Home : health : cystic fibrosis medical treatment : 7 Best Foods For Pulmonary Fibrosis Management
7 Best Foods for Pulmonary Fibrosis Management

7 Best Foods for Pulmonary Fibrosis Management

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung condition that leads to scarring of the lungs. A build-up of these scar tissues impacts the ability of the lungs to transport oxygen into the bloodstream. Fortunately, there are certain foods that pulmonary fibrosis patients can have to manage their discomforting symptoms. Read on to learn more about the relationship between nutrition and pulmonary fibrosis and the best foods to include in daily meals.

The connection between nutrition and pulmonary fibrosis
Your lungs play a critical role in maintaining your immunity and functionality of the body at the cellular level. When lung function is compromised, it leads to a chronic state of stress in the body.
This state of fight or flight may not allow your body to absorb nutrients properly and lead to malnourishment. Some studies, like the one in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, have also found a connection between pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD itself contributes to nutritional deficiencies and may lead to serious health concerns.
Appropriate foods help the body in multiple ways and simplify living with pulmonary fibrosis. They help in:

  • Optimizing your weight reduces the pressure on your lungs and makes breathing easier
  • Keeping your immunity levels high
  • Enhancing your energy levels

In the long run, healthy foods improve your pulmonary fibrosis symptoms and determine how well you respond to its treatment.

Seven foods for managing pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is nothing complicated. Its treatment mainly centers on including all the major food groups in your routine, primarily those rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, omega-3s, and lean protein.

Here are seven foods that you must consider including in your meal plan:

Fruits
According to a study in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, the consumption of fruits not just helps you manage the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis and significantly reduces the risk of getting it.
This is mainly because fruits are loaded with fiber. This helps improve your lung function and allows you to breathe better.
The consumption of fresh and dry fruits is recommended instead of canned fruits. Canned ones are high in sugar and may lead to blood sugar spikes. Here are the best fruits to include:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Cherries
  • Citrus fruits varieties such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruit
  • Mangoes
  • Pineapple
  • Kiwi

Vegetables
Increasing your daily intake of antioxidant-rich vegetables is the best bet if you want to delay the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reducing your chances of developing cellular damage and inflammation and improving lung function. Vegetables are also recommended for people undergoing medical treatment for cystic fibrosis. For optimized lung health and better weight regulation, include carrots, broccoli, squash, and beetroot.

Probiotic foods
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis often complain of gastrointestinal problems. This includes GERD, acid reflux, and acidity. According to Frontiers in Immunology Journal research, probiotics tremendously impact gastrointestinal problems. They also reduce cytokine-induced inflammation and have lung-protective ability. Some of the best sources of probiotics are yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and sauerkraut.

Fatty fish
As verified by the American Journal of Epidemiology, omega 3s have anti-inflammatory properties, which tremendously impact lung abnormalities. In addition, regular consumption of omega-3 food sources reduces incidents of hospitalization and death.

Some of the foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

  • Walnuts
  • Flaxseeds and chia seeds
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Mackerel

Poultry and eggs
For people with pulmonary fibrosis, weight management is a significant concern. This condition often causes difficulties in breathing and fatigue, which act as a deterrent to exercising. Not exercising for long may cause you to gain weight, a risk factor for other chronic conditions. Alternatively, this disease may cause some people to lose their appetite leading to unintentional weight loss. Including lean protein sources such as skinless chicken and egg whites in meals will help you optimize your weight. Other sources include beans, lentils, tofu, and turkey.

Low-fat dairy
Fortified dairy products contain vitamin D that aids in proper lung function, and delay the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. However, dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are also high in fats, which may be counterproductive for people experiencing shortness of breath and further impair lung function.
According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, you must include low-fat dairy sources in your routine. Some of the best options are low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese, and milk.

Whole grains
Whole grains are excellent sources of good carbohydrates and fiber. They not just give you energy and reduce the occurrence of fatigue but also help in regulating your weight. Eating fiber-rich foods keeps you satiated and reduces the urge to binge. This benefits patients with pulmonary fibrosis who struggle with losing weight, depending on the severity of their symptoms. To maximize their benefits, you should opt for unpolished rice, brown rice, barley, popcorn, quinoa, and wild rice. Besides helping with shedding off some pounds, these whole grains also help lower your cholesterol.

How can you optimize the benefits of these foods?
Here are some easy tips that will help you make the most of your lung-healthy meal plan:

  • Your meals must be low in sodium and trans fats.
  • Avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and coffee 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Keep yourself hydrated, especially while exercising.
  • Instead of consuming larger meals, eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day.
  • Avoid consuming sodas, high-calorie desserts, and fried foods.

Conclusion
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that needs serious attention. Relooking at your meal plan and including these foods will go a long way in helping you manage your symptoms and slowing down the progression of the condition. Remember, everyone’s body is different, and what has worked for someone may not work for you. Before including any of these foods in your routine, consult your pulmonologist.

Top Reads

Top Tags

Popular Reads

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas
health

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient.
Home

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment.
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition.  Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems.
health