Diet, as French researchers have shown, can significantly reduce the risk of developing and slow the progression of COPD, as well as alleviate other diseases of the respiratory system.

During the study, more than 120 thousand people were interviewed. The observational results are as follows: those who regularly consumed nuts, vegetables, cereals, and foods rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids reduced their risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 33% compared with those who had a soda diet, trans fats and sugar. It is assumed that a special diet through the antioxidant properties of certain products can not only reduce the risk of COPD, but also ease the course of other diseases of the respiratory system.

Diet for COPD and chronic suppurative lung pathologies

Due to the fact that purulent and obstructive processes in the lung tissue are accompanied by intoxication of the body, as well as loss of protein with excreted sputum, the tasks of dietary nutrition are as follows:

  • detoxification of the body;
     
  • replenishment of protein, energy, mineral and vitamin deficiency;
     
  • a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory reaction;
     
  • stimulation of reparative processes;
     
  • reducing the load on the cardiovascular system.

For this, a diet with a high protein content, sufficient carbohydrate content and a reduced amount of fat and sodium chloride is recommended. The meat should be selected lean, preferably boiled, steamed or stewed, but not fried. Add fish, eggs, cottage cheese, a large number of fruits and vegetables, nuts to the diet. Total calorie needs to be increased by 4-5 calories per 1 kg of normal body weight. To unload the cardiovascular system and indirectly reduce the amount of sputum, it is recommended to reduce the amount of free fluid consumed to 750-800 ml per day. Useful drinks in this case are a rosehip broth and cranberry juice.

When diseases of the respiratory system worsen, it is necessary to limit the intake of carbohydrates.

Diet for asthma

Bronchial asthma is associated with allergization of the body, as a result of which the diet is hypoallergenic. First of all, foods that at least once cause allergic reactions are excluded from the diet. It is also advisable to limit or completely exclude the following foods from the diet:

  • caviar, fish, crabs;
     
  • eggs
     
  • fat meat;
     
  • foods high in oxalic acid (spinach, sorrel, cocoa, salad);
     
  • easily digestible carbohydrates (sweets, white bread);
     
  • coffee, strong tea;
     
  • marinades, sauces and spices.

Diet for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract

Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system ( pneumonia , flu , acute bronchitis ) are always accompanied by intoxication and cough, which requires a separate approach to nutrition. In this case, the diet is aimed at reducing the chemical and mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract (so as not to provoke a cough), as well as reducing the intoxication of the body.  

Solid food (some vegetables and fruits), a large volume for a single dose, and rough food (brown bread, fried foods, loose cereals) can become a mechanical irritant.

Chemical irritants are acidic foods (cranberries, lemons, sorrel), volatile oils (from garlic and onions, herbs, bay leaves, celery, horseradish, etc.), smoked meats, vinegar, alcoholic beverages, hot spices, canned food, strong tea .

Recommended healthy foods – berries, fruit drinks, juices, lean meat, fish, etc.

Nutrition should be fractional and sufficient, with a predominant predominance of protein and rich in vitamins and minerals products.