Healthy eating for people with COPD

7) Practical tips to try – when you are breathless at mealtimes

If you are suffering from shortness of breath at mealtimes you may wish to try the following:

  • Clear your airways one hour before eating.
  • Eat while sitting up to ease the pressure on your lungsĀ and help them expand more easily.
  • Eat more slowly.
  • Take small bites and chew your food slowly.
  • Breathing deeply while chewing.
  • Try putting your cutlery down between bites.
  • Choose foods that are easy to eat.
  • Try eating five or six small but healthy meals a day or three smaller meals. Take care you are not putting on weight.
  • Try drinking liquids at end of meal.