Food and Diet for CHF and COPD

Following a well-balanced diet will help your loved one feel better and enhance his energy level. Like any healthy diet, a CHF or COPD diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein, such as chicken, fish, or plant-based protein sources such as legumes, soy products such as tofu and soy milk, veggie burgers, seeds, and nuts.

Limit salt

Sodium makes the body retain fluid and makes the heart work harder, making breathing more difficult. One major source of sodium is salt. Reducing sodium intake will usually help reduce excess fluid and will improve the patient's well-being. Ask your loved one's health care provider about specific recommendations on limiting sodium intake.

Read food labels

Reading food labels is the best way to know how much salt is in the food you are eating. By reading the food labels you may discover that foods you thought were low in sodium (e.g., low in salt) really are not!

Control sodium intake by:

Checking the sodium content of foods. Many frozen dinners, canned soups and condiments are high in sodium.
Removing the saltshaker from the kitchen and dinner table. Out of sight, out of mind!
Using spices, herbs and other seasonings instead of salt to flavor food. Garlic, oregano, basil, curry, onion, parsley, rosemary, and lemon juice are all good alternatives.
Avoid salt substitutes and spices that taste salty. They generally contain other forms of salt that can be just as harmful. They may also contain potassium, which can significantly change your potassium level, especially if you take potassium supplements.
Eating fresh and frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables. Canned vegetables can be very high in sodium because salt is used as a preservative. Some frozen vegetables, such as those with cheese or cream sauces, can also be high in sodium.
Eating fresh fish, poultry, and meat instead of canned or processed meats.
Snacking on fresh vegetables instead of salty snack foods, such as pretzels, popcorn or chips.
Avoiding salted crackers, muffins and biscuits that contain salt, and stuffing mixes.

Beware: Other foods high in salt include sauces and gravies (especially those served in restaurants) and many fast food items such as french fries, fried chicken, and onion rings.

Eating several small meals throughout the day makes digestion easier on the body - uses less energy!
Avoid or limit foods that cause heartburn or gas - such bloating makes breathing more difficult.
Maintain good fluid intake. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, will help thin secretions, making it easier to cough up mucus.

Grocery Shopping

If you are a primary caregiver, chances are, you do the grocery shopping, or help with the trips. Limiting grocery trips can help conserve your loved one's physical strength. If your loved one does her own shopping, make sure she:

Uses an electric cart if one is available.
Uses a stable cart to lean against and to hold the oxygen tank.
Asks if the store has a service to help with shopping (most stores offer this service - if asked). Also, check to see if the store has an electric cart that you can use.
Asks for help - there's no shame in asking for help if you cannot reach a shelf or if the bags are too heavy.

Organizing the Kitchen

You might already prepare and serve food. If your loved one still enjoys cooking, help her to set up the kitchen in a way that conserves her energy. Be sure she:

Sits down while preparing food.
Puts every day items, such as toasters and blenders, on the counter tops, not on high shelves.
Keeps dishes, pots, and pans in easy reach - if she uses the same pans everyday, suggest washing them and leaving them on the stovetop.
Uses a microwave, if she has one. If not, buying a small inexpensive model can be a great aid for heating meals.