COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive lung ailment that can make life challenging for patients. Here, the air sacs become inflamed and interfere with the breathing process. Sufferers complain of tightness in the chest, chronic cough, wheezing, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Pulmonologists advise patients to take care of their food along with timely medication from curing the disease. So, have a look at prevalent diet mistakes for patients with COPD.

• Limit the salt intake
  Add a limited quantity of salt in foods as excess sodium influences the water retention in the body. It is one of the most common diet mistakes for patients with COPD . Studies prove that COPD victims, who consume a high quantity of salts, experience shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Dietitians also find that most of the salt in meals get added during the cooking process rather than the salt shaker. Add herbs and spices to enrich the flavor of foods or switch to low-sodium salt substitutes. If you consume canned food, then do not forget to check the added-salt in them. Ideally, your snacks should never include more than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving.
• Pay attention to fruits
  Though the consumption of fresh fruits is a healthy practice, COPD patients should be careful about their choice. Avoid peaches, apricots, and melons as they can lead to bloating and cause respiratory distress among sufferers. Instead, try to pick low fermentable or low FODMAP products like grapes, berries, and pineapple. These fruits do not put stress on your lungs.
• Stay away from simple carbohydrates
  Consumption of simple carbohydrates is also one of the diet mistakes for patients with COPD. Many people consume table sugar, chocolates, white bread, pasta, processed foods, and sugar-rich beverages. These food products can trigger flaring up of COPD symptoms. Dietitians prescribe patients with pulmonary complications to opt for complex carbohydrates in the menu plan. The high-fiber in these foods is also beneficial for managing associated illnesses like diabetes. So, try to include a generous dose of lentils, quinoa, oats, and barley in daily meals instead of simple carbohydrates.
• Check the vegetables in your platter
  Vegetables like beans, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, onion, and peas have earned a bad name for causing bloating and gas in COPD patients. So, while preparing your breakfast and lunch, restrict these vegetables. There are several healthy alternatives, including dark leafy greens, beets, avocados, and tomatoes. They are also rich in potassium, which can expedite the COPD healing process.
• Some dairy products can be hazardous
  Studies have proved that a few dairy products like milk and cheese can also contribute to thickening the phlegm among COPD victims. So, restrict the intake of dairy food if you want a speedy recovery in this disease.

So, now you know the diet mistakes for patients with COPD. Stay away from these errors to attain a complete cure for the medical condition.