Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, refers to a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common types include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. Emphysema slowly kills the air sacs in the lungs while with chronic bronchitis the bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrowed. This allows the mucus to build up which makes it difficult to breathe. The main causes of COPD include tobacco smoking or long term exposure to chemical irritants. COPD takes a long time to develop and there is no cure.

Medication and oxygen therapy can help treat COPD to lessen the severity of symptoms. Common symptoms include a persistent cough that can either be dry or contain phlegm and frequent respiratory infections. A person dealing with COPD may also experience shortness of breath or wheezing, fatigue, and chest pressure. There are some natural treatments for COPD that may help lessen the symptoms, like switching to a healthier diet. Changing your diet can also help with COPD by fighting infections that often come with the disease.

Your COPD diet should include these foods:

1. Brightly colored fruits

Fruits that are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals are believed to be beneficial to those dealing with COPD. Fruits that are high in these two compounds have shown to protect the lungs. They have also been linked to lowering the chance of dying from COPD. These fruits include pears, apples, cherries, oranges, grapefruit, apricots, and grapes.

2. Brightly colored vegetables

Eating brightly colored vegetables can protect your health. Brightly colored vegetables are packed with nutrients and phytochemicals, much like fruit. These vegetables include carrots, broccoli, leafy greens, cooked tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash.

3. Black tea

Black Tea can aid in dealing with COPD. Black tea has xanthine alkaloids that contain a stimulant called theophylline, which is a bronchodilator. This stimulant helps open up the airways and can decrease dyspnea.

4. Soy products

Studies have suggested that soy products can improve lung function, reduce breathlessness, and lessen coughs. Soy products can reduce the risk of developing COPD because they can help protect the lungs from tobacco carcinogens. Soy products that help with COPD include tofu, soy milk, bean sprouts, and soy nuts.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may protect the lungs against chronic inflammation. This protects the lungs from the harmful effects of smoking. Omega-3 fatty acids might also improve COPD symptoms. These foods include salmon, tuna, mackerel, soybeans, flaxseeds, nuts, and avocados.

While eating these foods will not cure COPD, it may help a COPD patient deal with the symptoms and prolong their life.