When life gives you the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, more commonly known as the COPD, hit the supermarket to indulge in healthy food choices. COPD patients require higher amounts of calories than usual, as it takes them considerable effort to breathe.
One needs to bear in mind, that even when you’re overweight and suffering from COPD, you may not be sufficiently nourished. The 10 times more calorie requirement is thus to be taken seriously. Improving your nutrition will be a continuous process that will occur over time. However, to start off include the following in your shopping trolley:
Milk? Make it Low Fat
COPD patients need a recommended 3,300 daily requirement of calories. Nutritionists suggest, that drinking low-fat servings of milk at least 5 times a day can provide adequate amounts of calcium, protein, and vitamin D to meet the nourishment required to make it through the day. Full fat yogurt and fruit smoothies can be a healthy alternative too, in case you’re not a fan of milk.
You Need Fats, But Healthy Ones
As a COPD patient your primary aim should be the intake of your daily calorie requirement. We know fats can be unhealthy for the heart, and destructive if you’re trying to shed pounds, but you still need to consume some. The solution? Opt for healthy fats. Foods like nuts, avocados, eggs, salmon, and olive oils contain healthy fats that will serve the purpose and keep the heart healthy.
Fruits and Vegetables are Your Best Bet
If you are making healthy changes to your diet, it would be incomplete without vegetables and fruits. Whether you like them fresh, or prefer the frozen ones – they provide you with essential fiber, minerals, nutrients, and anti-oxidants necessary for maintaining good health. The best thing about them? They do not need long, exhausting preparations. You need to conserve as much energy as you can, and getting precut vegetables can help you with that.
Nuts are Good for You
Some COPD patients have low BMI (body mass index). This indicates mal-nutrition, and can put COPD patients at a greater risk of losing their life. Therefore, it is extremely important to eat right and in adequate amounts and maintain a healthy weight. Nuts are rich in calories, and provide bursts of energy to you. They are great if you find chewing to be a tiresome process. Nut butters, creamy sauces and dressings are yet another calorie rich alternative you could try. However, these often contain saturated fats, and thus it is always recommended to ask your dietitian for balanced food choices.
Healthy Grains
Whole grain foods help you maintain the level of carbs n your system on a healthy level. They simultaneously provide you with ample nutrition to meet your calorie requirements. So it’s time to chuck in some quinoa, bulgur, and millet into your shopping trolley for a healthier lifestyle.
Besides healthy food choices, you as a COPD patient also need to keep up with your doctor visits. If you feel your medical insurance lacks coverage for COPD treatment, organizations like The Rx Helper with their prescription assistance programs can help you get the medical aid you need.
