All in all, an individualized diet plan is key, taking into account the unique needs of each individual with COPD or other chronic lung disease.

Thank you again for your comment. I wish you continued health and success!

Jane.

Jackie

10/15/12 9:52pm

My favorite foods are vegetables, vegetables and MORE vegetables! I eat a lot of beans, broccoli and other "gassy" foods. My cholesterol was 153 last month, my blood pressure is 110 over 65 and I weigh a whopping 119 lbs. I eat a LOT, but cannot eat what you have on your list. Unreal...

Jane M. Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, Health Pro

10/15/12 10:57pm

Jackie,

Congratulations on your success with a good cholesterol level and blood pressure numbers. It's wonderful that you can eat all kinds of vegetables without any ill affects on your breathing. Keep up the good work!

Jane

Jackie

10/15/12 9:45pm

If I ate the foods on your list I would be dead by tomorrow, that's no joke. I cannot have any milk, cream cheese, soft cheeses, puddings or ice cream. I cannot even have milk chocolate or caramels. I learned many years ago that I should not give my baby milk when they are sick because it brings mucus to the lungs. I have a hard time believing you are in this field and know so little. My husband read your recommendations and got plumb angry. No way Jose!!

Jane M. Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, Health Pro

10/15/12 10:53pm

Hello Jackie,

Absolutely, if you cannot tolerate dairy products, you are right to avoid them. It's as simple as that. Of course, it would be foolish for any person with specific food issues to follow general recommendations that run contrary to their special needs.

Milk products seem to cause an increase in mucus for some people, but for many others, it makes no difference. So, again, the important thing is knowing what you can tolerate, and what you cannot.

The high calorie, low density recommendations are specifically for those individuals who are significantly below ideal body weight with muscle wasting. These folks are malnourished and must consume as many calories as possible.

Jane Martin

Eat to Breathe Better with COPD-Part I

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