A good diet is important when you have COPD. If you don’t get enough protein the body will actually break down muscle to provide the protein needed. The muscles you use for breathing can be weakened and you could lose strength.

COPD can make even the simplest activities tiring. Many people with COPD find that eating makes them more short of breath. Instead of trying to eat three large meals, eat six small meals. When your stomach is full, it pushes up against the lungs and makes it hard to get a deep breath.

• Choose easy- to-prepare foods so that you don’t spend a lot of energy fixing the food. If you live alone or do not have help in preparing your meals, check into programs in your community that will bring meals to your home.


• Rest after eating.


• Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to. Water is important to help keep your mucous thin and easier to cough up.


• Avoid foods that cause gas. This is usually different for each person. Pay attention to what foods make you feel bloated.


• Avoid too much salt in your diet. Sodium in salt can cause you to build up fluid, making it harder for you to breathe. Many prepared and “fast” foods have a lot of sodium. Learn to read labels.


• Eat foods that are high in protein and low in trans fats. Limit breads and foods that are high in sugar.

Stay active and learn how to simplify activities around the house.

When you exercise, your muscles become better at using oxygen so you don’t need as much oxygen to move around and the lungs don’t have to work so hard.

• Ask your doctor before starting to exercise. Some people with breathing problems have a lower than normal oxygen level when they exercise. Have your doctor check you to see if you need to use oxygen when active. When your oxygen level is low, it causes your heart to be stressed.


• Start slow. If you are very short of breath with any activity, don’t overdo by trying too much too soon. Start by walking in place a few minutes at a time and increase the time as you go.


• Stop and rest if you get short of breath. If you have chest pain, feel dizzy or weak or sick to your stomach, sit down. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you still feel bad after resting.


• Start doing fun activities. Remember that dancing and gardening are forms of exercise, too.

This information and more can be found at www.yourlunghealth.org