The main role of the lungs is to get oxygen from the atmosphere, take it to the bloodstream, and circulate it to the other parts of the body. Apart from this, lungs also expel excess carbon dioxide, filter the air bubbles from the blood, and protect the heart from shock. The mucus that lines the airways absorbs bacteria and then pushes it upwards when we finally cough it out. Healthy lungs help the heart function more effectively. Include the following groups of food regularly for reducing the impact of COPD.

Vitamins and minerals
A healthy diet can fight against infection and help rebuild damaged cells and tissues. The COPD diet should focus on the ideal balance of the right nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are the main sources of nutrients. They help the body stay healthy. Vitamin D reduces frequent flare-ups of COPD symptoms. Fruits and vegetables supply the required vitamins and should be a big part of a COPD diet.

• Vitamin A
  Eggs, fortified cereals, carrots, squashes, melons, broccoli, and spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin A.
• Vitamin C
  Cauliflower, sweet potato, tomatoes, strawberries, citrus fruit, papaya, and pepper are all rich in vitamin C. Avoid citrus if you have GERD or acid reflux.
• Vitamin E
  Cod liver oil, wheat germ, sunflower oil, almonds, peanut, hazelnuts, and fortified nut butters are all rich in vitamin A.
• Vitamin D
  Vitamin D is crucial for the lungs. Apart from spending time in the sun, include fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, beef liver, fortified dairy products and cheese.

Fluids
Fluids are important to keep the body adequately hydrated. Fluids dilute the mucus which is another impact of COPD. Accumulation of mucus in our lungs can cause severe infection and lead to other health complications. Medications used for treating COPD can also result in dehydration.

Make sure you have two glasses of milk or plant-based milk. Smoothies and milkshakes made with COPD-friendly ingredients can be beneficial as they can provide nutrition as well as keep you hydrated.

Calcium
Calcium is important for bone growth. Calcium also regulates blood pressure. With relevance to COPD, calcium deficiency can lead to exacerbations – where the COPD symptoms worsen suddenly and last for a few days. It could last from a few days or weeks and sometimes requires hospitalizations.

Include milk and dairy products like cheese, green leafy vegetables like spinach, soya beans, tofu, sesame, fortified drinks with calcium, seafood like sardines and pilchards.

Zinc
Zinc is an essential requirement for a COPD diet. Oysters, crab, lobster, lean cuts of beef, pork, and chicken are primary. Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, and kale are rich in zinc. Chickpea, edamame, kidney beans, and black beans are rich in zinc. Whole grains, particularly brown rice and quinoa, are packed with zinc. Milk and dark chocolate are good sources of zinc.

Potassium
The medication prescribed for the treatment of COPD includes bronchodilators, steroids, and diuretics. The long-term medication causes depletion of potassium. A diet for COPD has to work on restoring the potassium levels.

Include bananas, cantaloupes, apricots, grapefruits, raisins, prunes, spinach and broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushroom, green peas, and cucumbers in your diet.

Mucus-reducing food
COPD results in higher production of mucus. Include food that can reduce the production of mucus like salmon, tuna, sardines, flounder, grapes, pineapples, onion, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, and olive oil.