Eating Well When You Have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Eating Well When You Have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Introduction
What effect does COPD have on eating?
Why is it important to eat regularly and eat healthy foods if you have COPD?
Tips for eating with COPD
Where to go from here
Credits

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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 effect does COPD have on eating?

Why is it important to eat regularly and eat healthy foods if you have COPD?

Tips for eating with COPD

Where to go from here

Return to topic:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Last updated:	June 16, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
Editors:	Katy E. Magee, MA, Pat Truman

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