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Emphysema And Nutrition There is little that a diet, even a healthy one, can do to help prevent the onset of emphysema. About 85 percent of cases of emphysema are caused by smoking. The American Lung Association emphasizes that the single best thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing emphysema is to stop smoking. However, if you do develop the disease, there are several ways you can eat to stay healthier. Malnutrition can be a significant problem among people with emphysema. In advanced stages, the marked decrease in lung function requires people to use extra calories just to take a breath. In addition, they often have a diminished appetite. If you have emphysema, one reason eating may become such a difficult task is that it may actually make breathing more difficult. But this has less to do with what you're eating than how much you are eating. A full stomach takes up some of the room needed by the diaphragm. In people with emphysema, the diaphragm doesn't work as well as it should because it is stretched and flat; a full stomach adds pressure to it, making breathing even more uncomfortable. Try eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. Eat foods that have a high protein content to help maintain muscle strength and tone in all your muscles, including the muscles that help you breathe. The American Lung Association suggests that you eat two high-protein servings per day. Foods that are high in proteins are red meat, fish, eggs and poultry. You may want to avoid foods — such as peas, broccoli, cabbage, corn, turnips, beans (except green beans), melons, onions, raw apples, cauliflower, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts — that can cause gas, because gas can bloat the abdomen, making it harder than normal to breathe. People with both chronic bronchitis and emphysema may benefit from decreased phlegm production by ingesting less milk and cheese products. Some people with emphysema, who need diuretics, may develop low levels of potassium in their bodies. Muscles need potassium for proper contraction. Low potassium levels add to overall weakness and impaired strength of the muscles needed for breathing. Foods high in potassium include lima beans, split peas, fresh mushrooms, sweet potatoes, raw nuts, fresh spinach, dates, raisins, dried fruits, oranges and orange juice, bananas, halibut, dry skim milk and beef.
Last updated May 19, 2006
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