COPD Diet and Nutrition: Foods That Can Irritate COPD

7 Foods to Avoid with COPD

Some foods can make breathing harder for those with COPD, exacerbate symptoms and often provide little nutritional value.

Here are some foods to reduce or avoid if you suffer from COPD:

1. Fried foods: Fried foods can be harder to digest and may cause bloating. Bloating puts pressure on the diaphragm, which can cause discomfort and make breathing more difficult.
2. Salty foods: Excess salt consumption can lead to water retention, swelling, and pressure on the lungs. This results in difficulty breathing.
3. Gas-producing fruits: Some fruits, such as melons, apples, and apricots, contain natural sugars and fibres that ferment in the gut. This can cause bloating and gas, leading to breathing problems.
4. Some dairy: Milk contains various vitamins and calcium; however, during digestion, casomorphin is produced, which may thicken mucus in some people. This can lead to increased coughing and wheezing in those with COPD.
5. Some vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables are high in fibre, resulting in bloating and gas, which can cause difficulty breathing. Examples of these vegetables include cabbage, kale and broccoli. While these vegetables are nutritious, consuming them in moderation and cooking them well can help reduce their gas-producing effects.
6. Processed and cured meats: When eaten in large amounts, processed foods, specifically cold meats, can worsen COPD. Some examples of overly processed meats include ham, bacon and hot dogs.
7. Carbonated drinks: Fizzy drinks high in preservatives, colours, and sweeteners can increase gas and bloating, affecting breathing.

Related Article: Why do I feel tired after eating?

7 Best Foods for COPD

1. Complex carbohydrates: These carbs are high in fibre, which helps regulate the digestive system and blood sugar levels. Examples include – Whole-grain bread, oats and brown rice.
2. Protein-rich foods: Proteins provide energy and help maintain muscle strength, including the respiratory muscles. Examples include – Beans, chicken and fish.
3. Potassium-rich foods: Potassium helps balance fluid levels in the body, supports blood pressure and muscle function. Foods high in potassium include leafy greens, beetroot and bananas.
4. Healthy fats: Certain fats come from plants and don’t contain cholesterol, helping manage inflammation and improve overall health. These foods include olive oil, avocados and nuts.
5. Foods high in vitamin D: Vitamin D helps to keep muscles, bones and teeth healthy. These foods include – Oily fish, egg yolks and red meat.
6. High-fibre foods: Fibre has many health benefits, including managing blood sugar, boosting heart health, and promoting gut-friendly bacteria. Fibre-rich foods include pears, apples and berries.
7. Foods high in Omega-3: Omega-3 foods provide many health benefits to the brain and body. Foods high in this fatty acid include mackerel, salmon and oysters.

Staying Hydrated with COPD

Hydration is essential for everyone, especially those with COPD.  Drinking enough fluids helps keep the mucus thin to clear the lungs and airways.

Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water or other non-caffeinated drinks daily.

Cooking and Meal Tips for COPD

• Cook vegetables until they’re soft.
• Dip breads into liquid to soften them.
• Try soft and easy-to-digest foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, milkshakes, soups and stews if you enjoy these options.
• Eat smaller meals and pause between bites to breathe.
• Eat earlier if you usually feel tired later in the day.
• Choose quick and easy-to-make meals.
• Meal prep or cook extra portions for another day.
• Prioritise protein in your diet as it strengthens your lungs and helps to prevent infections.
• If drinking fluids during meals makes you feel full, limit liquids while eating.
• If you struggle to eat enough and get the right amount of nutrients, taking a supplement can help.
• If cruciferous vegetables cause you to bloat, try steaming or roasting them instead of eating them raw.

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Nebulisers can help clear airways and make breathing easier, especially before meals. Consult your doctor on the best timing for nebuliser treatments in relation to eating.

Tips to Reduce Shortness of Breath While Eating

As it takes oxygen to digest food, it can be tiring for those to eat with breathing difficulties.

Those with COPD may use up to ten times more calories to breathe than those without the condition, which can cause tiredness and weight loss.

Here are some ways to help reduce shortness of breath when eating:

• If you’re overweight, it can make your lungs and heart work harder and exasperate COPD symptoms. Prioritising exercise and a healthy diet if you’re overweight can help to strengthen your body and make breathing easier.
• Keeping your airways clear by removing mucus before meals can help you eat more comfortably. Methods to remove mucus include controlled coughing, chest percussion, and postural drainage.
• Taking a short nap before eating can help conserve your energy for digestion.
• Sitting up straight reduces pressure on the lungs and allows them to expand to help breathing and digestion.
• As mentioned above, reduce your intake of bloating foods that make breathing harder.
• Eat higher-calorie and nutrient-rich foods first to get the most out of your meal.
• If you’re on continuous oxygen, ask your healthcare provider if you should adjust the flow rate during meals to reduce breathlessness.
• Eat slower and take smaller bites of food to prevent swallowing air, which can cause bloating and discomfort.
• Breathing techniques such as pursed-lip breathing can help to control and manage your breathing difficulties when eating. 

COPD and Sleep Apnoea

COPD can also affect your sleep and is closely linked to the sleep disorder Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

OSA happens when the upper airway muscles relax and cause a blockage, stopping breathing during sleep.

When  Sleep Apnoea and COPD occur together it is known as Overlap Syndrome. This condition can lead to worsened symptoms and increased health risks.

When a person has COPD and OSA, their oxygen levels can drop significantly at night, increasing strain on the heart and lungs.

Both conditions affect airflow, making breathing more difficult, especially during sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea:

• Choking in sleep
• Morning headaches
• Snoring
• Memory problems
• Waking up tired
• Night sweats
• Falling asleep at the wheel

The Sleep Apnoea Test

A quick and easy way to confirm if you do or do not have Sleep Apnoea is by taking a sleep test.

The test requires one night of sleep data, and the results are sent to you within two working days.

If Sleep Apnoea is detected, our in-house clinicians can walk you through your treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

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Summary

A nutritious diet is essential for supporting your lungs, providing energy to help you stay active, and allowing you to eat more comfortably.

Choosing nutrient-rich meals, staying hydrated, and following your treatment plan can help you breathe easier and maintain a better quality of life.

While diet alone cannot cure COPD, food choices can support breathing and overall health.

Follow us on social media for the latest COPD tips, recipes, and health advice!

About Our Editorial Team

Written By,

Danielle Mahri, Staff Writer

Danni is a degree-educated content writer who works closely with our clinical and customer services teams to ensure every article is well-researched and accurate. Each article is written to educate, help, and advise on Sleep Apnoea, spread awareness, and encourage treatment.

Medically Reviewed By,

Jay Gadher, Clinical Manager

Jay is an experienced Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Scientist. He completed his BSc in Healthcare Science, which has allowed him to gain expertise in scoring sleep studies.  His knowledge and insights about sleep science and human health ensure every article reflects the latest data.

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