Energy-Boosting Foods for COPD

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on May 28, 2010
Source: 2010 WebMD


COPD: Eat Right at Every Bite

Eating right may help boost your energy when you have COPD, and if weight loss is a problem, a few "comfort foods" may be back on your diet. Breathing burns 10 times more calories when you have COPD. For people who are watching their weight, smaller portions of the nutrient-packed foods in this slideshow will keep calories in check and provide the fuel your body needs to help you feel your best.

A COPD Breakfast

Breakfast may be your most important meal. A lot of people with COPD get too fatigued later in the day to eat well. If that sounds familiar, try to have your largest meals early in the day when you have your most energy. And since you should be getting 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day, starting with a bowl of bran cereal and whole-wheat toast gets you headed in the right direction.

A COPD Breakfast

Breakfast may be your most important meal. A lot of people with COPD get too fatigued later in the day to eat well. If that sounds familiar, try to have your largest meals early in the day when you have your most energy. And since you should be getting 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day, starting with a bowl of bran cereal and whole-wheat toast gets you headed in the right direction.

Oatmeal With Milk

Another great food for starting your day is hot oatmeal. It's easy to eat and rich in fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Preparing it with milk instead of water makes it even more nutritious. And if you're trying to shed a few pounds, oatmeal deserves a place in your diet. Its high fiber content helps you feel full with fewer calories. Top it with berries instead of sweeteners to keep the calorie count low.

Eat More Nutritious Foods First

If fatigue is making you stop eating before you get the calories and nutrients you need, eat the high-calorie items first. But don't go for the "empty calories" of mashed potatoes or desserts. Sink your fork into chicken, lean beef, baked fish, or tofu so you get protein with every bite.

Say Cheese

Adding cheese to dishes like potatoes, rice, or vegetables will increase both the nutrient value and the caloric value of any meal. Plus you'll get extra calcium to help protect your bones, which can be made brittle by some of the medicines prescribed for COPD.When you want the nutrients in cheese at a lower calorie count, look for those labeled "part-skim" or "reduced-fat."

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids will help keep the mucus in your airways thin and make it easier to clear your lungs. At mealtimes, eat first and sip later. That way you won't feel full before you've had a chance to get a solid, nutritious meal.

Milk Please

If you need to gain weight, your body can make good use of the calories in milk, while the calcium and vitamin D help keep your bones strong. Try drinking it in place of water throughout the day.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine is not a good choice for someone with COPD. It can interfere with some medicines and may cause nervousness and restlessness, which can exacerbate your symptoms. So avoid or limit coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas. And yes, unfortunately, the caffeine in chocolate lands it on the no-list.

Better Than Salt

Use herbs and no-salt spices to flavor your food. Sodium can cause you to retain water, which makes it harder to breathe. It's also important to read food labels and to avoid foods that have more than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving. And before you use any salt substitute, be sure to talk with your doctor. Some of them have ingredients that may be just as bad for you as salt.

Get More Fiber

Because you're unlikely to get all of the 25 to 30 grams of fiber you need each day from breakfast alone, include high-fiber foods in your other meals. A bowl of low-sodium split pea or lentil soup makes an excellent hot lunch. Other good sources of fiber include dry beans (legumes), whole-grain cereals, and breads, bran, brown rice, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

COPD Caution: Gas-Inducing Foods

While foods like a bean burrito do provide protein and fiber, use caution. Foods that cause gas or bloating can make it feel harder to breathe. Common culprits include carbonated beverages, greasy fried foods, heavily spiced foods, beans, and vegetables like cabbage and brocooli. But each person reacts a little differently. Keep a food diary to see which ones affect you, then steer clear of the troublemakers.

Go for Potassium

If you're taking a diuretic, you may need more potassium in your diet. Oranges and bananas are two excellent sources that are quick, easy snacks. Potatoes and tomatoes are great mealtime sources of potassium.

Eggs Offer a Calorie Boost

If you're looking for ways to boost your calorie intake, try adding an extra egg egg to your recipes. Mix a whole egg to your next meatloaf before baking. Or try it in macaroni and cheese. Avoid raw egg, sometimes used in the dressing for Caesar salad, to avoid food poisoning.

Snack Right

If you need to gain weight, keep high-calorie healthy snacks handy. Have a handful of nuts or a ready-to-eat pudding cup. You can buy low-fat or non-fat pudding cups to avoid unhealthy cholesterol and saturated fat.  Crackers with cheese or fruits and vegetables with dip are other nutritious snack ideas.

Keep It Fresh

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables whenever you can will yield big benefits. They are packed with nutrients. And eating a balanced diet instead of a meat-and-potatoes regime contributes to better overall health and energy.

Shakes and Smoothies

Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are essential for keeping bones healthy. That's why milkshakes and smoothies are the perfect snack for many people with COPD. Use milk or yogurt — choosing lower-fat products if weight control is desired — and use fresh fruit for nutrients and fiber. Canned, fortified shakes are no-fuss drinks that are ready to be used straight out of the fridge.

Starchy Vegetables

Starchy vegetables like beets, corn, carrots, and winter squash are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. And they have more calories than other vegetables. Baked squash casserole makes an excellent side dish or main course. And soup is a savory way to enjoy these richer vegetables.

Boosting the Protein

Protein is an essential element in everyone's diet, but it's especially important when you have COPD. Add nonfat dry milk, protein powder, or soy protein powder to dishes like mashed potatoes, casseroles, soups, even hot cereal.

Protein at Every Meal

Peanut butter can pump up your intake of both calories and protein, with little time or energy wasted on preparation. Protein is important at every meal for people with COPD. Good sources include eggs, lean meat, fish, poultry, legumes, and nuts.

Posted in: Respiratory Health