If someone has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), then the doctor may advise them to follow a specific diet that can help them manage the symptoms better. Here, we discuss some foods that COPD sufferers should incorporate in their diet .  Such foods can help lower symptom flare-ups and reduce the intensity of the condition.

1. Foods containing complex carbohydrates

Instead of simple carbohydrates, opt for more complex carbohydrates, which can be found in fruits like apple and banana, whole-grain bread, vegetables, and whole-grain pasta. If you aspire to shed some weight to monitor COPD better, then you can opt for vegetables and fruits as a replacement for refined carbohydrates. On the other hand, if you are advised to gain weight to manage COPD, then you can opt for a good mix of carbohydrates along with healthy sources of proteins and fats. 

2. Fresh produce

Fresh vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. These are vital nutrients for maintaining good health. Non-starchy vegetables have a low-carb content. So, they can also be added to your diet. It is, however, important to note that certain fruits and vegetables are more beneficial than others. 

3. Fiber-rich foods

On a day-to-day basis, every person with COPD must consume at least 20 to 30 grams of fiber. Some foods that you can consider eating are vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, lentils, and beans. 

4. Foods with healthy fats

Even if you aspire to lose weight, you need to add some healthy fats to your diet. Some foods to eat for COPD   include poly-and mono-unsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids, instead of hydrogenated and saturated fats. Foods, such as avocados and nuts, have a reasonable degree of healthy fats. These will enable you to meet your calorie requirements and manage your COPD symptoms. 

5. Legumes

Peas, beans, and other legumes have a good fiber content. They are also excellent sources of zinc, which is a vital mineral that should be included in a COPD diet. Experts suggest that adding an adequate amount of zinc to your diet can help manage the COPD symptoms. On an average, the daily zinc requirement for men is 11 milligrams and for women, it is eight milligrams. Half a cup of chickpeas has about 1.3 milligrams of zinc. Beans are available in both canned and dry varieties. Though the canned versions ensure better convenience, we advise you to wash them thoroughly before consuming them. It will enable you to get rid of the extra salt from them.