COPD and nutrition

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE is a chronic disease causing breathing difficulties.

Nutrition is important in maximising health in this condition

Some key points

• Excess Weight --if you are obese then it can be more difficult to carry the extra weight  and make you more breathless so gradual weight loss is a good idea
• Under weight can cause you to feel tired and lack energv--this can be checked by looking at the MUST https://www.bapen.org.uk/screening-and-must/must-calculator
• Adequate fluid is important so aim for 2 litres a day --all types of fluid are useful such as tea, coffee, herb and fruit teas, juices, low sugar soft drinks, milk and malted milks
• Regular meals of breakfast, lunch and evening meals are important. To save energy it is useful to cook 2 portions of meals and then freeze the other portion for later. Items such as a slow cooker does save time in cooking.
• Take 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day
• Ensure you take enough protein like meat, fish, eggs, cheese and pulses  

There is helpful information at https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/breathe-easy

The BDA has useful information on nutrition in COPD and you can always ask  your dietitian about advice

This is me giving a talk at the local Airways Group

SNACKS

Snacks are so useful for those with small appetites to maximise nutrition. However some snacks become mini meals or I have seen little children being given large sausage rolls and large bags of sweets as a snack.

Some ideas

Fruit of all types including the mini fruit pots ideal to keep in the office or tool box
Pop corn
Lentil snacks
Carrot sticks or celery sticks and hummus, or cottage cheese or my favourite marmite 
Nuts of all kinds eg almonds
Small portions of dried fruits
Crispbreads or oat biscuits on their own or with a topping
Small sandwich
Small slice of toast
Small bagel 
Rice cakes

The BRITISH DIETETIC ASSOCIATION HAS A USEFUL  FACT SHEET ON SNACKS

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VITAFOODS--GENEVA

View Online Version

I have been to this for a number of years and it is so good to see items ahead of when they become available .

Really useful for any one involved with diet and health

Went on the first day

A Fantastic Start to Vitafoods Europe 2019 Vitafoods Europe 2019 has officially opened today, presented by KSM-66 in association with FrieslandCampina, and welcomed thousands of visitors from around the world to network and discover the latest products and ingredients to emerge in the Nutraceutical market. It has been a successful day across the whole exhibition with all areas of nutraceuticals being prominent at the show through the following areas:

New Products Zone New Ingredients Zone Packaging Zone Sustainability Square Sports Nutrition Zone Tasting Centre

Don't forget to visit these areas during the second day of the event to explore new sustainable products and ideas being introduced to the market.

Visit our NEW feature: Sustainability Square - K90 Visit the brand new Sustainability Square located at the heart of the show, to learn about insights within nutraceuticals, and our commitment for a more sustainable future. Discover the latest consumer trends through iPad presentations and take a short survey asking: "What does nutraceutical mean to you", to receive a reusable water bottle.

HOSPITAL CATERERS ASSOCIATION (HCA)

The HCA represents those who are involved in hospital catering. Food and fluids are absolutely key to a patients recovery so the catering is a vital aspect of this.

The HCA has regular branch meetings for members and I have belonged to the Oxford branch of the HCA for a number of years.  This year I have been appointed as branch secretary so responsible for organising meetings.

The HCA has an annual Forum where the latest research and practice is discussed. This year the forum theme is

EVOLUTION TO RESOLUTION - 11TH-12TH APRIL 2019 CELTIC MANOR RESORT

SELF EMPLOYED NUTRITIONISTS

http://www.sense-nutrition.org.uk


Went to a brilliant meeting of SENSE today --really useful information

So I thought it would be helpful to write about SENSE

SENSE is the original network of professional nutrition consultants who work on a self employed basis. It was established in 1996 and aims to help and promote self-help of all self employed or freelance nutritionists and/or those with interests in the general area of food and nutrition. Members have a wealth of skills and experience.

Two meetings are held annually – Spring and Autumn.

Electronic networking service to its members

Register of members gives contact details of members and lists details of their expertise

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Have you joined us on Twitter yet?
The fastest way to receive the latest news and research from SENSE members.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS INCLUDING VEGAN SOURCES

Omega 3 fatty  acids are required for body functions including brain and heart heath.

There are quite limited sources of  omega 3 containing foods but they do include, oily fish --which is why we are recommended to eat one portion of oily fish each week --a portion being about 140 g in weight.

Eggs are a good source as well as certain spreads.

Some plant sources can be used including seeds and oils such as olive oil and rapeseed oil. The body has to convert the substances contained in these to omega 3 fatty acids. Such processes can be quite convoluted.

Oils such as linseed oil can be useful to boost omega 3 fatty acids as they contain substances which provide a much more rapid conversion.

There are not a great deal of suppliers of such oils and one I came across is

https://www.thegreatbritishlinseedcompany.com/

Other sources of linseed oil  can be found in health food shops and at local markets

RSPH TRAINING

Today I have been training in level 2 food safety and hygiene in Northampton. I run this on a pro-bono basis and it is a really useful qualification to help people get back into work.

Lots of excellent RSPH courses