COPD, which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a set of common lung diseases that obstructs the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the major diseases under this category. The damage taken by the lungs due to COPD is irreversible. Patients generally use rescue inhalers and oral steroids to manage and control symptoms. You can increase energy and control symptoms through a regular diet as well.

Here are some energy-boosting food items for patients struggling with COPD.

Oatmeal with milk 

• Start your day with hot oatmeal. It is rich in fiber, calcium, vitamin A and iron.
• Adding milk to oats instead of water makes it more nutritious and can help you retain your energy.

Nutritious calories 

• Not getting the right amount of calories can often leave you tired.
• Instead of hogging on empty calories like desserts and carbs, you can load up on nutritious food like fruits and vegetables.
• Chicken, lean meat, fish, and tofu are great foods to eat as well.

Cheese 

• Adding cheese to your food (like potatoes, rice, and salads) can increase your meal’s nutrient and caloric value.
• Cheese can also supply the calcium required to keep your bones strong as some of the COPD medication prescribed can weaken them.

Fluids 

• Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep you full and reduce your hunger.
• Make sure the drinks are non-caffeinated.
• Fluids can also help clear the mucus in your airways and lungs.
• Eat a proper, nutritious meal before loading up on fluids.

Milk 

• Try supplying your body with a lot of milk as it can give you energy, strengthen your bones, and add vitamin D to your body.
• Try replacing most of your water intake with milk.
• If you’ve lost a lot of weight because of COPD, milk can help you gain some pounds.

Stay away from caffeine 

• Caffeine can interfere with the medicines you’re taking for COPD
• It can cause nervousness, restlessness, and sleeplessness.
• Avoid items like soda, tea, coffee, and chocolates.

Eggs 

• Eggs are great if you want to boost your calorie intake. It can give you a lot of energy to carry around throughout the day.
• You can mix a full egg with a meatloaf before baking it or add in your mac and cheese.
• There are many ways to incorporate an egg into your meal. Choose whichever way works best for you.

Snack

• People with COPD tend to snack a lot.
• To maintain a healthy weight and keep your body safe, snack on healthy foods like nuts, pudding, crackers (with cheese), or fruits and vegetables.
• You can buy low-fat versions of these snacks to keep you from gaining unnecessary weight.
• You can also use shakes and smoothies to sip on if you get hungry in the middle of the day. They contain vitamin D and calcium, which can keep you strong. Use milk or yogurt with fresh fruits and vegetables to make these shakes.

Eating smaller meals more often rather than three full meals in a day can help patients feel fuller and maintain more energy. Breakfast is the most important meal and hence shouldn’t be skipped. Have a heavy, high fiber meal to start your day.