Patients with asthma, COPD, lung fibrosis, post-TB lung damage or other breathing problems often ask: “What should I eat? Should I avoid curd, banana or cold things?” Food cannot cure lung disease, but the right diet keeps the body and breathing muscles strong, helps fight infections and makes breathing more comfortable. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains what to eat and what to avoid.

What to Eat

Protein-rich foods. The muscles we breathe with need protein to stay strong. Include dal, pulses, sprouts, paneer, curd, milk, eggs, fish or chicken in daily meals. This is especially important for COPD patients who are losing weight.

Fresh fruits and vegetables. They provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support immunity and lung health. Include seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, amla and citrus fruits.

Whole grains. Choose jowar, bajra, ragi, whole wheat roti and brown rice for steady energy.

Enough fluids. Drinking enough water keeps mucus thin and easier to cough out. Warm water and soups are comforting, especially in winter. (Patients with heart or kidney problems should follow their doctor’s advice on fluid intake.)

Small, frequent meals. A full stomach presses on the diaphragm and makes breathing harder. Eating 5–6 small meals instead of 2–3 large ones helps, especially for COPD patients who get breathless while eating.

What to Avoid or Limit

• Oily, fried and heavy food such as farsan, bhajiya and fast food, which cause bloating and heaviness that make breathing uncomfortable
• Excess salt and pickles, which can cause fluid retention and raise blood pressure
• Gas-forming foods in excess, if they cause bloating
• Late, heavy dinners, very spicy food, and excess tea or coffee, which can cause acidity and reflux and worsen cough and asthma at night
• Packaged and preserved foods, as preservatives in some products can trigger symptoms in sensitive asthma patients
• Alcohol and all forms of tobacco

Myths About Curd, Banana and Cold Food

Many people stop eating curd, banana, rice or citrus fruits believing they cause cold or asthma. For most patients, these foods do not cause or worsen lung disease, and they are good sources of nutrition. Cold drinks or ice cream may irritate the throat in some people. Avoid a food only if it clearly triggers your symptoms, rather than cutting out healthy foods based on beliefs.

Other Helpful Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight makes breathing harder, while being underweight weakens the breathing muscles and immunity.
• Rest before meals if you get breathless, and sit upright while eating.
• Patients on oxygen should use it during meals if advised by their doctor.
• Take medicines as prescribed. Diet supports treatment but cannot replace it.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com