Most everyone knows that eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats reduces the risk of a number of diseases, including cancer and obesity. A study published this month shows that a healthy diet also reduces the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. COPD occurs when the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs are partially blocked, making it difficult to breathe. This finding is especially significant for women, because the COPD death rate for women nearly tripled between 1980 and 2000.
Smoking and second-hand smoke exposure are the main culprits of COPD, but not all smokers contract COPD. Additionally, this new study shows that even exsmokers had a lower risk of contracting COPD if they primarily consumed healthy foods. Also interesting: lean women (those with a body mass index less than 21) who consumed a higher fat diet with more refined sugars were more likely to contract COPD whether or not they exercised regularly.
Often smoking and poor eating habits go hand-in-hand, so it's clear that women who smoke are at an even greater risk for developing COPD than previously thought. However, these new findings also suggest that even women who used to smoke can help reduce their future risk for COPD by improving their diets. There are a number of resources available to improve eating habits. Here's a sample. Also visit with your doctor, who may be able to tell you about local resources in your community.
As for smoking...let's all breathe easier.
Smoking and second-hand smoke exposure are the main culprits of COPD, but not all smokers contract COPD. Additionally, this new study shows that even exsmokers had a lower risk of contracting COPD if they primarily consumed healthy foods. Also interesting: lean women (those with a body mass index less than 21) who consumed a higher fat diet with more refined sugars were more likely to contract COPD whether or not they exercised regularly.
Often smoking and poor eating habits go hand-in-hand, so it's clear that women who smoke are at an even greater risk for developing COPD than previously thought. However, these new findings also suggest that even women who used to smoke can help reduce their future risk for COPD by improving their diets. There are a number of resources available to improve eating habits. Here's a sample. Also visit with your doctor, who may be able to tell you about local resources in your community.
As for smoking...let's all breathe easier.
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