Pulmonary Fibrosis Diet: Nutritional Tips for Respiratory Health and Support

Pulmonary fibrosis is a life-long lung disease that involves scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring will make your lungs stiff, reducing their ability to expand and function properly, leading to breathing difficulties. This condition is a lifelong medical condition but unfortunately, pulmonary fibrosis has no cure.

If you notice signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis and would like to have schedule a consultation with our pulmonologist, contact us by visiting Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center.

Being affected with pulmonary fibrosis can present several challenges. This condition can mean that you might experience several symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing. And as your disease progresses, your daily activities may become more challenging, impacting the overall quality of your life.

If you are living with pulmonary fibrosis, you should consider adopting a more balanced and nutritious diet to support your overall health. Here are some of the general dietary guidelines that might be helpful:

  • Lean proteins — Include sources of lean proteins, which can include poultry, fish, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy, to aid in gaining and/or maintaining muscle strength and repair.
  • Fruits and vegetables — Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help support your immune system.
  • Whole grains — Choose your whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat, to provide you fiber and to sustain your energy.
  • Healthy fats — Include sources of healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, to support heart health.
  • Hydration — Make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking enough fluids throughout the day, but be mindful of your individual fluid restrictions if prescribed by your medical provider.
  • Small and frequent meals — Consider having smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overeating and reduce the feeling of fullness, which might impact your breathing.
  • Limit sodium intake — Reduce your sodium intake to help manage your fluid retention, which is a common concern in pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Avoid or limit trigger foods — Identify and limit foods that may worsen your acid reflux, as reflux can also worsen your respiratory symptoms.

It is important to consult with your medical provider or a registered dietitian who can provide you a personalized advice based on your specific health needs and requirements. They can consider factors such as medications, comorbidities, and individual dietary preferences to create a tailored plan.

At Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center, we offer the best possible expertise and care in all aspects of pulmonology. If you experience signs and symptoms for pulmonary fibrosis, visit our pulmonologists. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://pulmonologistbrooklyn.com.