Diet Recommendations for Managing Pulmonary Fibrosis

This article provides essential dietary guidelines for managing pulmonary fibrosis, including foods to include such as whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits, as well as foods to avoid like fried and cured meats. It covers medication options like Esbriet® and OFEV® to support treatment. Proper nutrition combined with medical management can improve quality of life and help control symptoms of this chronic lung condition.

Diet Guidelines for Coping with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing, persistent cough, fatigue, chest discomfort, and reduced appetite. While there is no cure, proper nutrition can play a vital role in managing symptoms. This article highlights essential foods to include and avoid, along with medications like Esbriet® that support treatment for pulmonary fibrosis.

Recommended Foods

Incorporate these foods to support lung health:

Whole grains

Oats, quinoa, and brown rice are rich in fiber and nutrients that help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, enhancing quality of life for patients.

Lean proteins

High-quality proteins such as skinless chicken, eggs, and fatty fish strengthen respiratory muscles and improve breathing. Plant-based options like beans, nuts, legumes, and tofu are excellent choices.

Fruits and vegetables

Consuming colorful produce like carrots, spinach, berries, kiwi, and pineapples provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals vital for lung support and symptom relief. These foods are also high in fiber, aiding digestion.

Foods to steer clear of

Certain foods can exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis symptoms:

Fried foods

Items like French fries, fried chicken, and chips may cause throat irritation, bloating, and gastric issues, making breathing more difficult. They can also contribute to weight gain, further impairing respiratory function.

Cured meats

Meats preserved with nitrates, such as bacon, hot dogs, ham, and salami, may damage lung tissue and worsen symptoms due to their preservative content.

Medications for pulmonary fibrosis

Medications like Esbriet® and OFEV® are often prescribed to manage the disease. Esbriet® (pirfenidone) helps slow lung scarring, while OFEV® (nintedanib) can reduce the decline in lung function, both aiding in symptom control and disease progression management.