Benefits for those with COPD-- 

I am a Integrative, Function, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Coach, who wants to help people who have COPD that experience side effects such as bloating and/or gas from foods and/or medicines along with help them maintain their optimal weight and muscle mass among various other components that one may experience.

These are the basics.. like a lighthouse (mom's favorite).. they can light a path to a healthier YOU! Not a cure and may need adjusting for your unique health and needs.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease–
Fact Page
           (Awareness Month is November)
Possible other lung diseases- Asthma, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Sarcoidosis and Lung Cancer...
Picture


(image from https://420evaluationsonline.com/health-and-news/copd-26-marijuana-research-papers)
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe.
What Causes COPD?
Main cause is tobacco smoking along with other irritants- exhaust fumes etc., age and genetics.
What Kinds of Symptoms?
High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, decreased food intake, low blood oxygen saturation, clubbing of fingernails, fatigue, difficulty chewing & swallowing, constipation or diarrhea, decreased respiratory and skeletal muscle strength & endurance, increased susceptibility to infection, barrel chest (emphysema)
Nutrition Therapy:
Achieve nutritional well-being
Maintain appropriate balance of lean body mass to adipose tissue
Correct fluid imbalances, if present
Prevent drug-nutrient interactions (or limit if they cannot be prevented)
Prevent osteoporosis
Supplements:
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)- Antioxidant- helps with reducing phlegm and coughing, thins mucus, and eases expectoration.
Turmeric- antioxidant, helps fight oxidative stress along with block inflammation on a cellular level.
Thyme- especially as an essential oil (not to be ingested but breathe in only) helps remove mucus and relaxes the airways.
Ginseng- improves lung function (**disclaimer- this herb interferes with blood thinners, stimulants, diuretics, some antidepressants, and drugs that suppress the immune system. Talk to your doctor first.)
Case Studies:
Vitamin K:
Studies show that vitamin K may play a role in reducing elastin degradation and vascular calcification in COPD patients. (Piscaer, 2017)

Vitamin D:
Osteoporosis is very common in patients with COPD and is a vitamin D deficiency.  (Inoue, 2016)

Melatonin:
Primarily known as an aid for sleeping- however a 2012 study showed that melatonin helps reduce oxidative stress in people with COPD, making it easier to breathe (deMatos, 2012).
Macro-nutrient Recommendations:
Protein: 15-20% of calories
Fat: 30-45% of calories
Carbohydrate: 40-55% of calories

Micro-nutrients Recommendations:
Vitamin C (current smoker) & Other Antioxidants
Magnesium, Calcium (muscle function)
Vitamin D, Vitamin K (if on steroid medication, and/or bone density)
Potassium (if taking some types of diuretic)
Sodium restriction if heart failure
Tips for Eating with COPD:
Ask your family to help with meal preparations or other tasks too!

Check to see if you are eligible to participate in your local Meals on Wheels program. Or the various shopping programs like Instacart, Peapod etc.

Choose foods that are easy to prepare-avoid sugar, processed foods and high salt foods. Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating. They tend to make breathing more difficult. Freeze extra portions of what you cook so you have a quick meal or snack when you're too tired

Rest before eating so you can enjoy your meal.

Eat more food early in the morning if you're usually too tired to eat later in the day.  Also you can eat your main meal or dinner foods early in the day and breakfast foods at dinner time so you have enough energy to last you for the day.

Eat 4 to 6 small meals a day. This enables your diaphragm to move freely and lets your lungs fill with air and empty out more easily

If drinking liquids -before or with your meals - makes you feel too full to eat then don't drink anything about 30 minutes to an hour prior to meals and don't drink during meals-- save fluids for after meals/snacks or in between so that you get the necessary nutrients.

Consider adding a nutritional supplement at night time to avoid feeling to full during the day

Eat slowly by putting down your fork or spoon in between bites so you are mindful and in the moment which can help.

Making sure airways are clear and sitting up while eating is also a key point in lessening pressure on the lungs while eating.

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More Information- Blog Posts Here
References for above information:
An X, Zhang AL, Yang AW, Lin L, Wu D, Guo X, Shergis JL, Thien FC, Worsnop CJ, Xue CC.(2011) Oral ginseng formulae for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21146973
Basnet P, Skalko-Basnet N. (2011) Curcumin: an anti-inflammatory molecule from a curry spice on the path to cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21642934
de Matos C, de Bruin PF,de Bruin VM, Nunes DM, Pereira ED, Cavalcante MM, Andrade GM (2012) Melatonin reduces lung oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22507631
Gross D, Shenkman Z, Bleiberg B, Dayan M, Gittelson M, Efrat R. (2002) Ginseng improves pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12814035
Inoue, D., Watanabe, R., & Okazaki, R. (2016). COPD and osteoporosis: links, risks, and treatment challenges. International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 11, 637–648. doi:10.2147/COPD.S79638
Mayo Clinic (2019) COPD Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
Moghaddam SJ, Barta P, Mirabolfathinejad SG, Ammar-Aouchiche Z, Garza NT, Vo TT, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB, Evans CM, Tuvim MJ, Lotan R, Dickey BF. (2011) Curcumin inhibits COPD-like airway inflammation and lung cancer progression in mice. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19793800
Piscaer, I., Wouters, E., Vermeer, C., Janssens, W., Franssen, F., & Janssen, R. (2017). Vitamin K deficiency: the linking pin between COPD and cardiovascular diseases?. Respiratory research, 18(1), 189. doi:10.1186/s12931-017-0673
Wienkötter N, Begrow F, Kinzinger U, Schierstedt D, Verspohl EJ. (2007) The effect of thyme extract on beta2-receptors and mucociliary clearance. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17564943
Wu, L., Zhang, A. L., Di, Y. M., Shergis, J. L., Chen, Y., Guo, X., Wen, Z., Thien, F., Worsnop, C., Lin, L., & Xue, C. C. (2014). Panax ginseng therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical trial protocol and pilot study. Chinese medicine, 9, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-9-20