BE AWARE OF MALNUTRITION IN PATIENTS WITH COPD
20% of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) suffer from weight loss, vitamin and protein deficiency, and even malnutrition. This is a noteworthy condition since it can lead to decreased immunity and cause the disease to get worse.
5/14/2024 4:57:32 PM
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a growing disease not only in Vietnam but also worldwide.
It is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus production and wheezing. It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions.
Breathing requires more energy for people living with COPD. Their muscles may require 10 times more calories than someone without COPD. Due to breathing problems, they quickly have difficulty eating and drinking, lose their appetite, and, over time, lead to anorexia.
About 20% of COPD patients have weight loss, protein and calorie malnutrition. The addition of malnutrition to COPD contributes to the impairment of respiratory muscle dysfunction and the severity of the disease.
Below is some advice on nutrition for COPD patients from American Lung Association.
1. Choose complex carbohydrates
Such as whole-grain bread and pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit simple carbohydrates, including table sugar, candy, cake, and regular soft drinks.
2. Eat a good source of protein
Eat protein at least twice a day to help maintain solid respiratory muscles. Good choices include milk, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, and dried beans or peas.
3. Add more fiber to your meal
Eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily from bread, pasta, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.
4. Consume mono- and poly-unsaturated fats
They are fats that do not contain cholesterol and come from plant sources, such as sesame, walnuts, peanuts, canola oil, and soybean oil.
You can’t reverse lung damage, but lifestyle changes and a proper diet can help you manage the symptoms.
Contact us now to receive diagnosis and support from a team of highly qualified Nutritionists with many years of experience in nutritional consultation for chronic disease.
The Nutrition examination package at CarePlus is designed with a full range of items to help accurately assess body condition. Through anthropometric assessment, dietary assessment, and clinical examination, the Doctor will advise individualized nutrition and an appropriate exercise regimen for each customer.
Source: Mayo Clinic, American Lung Association.
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