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COPD & Nutrition
We should all eat well, but for people with COPD it's
even more important.
Canada's Food Guide is as important to those
individuals living
with a disease as it is for healthy people.
The need of good nutrition and this disease is simple.
If your body is well nourished it stands to reason that it will help you to fight infections. Remember; for the COPDe'er, avoiding infections should be a primary focus.
It can take up to 10 times the calories for your body to function vs a healthy person. You burn a tremendous amount just breathing! You use food for energy; even when you're sleeping. It also helps maintain the function of the lungs and other pulmonary muscles.
A substantial number of people with COPD tend to be
on the
thin side. There's a number of possible reasons; getting frustrated
because you get short of breath (SOB) while eating thus taking the enjoyment
away, depression, anxiety, certain medications, not enough energy to prepare
"proper" meals, monetary restrictions etc.. But remember what you're
trying to avoid.
If you're underweight you don't have a lot of energy;
leaving you weak and tired because you've no "reserves" to call on. You must
strive to reach your "ideal weight". If you don't know what it is; ask
your Dr. 
The Cleveland Clinic suggests you should weigh yourself once or twice a week. "If you have an unexplained weight gain or loss, 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week, contact your Dr. If you're taking diuretics, (water pills) or steroids (prednisone), you should weigh yourself daily since your weight might change."
Food Choices: What You Need & What Foods You May Want to Avoid
"Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com"
Updated March 2010
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