Dietary Need for COPD Essay Example
Dietary Need for COPD Essay Example

Dietary Need for COPD Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (515 words)
  • Published: April 21, 2022
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The airflow is restricted in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to lung inflammation.

The symptoms of COPD, a chronic disease, include coughing, difficulty in breathing, production of mucus or sputum, and wheezing. It is crucial for individuals with COPD to manage a healthy lifestyle by properly planning and balancing their meals. This is because food serves as the fuel for the body's activities, including breathing. Therefore, individuals with COPD should be mindful of their diets due to the increased energy needs for breathing (Barnett, 2006). Additionally, regular weight monitoring is important for maintaining a healthy weight in people living with COPD.

Individuals with COPD are advised to consume smaller meals throughout the day rather than larger ones in order to avoid overfilling the stomach. Overfilling can lead to breathing difficulties due to limited spa

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ce for the lungs (Bellamy, 2009).

The diet of individuals with COPD should include high-fiber foods such as whole grains, cereals, bran, pasta, and vegetables. High fiber content aids in promoting food movement in the digestive tract and regulating blood glucose levels (Bellamy, 2009).

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for individuals with COPD. It is recommended that they drink at least six to eight glasses of non-caffeinated beverages like water per day. Sufficient fluid intake can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up (Bellamy, 2009).

Individuals with COPD should pay attention to their intake of Vitamin D and calcium to maintain bone health. These nutrients can be found in fortified foods or dairy products like yoghurt and cheese. If someone is underweight, they should add high-calorie foods such as eggs, avocado, cheese, nuts, oats, and granola to their diet to kee

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their energy levels up and prevent the weakening of pulmonary muscles like the diaphragm. On the other hand, overweight individuals with COPD should cut back on high-calorie foods in their diets and make sure to engage in regular exercise.

People with COPD should maintain a healthy weight to prevent breathing difficulties and increased oxygen needs. To improve energy levels throughout the day, it is suggested that individuals with COPD have their main meals in the morning when they have the most energy (Barnett, 2006). To avoid swallowing air and promote proper chewing, it is advised for those with COPD to eat their meals slowly. If chewing becomes tiring, easily chewable meals are recommended.

Individuals with COPD should limit or avoid certain foods. Salt, which can cause water retention and impact breathing, should be replaced with spices and herbs for flavoring meals. Carbonated beverages like Mountain Dew and chocolate should also be avoided as they can cause bloating and discomfort during breathing. Fried or greasy foods should also be avoided as they can contribute to indigestion and gas, resulting in bloating. Furthermore, some individuals with COPD may need to avoid certain dairy products such as cheese if it thickens phlegm and makes coughing difficult (Bellamy, 2009).

References

  1. Barnett, M. (2006). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care. Chichester, West Sussex, England: Wiley.
  2. Bellamy, D. (2009). COPD in Primary Care: All You Need to Know to Manage COPD in Your Practice. London: Class Publishing.
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