LIVING WITH
COPD
DIET
Healthy diet for COPD
Following a healthy diet is very important when living with COPD, as a lack of exercise due to fatigue can cause you to become overweight or even obese. People who fall in the normal weight range may experience muscle wasting due to a lack of exercise. It is common to experience weight fluctuations and nutritional changes when you have COPD. 16,24
It has been shown that people who are malnourished (not eating a balanced diet, even if they are eating a lot of food) have a higher risk of having a COPD exacerbation. 16
Foods that can increase your risk of developing COPD: 16
Red or processed meats
Refined grains
Saturated fat and sweets
Foods proven to improve lung function: 16
Fruit and vegetables
Oily fish
Wholegrains
Foods that can increase your risk of developing COPD: 16
Red or processed meats
Refined grains
Saturated fat and sweets
Foods proven to improve lung function: 16
Fruit and vegetables
Oily fish
Wholegrains
Consider adding whey protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and a vitamin D supplement (after discussion with your doctor) into your diet, as these have been proven to improve COPD fatigue and breathing difficulties.16
Make sure you get a formal nutritional assessment from a dietitian to help you identify which nutrients you may need to help keep your lungs and the rest of your body healthy. 16
Find out more
COPD Action Plan
A COPD Action Plan should almost be considered a written contract between you and your doctor or your COPD team. It gives you a clear outline of what triggers your COPD, how you can avoid these triggers, and what to do in case of an exacerbation.4
Exercise and breathing
When you have COPD, exercise training focuses on improving your endurance, muscle strength and flexibility. Breathing exercises can also be useful.