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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that makes breathing hard, and there is no cure. It affects more than 15 million adults in the United States and can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing that produces mucus. It consistently ranks among the top 10 causes of U.S. deaths.
COPD can be treated with medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and surgery. Adopting healthy habits can make these treatments more effective. Kicking your tobacco habit, maintaining a healthy weight, and stocking your fridge with COPD-friendly eats are good places to start.
There’s no specific diet for COPD but adopting certain strategies and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms can help. Speak to a healthcare provider (HCP) about an eating plan that’s best for you, and whether taking supplements—such as a multivitamin—can help you meet your nutritional needs. In the meantime, here’s what to know about eating well with COPD.
Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institut... + 15
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. COPD: What Is COPD? November 8, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About COPD. May 15, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Disease Indicators: COPD. June 3, 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. COPD. June 27, 2026.
- American Lung Association. COPD Action Plan & Management Tools. January 20, 2026.
- COPD Foundation. Short of Breath After Eating. January 23, 2020.
- American Lung Association. Nutrition and COPD. September 3, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). August 19, 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. Belching, Gas and Bloating: Tips for Reducing Them. January 30, 2024.
- University of Michigan Health. Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Functional Dyspepsia. Accessed September 16, 2026.
- MedlinePlus. Antioxidants. November 18, 2025.
- American Heart Association. Sodium. Accessed September 16, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sodium and Health. June 29, 2026.
- MedlinePlus. Protein in Diet. April 1, 2025.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Protein. Accessed September 16, 2026.
- American Lung Association. COPD and Nutrition: Managing Difficulties with Weight Gain. June 9, 2021.
