Patients of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) find it difficult to breathe normally. A COPD attack can be debilitating, with continuous coughing zapping all energy, and cooking a meal would be the last thing on one’s mind in such a situation. However, eating the right foods can help restore energy and alleviate the symptoms. Here’s a list of six energy-boosting foods to include in a diet for COPD patients:

• Soy and other proteins
  Proteins are an essential nutrient for muscle building and bone-strengthening. People with COPD must consume more protein because the absorption of this nutrient becomes difficult, resulting in muscle wasting. Plant sources like legumes and beans are the ideal because they contain plenty of fiber, zinc, potassium, and complex carbohydrates, all of which help alleviate the symptoms of COPD. Soy or edamame, garbanzo, and kidney beans are some energy-boosting foods to include in a diet for COPD patients four-five times a week.
• Oily fish for vitamin D
  Oily cold-water fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help transport oxygen to the lungs. This condition causes breathing to become an immense task, so dietary choices that make breathing effortless are welcome. Also, omega-3 fats block the production of mucus that obstructs the nasal passages, and less blockage means smoother breathing with lesser effort. Additionally, vitamin D from fish and seafood reduces asthma that often accompanies COPD. The deficiency of this vitamin exacerbates asthma attacks and COPD, so patients should ensure that their diet is rich in this vitamin.
• Leafy greens and other sources of calcium
  Leafy greens are abundant in antioxidants, calcium, iron, and a host of other nutrients that enable proper lung functioning. Kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and lettuce are also rich in magnesium, a trace mineral that strengthens the lung muscles worn out due to COPD flare-ups. The process of cooking and the fiber content in leafy greens makes its absorption easier, and the carotenoids present in these veggies prevent several types of cancers as well. Other healthy vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy provide strength and stamina and help manage COPD symptoms.
• Ginger
  Ginger root is a potent spice that can be used fresh in food to help break down thick mucus that forms due to COPD. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve circulation through the lungs. This makes breathing smoother for COPD patients. Simply steeping a few juliennes of ginger in hot water and drinking it as tea, with or without honey, helps clear the nasal passages and allows the free flow of air in and out of the lungs.
• Olive oil and monounsaturated fats
  Plant-based oils like olive, soybean, canola, safflower, and sunflower seed oil that contain less saturated fats are healthier options than margarine or lard that are loaded with unhealthy saturated fats. Plant oils are energy-boosting foods to include in a diet for COPD patients as they do not affect cholesterol negatively, have vitamins A and E that help reduce inflammation, and enable better lung function, all of which are essential for people with COPD.