A lot of people get surprised when they learn about how the food they eat may affect their breathing. Food serves as fuel for all forms of activities and the right mix of nutirents can help you breathe much easier. 

Your body uses food for energy as a part of a process called metabolism. Food and oxygen are changed into energy and carbon dioxide during this process.

Breathing requires more energy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The muscles used in breathing might require much more calories than in a person without COPD. 

The right diet and nutrition helps build the immune system which in turn helps the body fight away infections. This may reduce the rate of hospitalization in patients with COPD. 

Being overweight or obese, cause your heart and lungs to work harder, making breathing more difficult. This is directly related to mechanical reasons and the fact that there is a high demand for more oxygen. 

In contrast, being underweight might make you feel too weak and tired to breathe and may also predispose you to infections.

Planning what you eat and balancing your meals are very essential to managing your health with COPD. This won’t cure COPD, but will make you feel a lot better.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or as the substitute for the medical advice of a physician.