COPD: Keeping your diet healthy
Why is it important to eat regularly and eat healthy foods if you have COPD?
If you have COPD, eating regularly and eating healthy
foods is important because: - Food provides you with energy, including the
energy you need to breathe. You need more energy to breathe than a healthy
person.
- Nutrients are necessary for a healthy immune system. If
you have COPD, you are at increased risk for lung infections. A healthy diet
and strong immune system can help you prevent and fight
infections.
- If you are overweight, your heart and lungs have to
work harder, which makes breathing more difficult. Eating healthy foods can
help you lose weight.
- If you do not eat enough or are underweight,
you generally feel tired, which in turn makes it more difficult to perform
everyday activities. Being underweight may also increase your chance of getting
infections. Eating healthy foods can help you gain or maintain your
weight.
Test Your Knowledge Eating regularly and eating healthy foods can help
prevent lung infections in people with COPD. - True
- False
Continue to Tips for eating with COPD Return to COPD: Keeping your diet healthy
| | Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Cynthia Tank | Last Updated: May 8, 2008 | | Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology | © 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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