Week 6

Nutrition Deep Dive: Nutrition to Support Lung Health

Purpose: To provide more in-depth information about how to eat to support lung health.

Time to read: 10 minutes

When you have COPD there are some nutrition recommendations you can follow that may help reduce symptoms and make you more comfortable. In general, working toward maintaining a healthy body weight is key. If you need to lose weight, aim for slow gradual weight loss that helps retain your lean body mass (muscles). However, low body mass index (BMI) (especially below 20) is linked to higher risks and complications. This means there is a “sweet spot” for your weight. If weight is a concern for you, make sure to discuss with your Care Team. 

Nutrition recommendations

  • Small, frequent meals: Eating smaller meals more often can reduce the work your body needs to do when digesting a large meal. Eating large meals can sometimes leave you feeling short of breath. Try planning 5-6 mini-meals or snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals.

  • Choose foods that are easier on your lungs: A diet that is lower in carbohydrates (especially sugars and refined carbs), with a good amount of protein and a higher amount of healthy fats, can be easier on your lungs. Following the Brook Healthy Plate means you’re not getting too many simple sugars, which helps lower the amount of carbon dioxide your body produces during digestion. This can help your breathing feel a little easier.

  • Increase vitamin C rich foods: If you smoke or have a history of smoking, vitamin C from foods can help support your immune system and protect your lungs. Foods high in vitamin C include  oranges, kiwi, strawberries, red bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Meal planning & timing

  • Plan mealtimes to support breathing: Consider your patterns when planning meals. If you feel more tired at certain times of the day, adjust your meal schedule so you’re eating when you have the most energy. Rest for a short time after meals to allow your body to digest without extra effort.

  • Proper body positioning: Eating while sitting up or in a slightly reclined position can help you breathe better and reduce the risk of swallowing difficulties.

  • Be mindful of difficulty swallowing: If you have difficulty swallowing or frequent coughing while eating, talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to make eating safer.

Support your bone health


Some people with COPD, especially those using long-term medications like corticosteroids, can experience reduced bone density. A diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise (if approved by your doctor), can help maintain bone strength.

  • Calcium: Choose dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, or fortified plant-based alternatives. Leafy greens like kale and collard greens, as well as tofu, are also good sources.

  • Magnesium: Choose nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and dark leafy greens.

  • Vitamin D: Get vitamin D from fatty fish (such as salmon or mackerel), egg yolks, and fortified dairy products or plant-based alternatives. Your doctor may also recommend a supplement if needed.

Aim for lower sodium


The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day. Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend reducing your intake to below 2,000 mg or 1,500 mg. 

Ways to lower sodium in your daily diet:

  • Read nutrition labels for sodium content.

  • Pick lower sodium alternatives when you buy prepared and canned foods.

  • Focus on fresh or frozen vegetables without added sauces.

  • Limit consumption of packaged meals or snack foods. 

  • Cook with herbs and spices instead of salt.

  • Cook at home rather than eating take-out or restaurant foods. 

When reading a nutrition label on a packaged food, here are some tips for determining if it’s a good option.

Serving Size: Start by checking the serving size on the label. It’s important to understand how many servings are in the package as the sodium content listed pertains to a single serving. You may be unintentionally consuming excess sodium if you eat more than one serving. 

Sodium (Salt) Content: Look for the “Sodium” line on the label. This indicates the amount of sodium in milligrams (mg) per serving. It’s recommended for individuals with heart failure to aim for foods with lower sodium content, ideally less than 140 mg per serving, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

% Daily Value (%DV): The %DV tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. A general guideline is that 5% DV or less of sodium per serving is considered low, while 20% DV or more is high. 

Ingredients List: Examine the ingredients list to identify high-sodium additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrate/nitrite, and sodium benzoate. Be cautious of foods with these additives, as they can significantly increase sodium content.

When shopping, compare similar products to find lower-sodium alternatives. Pay attention to the sodium content in different brands or versions of the same food item.

Keep an eye out for hidden sources of sodium, such as in sauces, gravies, and processed meats. These can contribute significantly to your daily sodium intake.

Many foods now come with “sodium-free” or “low-sodium” labels. These products are specifically designed to help individuals reduce their sodium intake and can be good options for those with heart failure.

Fluid restriction (if needed)

Depending on your symptoms and progression, your doctor may also want you to limit the amount of fluids you drink and eat each day. The exact amount would be prescribed by your doctor. 

Unless it’s been specifically recommended by your doctor to limit fluid intake, it’s not necessary to do so. 

What Counts as a Fluid:

Any food or drink that is a liquid at room temperature should be considered part of your daily fluid intake. Items include:

  • Water and ice cubes

  • Juice, milk, and soft drinks

  • Coffee and tea

  • Alcohol

  • Soups

  • Some desserts that turn liquid when they warm up like popsicles, ice cream, or jello

Ways to help reduce fluids in your diet and deal with thirst:

  • Track your daily fluid intake. Use a fluid measuring cup to measure out your total recommended intake for the day.

  • Drain liquid off of containers of fruits or yogurts.

  • Sip your fluids slowly.

  • Use small glasses and cups and know how much each holds.

  • Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out often.

  • Use lip balm or petroleum jelly if your lips are dry.

  • Chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free hard candies.

Next steps:

  1. Now that you have logged meals for at least a week, it’s important to check your meals with your blood oxygen (SpO2) readings. You can do this by looking at your meal macronutrient breakdowns (in the meals you have logged) and looking at your blood oxygen readings in the Profile section of the app. Pay attention to your sodium intake as well.

  2. Model your meals after the Brook Healthy Plate for at least 5 meals this week. 

  3. Feel like you need more support? Check in with your Care Team (Registered Nurse and Health Coaches) for additional support. 

Additional resources