Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) doesn\u2019t mean you have to stop living your life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Here are 5 tips on lifestyle changes that you can make to help you manage the disease:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
1) Stop Smoking<\/strong>
Smoking is the number one cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Together these diseases comprise COPD. If you haven\u2019t already quit, it\u2019s very important to take steps to stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation strategies. Even if you do not smoke, people with COPD should avoid all inhaled irritants such as air pollution, dust, or smoke from wood-burning fireplaces.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
2) Defend Against Infections<\/strong>
People with COPD are at risk for respiratory infections, which can trigger flare-ups. Infections that affect the airways can often be avoided with good hand-washing hygiene. Cold viruses, for instance, are often passed through touch. Simple soap and running water do a good job of removing potentially infectious germs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
3) Focus on Good Nutrition<\/strong>
Eating right is an important way to keep your body and your immune system strong. It may be helpful to eat smaller meals, more often. Try to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains. Cut back on red meat, sugar, and processed foods. Following this dietary pattern has been shown to help reduce chronic inflammation, while supplying plenty of fibre, antioxidants, and other nutrients to help keep you healthy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4) Tend to Your Emotional Needs<\/strong>
People living with disabling diseases such as COPD occasionally succumb to anxiety, stress, or depression. Be sure to discuss any emotional issues with your doctor as they may be able to prescribe medications to help you cope or also recommend other approaches to help you cope.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5) Stay Active and Physically Fit<\/strong>
Research shows that exercise training can improve exercise tolerance and improve quality of life among people with mild to moderate COPD. It can also help provide relief from shortness of breath and improve your mental well-being.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n