It's Not Too Late - Prevent COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-threatening lung disease that interferes with normal breathing – it is more than a “smoker’s cough”.

Some facts about COPD:

·         COPD is the only major cause of death whose incidence is on the increase and is expected to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030 (exceeded only by heart diseases and stroke).

·         The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (through tobacco use or second-hand smoke).

               The disease now affects men and women almost equally.

·         Total deaths from COPD are projected to increase by more than 30% in the next 10 years without interventions to cut risks, particularly exposure to tobacco smoke.

·         COPD is the 5th biggest killer worldwide. Every hour COPD is estimated to kill over 250 people worldwide.

·         Almost 90% of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

·         The number of deaths from COPD has increased more than 60% over the last 20 years.

·         COPD is not curable, but treatment can slow the progress of the disease.

SO IT’S TIME TO ACT NOW!!

The Importance of Proper Nutrition:

Proper nutrition can help reduce carbon dioxide levels and improve breathing. Due to metabolism, carbohydrate, fat, and protein are all converted to carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen in human body.

Dietary Tips for Better Breathing:

To help increase an individual’s dietary intake and ensure a healthy diet, the following are some nutritional tips for better breathing:

• Eat meals when energy levels are at their highest, which is usually in the morning.
• Eat several small, nutrient-rich meals to avoid becoming breathless while eating.
• Eat slowly and chew foods thoroughly to avoid swallowing air while eating.
• Choose foods that are easy to chew. Modify food consistency if mastication seems to increase fatigue while eating.
• Choose foods that are easy to prepare to conserve energy for eating.

• Limit salt. Consuming too much can cause the body to retain water and can make breathing more difficult.  In addition to removing the salt shaker from your table:

Ø  Use herbs or no-salt spices to flavor your food.

Ø  Don't add salt to foods when cooking.

Ø  Read food labels and avoid foods with more than 300 mg sodium/serving.

• Eat calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods to support bone health.
• Prepare meals that appear palatable and well presented.

·         • Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating. A full abdomen can make breathing uncomfortable. Some of the foods that usually causesbloating are as follows:

Ø  Carbonated beverages

Ø  Fried, greasy, or heavily spiced foods

Ø  Apples, avocados, and melons

Ø  Beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, leeks, lentils, onions, peas, peppers, pimentos, radishes, scallions, shallots, and soybeans

• Eat while sitting up to ease lung pressure.
• Drink liquids at the end of the meal to avoid feeling full while eating.
• Wear a cannula while eating if continuous oxygen is prescribed. Eating and digestion require oxygen, so the body will need the extra oxygen.
• Limit caffeinated beverages, as caffeine can interfere with some medications and cause nervousness or restlessness.
• Make the meal more enjoyable by engaging in social interaction while dining.
• Avoid aspiration by breathing carefully, swallowing, and sitting properly and with good posture while eating.
• Rest before meals.

Good Health and Diet always go hand in hand. Healthy diet is a solution to all health issues. For any further assistance kindly register in http://360degreenutricare.zest.md/ and also visit my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/360degreenutricare/ to stay updated regarding all Health tips. Make a resolution today and hasten your decision to enter into a whole new world of Health & Nutrition.

                                                                                                                          ~Dt. Deepalekha Banerjee