Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an inflammatory lung condition characterized by obstruction of air passage to the lungs. The term COPD entails a wide range of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to estimates, nearly 30 million people nationwide grapple with COPD, and over half of these cases are undiagnosed. Besides consulting a pulmonologist and following the prescribed treatment course, avoiding negative lifestyle habits can facilitate healing from COPD.
Following a meal plan high in carbohydrates
Increased intake of carbohydrates raises carbon dioxide production, which can worsen COPD symptoms. It has been found that a meal plan low in carbs and high in healthy fats can help individuals with COPD manage their symptoms better. While the body requires carbohydrates to produce energy, it is best to limit one’s carb intake, having healthy complex carbs like whole grains, potatoes cooked with the skin on, peas, and lentils in limited quantities and incorporating healthy fat sources, such as nuts, nut butters, and clarified butter, into one’s meals.
Binging on processed and fast foods
Processed and fast foods contain large quantities of empty calories, sugar, and saturated fats, directly causing increased calorie intake and culminating in lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and heart problems. Such health issues can trigger or aggravate breathing problems and COPD symptoms. Thus, patients with COPD must avoid fast foods like burgers, fries, and pizza, replacing them with healthy, nutrient-rich meals prepared at home.
Not staying physically active
A study has found that regular exercise entails long-term health benefits for patients with COPD. Exercise is essential to improve blood circulation and enable the body to utilize oxygen better, contributing to better health among individuals grappling with COPD. Aerobics, jogging, walking, cycling, swimming, and resistance training can help patients cope better with COPD.
Having an erratic sleep schedule
Having a good night’s sleep is essential while healing from COPD; unfortunately, sleep issues are highly prevalent among patients with this condition. A study found that nearly 33% of individuals with COPD have insomnia, compared with only about 20% without COPD. Although sleep can be compromised due to breathing issues among patients with the disease, some measures like sleeping on a comfortable bed, sleeping in a dark room, staying away from electronic devices at night, and practicing breathing exercises can help enhance sleep quality and duration.
Not having enough water
Insufficient water intake can cause the thickening of mucus, which accumulates in the lungs and exacerbates breathing problems. Therefore, it is recommended that women and men should drink about 2 liters and 2.6 liters of water per day, respectively, to prevent dehydration. Furthermore, it is best to limit one’s intake of caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee, preferably switching to decaffeinated alternatives or other healthy beverages like fresh fruit juices and homemade smoothies.
