Food is fuel for the body. Food is needed to do various things, and this includes breathing. However, if patients have breathing problems like asthma, allergies or COPD, then food consumption may become challenging. Take a look at some essential eating tips to help ensure much-needed nourishment without being zapped of all energy.

1. Clear your lungs
If you feel short of breath while eating, then you must clear the mucus from your lungs an hour before mealtime. To do so, you can try postural drainage, which involves lying in different positions to drain the mucus from your airways. Alternatively, you can try controlled coughing, as it releases the mucus and moves it through your airways. Lastly, you can also try using your inhaler.

2. Get proper rest before mealtime
If eating drains you of energy, then try taking a nap before mealtime. This will help you eat your food without getting tired. Also, even if you feel tired after eating, make sure to never lie down for at least 30 to 45 minutes afterward. That will only make it more difficult for your body to digest the food.

3. Keep your weight in check
If you are overweight, then your lungs have to work harder to perform all bodily functions. Similarly, if you are underweight, you will not possess the strength to ward off infections. So make sure to maintain a healthy body weight. You can get in touch with a nutritionist to chart a meal plan for your needs.

4. Eat frequently
This is one of the important eating tips to help you breathe better. When you consume large meals, your stomach puts immense pressure on your lungs and diaphragm. This, in turn, makes it even harder to breathe. So, instead of three heavy meals, go for five to six smaller meals throughout the day. This will also ensure that you stay full of energy at all times.

5. Drink more water
Staying hydrated throughout the day is important to keep the mucus thin. So try to have at least six to eight glasses of water every day. Also, you can have healthy drinks or water-rich foods to supplement your water intake.

6. Avoid foods that cause bloating
Foods that cause bloating or gas make it harder to breathe. So make sure to avoid them at all times. The most common gas-causing foods are apples, broccoli, certain beans, carbonated beverages, and fried foods, among others.

These are some helpful eating tips to help you battle breathing issues. If you have a nasal cannula, make sure to wear it while eating food. This will give your body the supplemental oxygen it needs for digestion.