Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation, and breathing difficulties. It is a chronic and incurable disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The leading cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, and air pollution. Some genetic factors, or the deficiency of a protein, alpha-1-antitrypsin can also contribute to the development of COPD.
If you have recently been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor must have advised you to improve your eating habits.
While there is no specific diet that can completely cure or prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), certain foods can help manage symptoms and promote overall lung health. Here are 20 foods that can be beneficial for preventing and managing COPD:
1.Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a popular and comforting dish enjoyed by people all around the world. Tomatoes are rich in a powerful antioxidant, lycopene that may help protect the lungs from damage, and is also a good source of essential nutrients and vitamins A, C, and E.
2.Salmon Fish
One popular salmon dish is grilled salmon, or baked salmon. The fish is marinated with herbs, citrus, and seasonings and paired with roasted vegetables, fresh salad, or steamed asparagus. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, associated with numerous health benefits and can help reduce symptoms of COPD.
3.Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is refreshing and typically consists of blanched or steamed broccoli florets tossed with various ingredients such as almonds, maple syrup, red onions, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Broccoli salad is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that can support lung health.
4.Spinach Brown Rice Biryani
Spinach biryani is a flavourful and aromatic rice dish that combines the goodness of spinach and the essential fibers of brown rice. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that contains antioxidants beneficial for lung health. The biryani is prepared by cooking rice with a mixture of spinach, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices paired with raita or yogurt.
5.Chickpeas Shawarma Wraps
These wraps are contain spiced chickpeas with creamy yogurt sauce, pickled onions, and fresh veggies. Rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, chickpeas support lung health, improve digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
6.Lentils Tacos
Lentil tacos are loaded with colorful veggies and spices and is also easily customizable with different sauces. Using lentils as a filling in tacos are nutritious and is an excellent source of antioxidants that can help reduce lung inflammation.
7.Yogurt
Probiotic-rich yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins like B12 and riboflavin which maintains a healthy gut microbiome. It also enhances immune function, and also improves lung health. Yogurt can be enjoyed as a snack, added to smoothies, or used as a base for dressings and dips.
8.Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate does offer potential health benefits that could be beneficial for individuals with COPD as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids that may have anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs and may help reduce oxidative stress. However, it is important to consume dark chocolate in moderation and after consultation with a healthcare professional.
9.Roasted Carrot Fries
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene. The beta-carotene is converted in the body as vitamin A, essential for lung health. Low in calories, and rich in fiber, baked carrot fries are a healthier alternative to potato fries that satisfies the craving for fries while offering more nutritional value.
10.Turmeric Ginger Tea
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous properties, assists in removing harmful toxins and supports lung health.
11.Almond Milk
Almond Milk which is low in saturated fat, helps reduce inflammation, and chronic cough, which are the common symptoms of COPD, and helps improve breathing.
12.Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which have a protective effect on the lungs reducing inflammation and cleanse your lungs of congestion.
13.Cottage Cheese Sandwich
These sandwiches are mild in flavor with a smooth texture and high in Vitamin B, and minerals like Calcium, selenium and phosphorus. The benefit is you can enjoy cheese while staying clear of saturated fats, which increase bloating and breathing difficulties.
14.Berry Smoothie
Blueberries, grapes, cranberries, or strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the lungs against oxidative stress and a range of other progressive lung diseases.
15.Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, essential to help the recovery of lungs from infections and maintain strong respiratory muscles.
16.Apples Juice
Apples contain phytochemicals that may help in reducing lung inflammation improving pulmonary health and reduce the symptoms of COPD.
17.Soy Flour Uthappam
Soya beans have nine essential amino acids needed for healthy muscles and bones. Soya uthappam with veggies can be a nutritious and COPD-friendly meal option. Uthappam is a popular South Indian dish made from a fermented batter. By incorporating soya flour into the batter, you can increase its protein content. The fermented batter aids digestion and may help reduce bloating and aid easier breathing.
18.Wheat Dosa
Quick and easy to make, these dosas are high in nutrients, calories are lower in count, and easy to digest. The elements in wheat keep away diseases and reduce the discomforts of COPD, keeping the disease under control.
19.Avocado Pancakes
Soft, vibrant pancakes paired with banana or Choco chips contain high potassium levels. Potassium is vital to lung function, so a potassium-rich diet can help with breathing issues.
20.Mushroom Curry
Mushrooms aid in improving oxygen utilization for those prone to asthma, pneumonia or COPD, and similar conditions. They act as a tonic to soothe the lungs and are most effective when taken over a long period of time to build up the immune system and strengthen the lungs slowly.
