Understanding COPD and Managing it Using Food

Understanding COPD and Managing it Using Food

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a lung disease that can make breathing difficult. It is often caused by long-term exposure to damaging particles or gases, such as tobacco, air pollution, dust, and other irritants. The condition can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Fortunately, certain foods can help boost your immunity and also increase overall lung health. Read on to know about COPD and foods to have for it.

Symptoms of COPD
The primary symptoms of COPD are persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs are difficulty breathing, increased mucus production, frequent flare-ups or exacerbations, fatigue, and changes in sputum color.

Diagnosing COPD
COPD is a condition that affects the airways and can make it difficult for you to breathe. It is crucial to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment and begin to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis process may include a physical exam, a review of your health history, pulmonary function tests, and imaging tests.

During a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope and may use a peak flow meter to measure your breathing. They may also perform other tests, such as measuring your oxygen levels or looking at your chest X-ray to help diagnose COPD. Pulmonary function tests are tests done to measure how well your lungs are working. These tests measure how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, can help assess the amount of damage to your lungs. Other tests that may diagnose COPD include a blood test or an allergy test to rule out other causes of shortness of breath. After diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe supplements or lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Types of immunity boosting foods for COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a common long-term lung disease that can be made worse by environmental factors, including pollution. Those with COPD are more likely to have a weakened immune system, making it essential to boost immunity levels through proper nutrition. Fortunately, many foods can help strengthen the immune system and fight infection.

Carbohydrate-rich food

Whole-grain bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates and is packed with nutrients like fiber, iron, and B vitamins. It also contains a variety of antioxidants that can help protect against damage caused by free radicals. Eating whole-grain bread regularly will help to improve blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of developing COPD.

Pasta is another excellent source of carbohydrates that can help boost immunity. It contains essential minerals and vitamins such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Eating pasta will provide the body with plenty of energy and can also help to reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help to boost the immune system. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage caused by free radicals. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables regularly will ensure the body has enough of these essential nutrients for good health.

Protein-rich foods
Protein is an essential macronutrient for individuals with COPD. It plays a role in muscle strength and the maintenance of the respiratory system. Eating protein-rich food twice a day can help maintain strong respiratory muscles, allowing for better airflow. Milk is an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients that can benefit COPD sufferers. It is high in calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones, as well as Vitamin B12 and other beneficial vitamins and minerals for your health. Milk also contains whey protein, which can help improve lung function and reduce inflammation in the lungs. Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, which are essential for healthy bones. It also contains vitamins A and B12, which help the immune system function properly. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Nuts are an excellent source of protein and help keep the respiratory system functioning correctly. They are high in magnesium, which helps regulate oxygen levels in the blood, and zinc, which helps reduce inflammation in the lungs. Dried beans and peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They are high in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation, and are important for proper respiratory function. Eating dried beans and peas regularly can help maintain a healthy respiratory system.

Unsaturated fat-rich foods
Unsaturated fats can be found in many plant-based sources, including canola, safflower, and corn oils. They have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, a decreased risk of stroke, and decreased inflammation throughout the body. In addition to these benefits, unsaturated fats also play an essential role in boosting immunity for those with COPD. Unsaturated fats are believed to reduce oxidative stress within the body and reduce the impact of inflammatory cytokines. This means they can help reduce the risk of infection and make it easier to manage COPD symptoms.

Fiber-rich foods
Fiber is an integral part of a healthy food regimen, especially for people with COPD. Eating 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily can help boost your immune system and improve your respiratory health. A variety of foods are rich in fiber, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as bread and pasta, nuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetables are also the best sources of fiber. Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all excellent sources of dietary fiber. One can also try adding almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds to their meals or snacks to get an extra boost of fiber.

Potassium-rich foods
Potassium is an essential mineral for overall health, and eating potassium-rich foods can help boost your immune system if you have COPD. Some of the best potassium-rich foods include avocados, tomatoes, bananas, and oranges. These foods are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for fighting infections and boosting immunity. Potassium also helps keep your body’s electrolytes in balance, which can help prevent muscle fatigue and keep your body functioning properly.

In addition, avocados and tomatoes contain carotenoids and other antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent COPD flare-ups. Furthermore, bananas are high in magnesium and potassium, which can help reduce stress levels and give your body an extra boost of energy. Oranges are also high in vitamin C, making them ideal for boosting immunity and fighting infection. 

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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5 Best Dog Foods For Growing Puppies

5 Best Dog Foods For Growing PuppiesGrowing pups need lots of things - toys to keep them stimulated, love to keep them happy, and most importantly, food to keep them healthy. Pet owners must be incredibly attentive with puppies because, like children, puppies need proper nutrition and plenty of energy-giving carbohydrates and must be shielded from harmful preservatives. Hence, dog food is the last place you should be skimping on. Here are the five best dog foods for growing puppies. Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog FoodRoyal Canin is an excellent brand to invest in as they make special food for small, medium, and large dogs. Often, owners do not realize that smaller dogs have different requirements than large ones and when you give the same food to them, small dogs often gain undue weight. Royal Canin Small Puppy wet food is perfect for small dogs that weigh between 1 and 10 kg. The Royal Canin 3-oz pouches of wet food have real chicken and a gravy-like consistency that allows you to mix it with kibble. Further, you can get specialized food, especially for puppies younger than two months, since their requirements differ. And if your dog is a giant breed, Royal Canin provides options for that as well. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food - Lamb and Brown RiceNutro Natural Choice dry dog food is made from non-GMO ingredients and does not include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They pride themselves on using high-quality protein sources as their primary component. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meal. Nutro's puppy food comes in a Lamb and Brown rice recipe. Generally available in 30lbs packs, this puppy food should be on the top of your list. 26% of the food contains proteins, which are suitable for the growth of puppies. The main ingredients are deboned lamb and brewers rice, rice bran, and split peas. Remember that it is dry food, so you must ensure that your pets always have enough drinking water. Instinct Original Puppy Grain-Free Recipe with Real ChickenMost puppies prefer wet food since dry food is hard to chew, and transitioning from milk to dry food can be rather difficult. Instinct grain-free puppy food is a perfect choice for puppies since it contains truly premium ingredients. The grain-free recipe with chicken has cage-free chicken, beef liver, and salmon, and absolutely no fillers or artificial additives. The holistic formula contains 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver and only 5% vegetables. Carrageenan is a primary concern for pet owners, which is absent in this puppy food. This brand prides itself on the loaf-like texture of its wet food, which can be a snack or a meal for your little pup. Instinct also includes frozen raw meals among its products, which is an excellent alternative to kibble. Nutro Puppy Tender Beef, Pea, and Carrot Recipe Bites in GravyAnother option from Nutro is the beef, pea, and carrot recipe. This dog food is created from non-GMO ingredients and comes in easy-to-serve food trays. This brand promises real beef, chicken, and pork broth that all puppies will surely enjoy. Puppies generally prefer wet food, and further, Nutro includes no corn, wheat, or soy, all of which are not nutritious. Most pet food companies use these as fillers in their food, but Nutro is not among them. Their Feed Clean logo also promises Zero Waste to landfills, ensuring that your pup and the planet are happy. Nutro also offers turkey, duck, chicken, and whitefish variants of its wet gravy food if you want to mix it up. Remember that doctors recommend switching your dog food, as your puppy can grow allergic to the same food over time. Purina One +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog FoodPurina offers quality food at an affordable price in wet, dry, and even large breed versions in several flavors. Purina One +Plus Healthy puppy formula uses chicken as its number one ingredient, and the recipe includes DHA for brain development and calcium for the bones and joints of your little one. Real meat supports the development of a robust immune system and the growth of a healthy coat. Most veterinarians recommend Purina One, so feel free to talk to your veterinarian about it if you have questions. Another remarkable thing about Purina is that they offer customized food packages through Just Right - www.justrightpetfood.com. You take a five-minute quiz to determine what kind of food your pet needs and then get recommendations from Purina's experts. They offer subscription plans, so you do not have to worry about stocking up each month. What do puppies need?A puppy's diet should include four key components - protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium. Protein is the most critical requirement, especially after weaning. 22% to 25% of the daily diet should be protein for optimal growth, but it is best not to exceed this amount. Fat is necessary as it is a concentrated energy source and enables the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy. Calcium is essential, especially for large breeds, to maintain bone density. If you plan to home-cook meals, remember to keep these in mind and check with your veterinarian what fruits and vegetables are safe for your puppy. Referenceshttps://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-growing-puppieshttps://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-14-best-dog-foods-for-puppieshttps://www.nutro.ca/en/natural-dog-food/nutro/natural-choice-large-breed-puppy-dry-dog-food-lamb-and-rice-recipehttps://instinctpetfood.com/dog/?category=wethttps://www.justrightpetfood.com/how-it-workshttps://www.pumpkin.care/blog/best-puppy-food-2021/

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