Beneficial Foods for COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that significantly impacts a person’s health. It causes obstructed airflow from the lungs and is often a result of long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most likely from cigarette smoke. COPD can lead to patients developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a host of other conditions. The symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, frequent respiratory infections, and a variety of others. Many doctors will recommend lifestyle changes in order to treat COPD, including quitting smoking and a change in diet. While you should always follow the advice of your medical professional, there are specific dietary requirements that many sufferers should follow: 1. Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any diet and can be helpful in managing COPD symptoms, regardless of whether they’re fresh or frozen. The primary reason for this is that they provide a significant number of essential nutrients and the majority of these have an impact on the condition. Some of the more notable include inflammation-fighting antioxidants and vitamin A, both of which can help fight many of the symptoms that COPD patients may be suffering from.