
5 negative habits to avoid for managing COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an inflammatory lung condition characterized by obstruction of air passage to the lungs. The term COPD entails a wide range of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to estimates, nearly 30 million people nationwide grapple with COPD, and over half of these cases are undiagnosed. Besides consulting a pulmonologist and following the prescribed treatment course, avoiding negative lifestyle habits can facilitate healing from COPD. Following a meal plan high in carbohydrates Increased intake of carbohydrates raises carbon dioxide production, which can worsen COPD symptoms. It has been found that a meal plan low in carbs and high in healthy fats can help individuals with COPD manage their symptoms better. While the body requires carbohydrates to produce energy, it is best to limit one’s carb intake, having healthy complex carbs like whole grains, potatoes cooked with the skin on, peas, and lentils in limited quantities and incorporating healthy fat sources, such as nuts, nut butters, and clarified butter, into one’s meals. Binging on processed and fast foods Processed and fast foods contain large quantities of empty calories, sugar, and saturated fats, directly causing increased calorie intake and culminating in lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and heart problems.