A healthy diet is a critical component in supporting the health of all people, but especially so for people living with pulmonary fibrosis. A healthy diet helps maintain a healthy weight, keep up energy levels and strengthen the immune system. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the lungs and make it harder to breathe.² Being underweight can lead to weakening of the muscles involved in breathing.³

The types of food you eat throughout your day will affect your overall health and wellbeing.¹ People with pulmonary fibrosis can often have a lack of appetite, however it is important to still try to eat regularly and healthily.

Making sure you eat a well-balanced diet, with enough proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, vitamins and minerals will also help you to fight infections and other illnesses.⁴

What are the effects of poor nutrition?⁵

By managing your nutrition and eating a healthy diet, you can overcome some of the weight-related and digestive problems that patients with pulmonary fibrosis can experience.

For example, some people find that as symptoms like breathlessness worsen, they rapidly begin to lose weight. This can be because their body is finding it harder to breathe and using up more energy to breathe normally. Patients may also lose their appetite and at times have episodes of sickness and vomiting.⁵

Speak to your treatment team if you feel you are unable to prepare your meals.

Simple tips to help improve your nutrition when living with pulmonary fibrosis^5,6

The below tips can help you in everyday life to prevent weight loss, nutritional deficiencies or digestive problems:

• If you struggle to eat large meals, try instead to eat six to eight small dishes which are high in calories and in nutrients

• Take plenty of snacks with you if you plan to be active for more than two hours. Fruit, nuts, or sandwiches are good practical choices

• Drink two to three liters of water per day

• Make sure you eat enough high-protein foods. Meat and dairy products like yoghurt and cheese have lots of protein to help your strength. High-protein foods should be included in your diet several times a day

• Try to keep a supply of plenty of frozen foods, snacks and other non-perishables. That way, preparing a meal is easy and quick whenever you need it

• If you have diarrhea, avoid spicy and sour food, and food that is high in sugar and fat

• Try to avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks and fruit juice

• To prevent weight loss, eat more high-fat foods like cheeses, cream-based foods and yoghurts, or high-calorie drinks like fresh fruit juice or yoghurt drinks

Key takeaways