Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  COPD: Keeping your diet healthy

Introduction

Key points

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may have little appetite or feel too tired to prepare and eat meals. However, eating regularly and eating healthy foods is important because food:

  • Provides your body with the energy it needs to function, such as for breathing and digestion.
  • Provides you with the energy you need for daily activities.
  • Helps strengthen your body's natural defense system (immune system), making it easier to avoid infections.

You can take simple steps to be sure you eat healthy foods on a regular basis. However, because people with COPD often have other health problems that may restrict the foods they can eat, always talk with your health professional or a registered dietitian before making changes in your diet.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What effect does COPD have on eating?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why is it important to eat regularly and eat healthy foods if you have COPD?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. Tips for eating with COPD
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: May 8, 2008
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology

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