What you should eat

Try to maintain an eating pattern that includes a variety of these foods:

• Protein. This includes meat, beans, soy products, and dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Protein helps build muscle mass. Dairy products keep bones and teeth strong.
• Fruits and vegetables. These give you the vitamins, minerals, and fibre you need to stay healthy.
• Whole grains. These carbohydrate-rich foods help you sustain energy.
• Fluids. These keep you hydrated. Drinking fluids may also thin mucus. It's good to drink water throughout the day (unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider).

If you’re having trouble eating

The stomach sits right under the diaphragm. This is a muscle that helps you breathe. A full stomach makes it harder for the diaphragm to move down. This can make breathing harder, causing shortness of breath during and after meals. These tips can help:

• Eat smaller meals during the day. Try eating 4 to 6 smaller meals instead of 3 large meals. This way, your stomach doesn't get as full. And your lungs have more room to expand.
• Chew slowly with your mouth closed. This helps stop you from swallowing air.
• Try to stay away from or limit foods that cause gas. Gas makes the stomach swell and press on the diaphragm. These foods can include onions and cabbage. Not all foods have the same effects on all people. Keep track of the ones that cause problems for you.

Vitamins and supplements

If you're not getting enough vitamins and other nutrients, you may be told to take supplements in pill, liquid, or chewable form. Nutrition supplement drinks may also help you get the nutrients you need without getting too full. Talk with your healthcare provider before trying any over-the-counter vitamins or supplements.

If you have acid reflux

A lot of people with chronic lung disease have problems with acid reflux. This can cause symptoms such as coughing, heartburn, and upset stomach. Here are some things you can do:

• Some foods tend to make acid reflux symptoms worse. Limit or avoid them if they bother you:
  • Alcohol and peppermint.
  • Citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, chocolate, onions, garlic, and strong spices.
  • Coffee, tea, energy drinks, pop, chocolate, and some medicines with caffeine.
  • Fatty foods like bacon, sausage, fried and deep-fried foods such as French fries, and snack foods like chips.
  • Pop or other fizzy drinks.
• Stay upright after eating. Don't lie flat for hours after eating. At night, prop yourself up on pillows.
• Talk with your healthcare provider or dietitian about creating a special diet for managing acid reflux. Also ask your healthcare provider about medicines that may help you.