Those suffering from any form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have to be highly conscious of their diet. They need to maintain adequate weight with adequate nutrition to maintain immunity. Muscle and organ deterioration have to be compensated with high-protein foods. Sugar and junk food increase the risk of an attack. Healthy and nutritious food are essential. The main ingredients to add to the juice or smoothie are foods with a high level of antioxidants and foods which are cleansing and detoxifying.

Citrus fruits and berries are great antioxidant foods. Vegetables can also be added. Parsley, dandelion, and spinach are detoxifying foods. A base like coconut water, apple juice or orange juice Is added to the smoothie instead of water, to improve taste and nutritional value. Pineapple juice also forms a tasty and healthy base. Herein, we provide recipes for some healthy smoothies that COPD patients can add to their dietary regime. The smoothies can be had in between meals or alongside regular meals:

1. Berry smoothie
Blend together one cup of fresh-pressed apple juice, one fresh banana, one to two cups of berries (blueberries or raspberries), and ¼ cup of soaked and drained walnuts. Berries and bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals. Walnuts are a rich storehouse source of omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe gives two to two and a half cups of smoothie.

2. Citrus and spinach smoothie
Blend ¾ cup of orange juice with two handfuls of spinach, a small bunch of parsley, and one pineapple ring. This super combination of fruits and vegetables will energize you and provide adequate nutrition.

3. Pineapple papaya juice
Blend fresh mint one pineapple peeled and cut and I medium peeled and deseeded papaya. This juice is filled with vitamins and minerals. Papaya has a high content of Vitamins B12 and B6 as well as folates. These vitamins are very good to reduce the incidence of asthma and improve lung functions. Oranges and cantaloupe melons are also high in Vitamin B. Pineapple is the base and mint is the detoxifier. Papayas can be substituted by cantaloupe or mangoes.

4. Anti-inflammatory juice
This juice is a great anti-inflammatory healer. This reduces inflammation and infections in the body. It helps increase immunity. Blend four celery stalks, half a cucumber, one cup pineapple, half a green apple, one cup of spinach, one teaspoon lemon juice and a one-inch piece of ginger. Parsley is a fantastic antioxidant. This juice can be had on an empty stomach too.

5. Add turmeric

Adding a pinch of turmeric in juices will certainly be helpful in a COPD diet. Curcumin in turmeric helps fight oxidative stress that is believed to be the underlying cause of COPD. It suppresses the inflammation that leads to COPD and must be included in the dietary regime.

6. Ginger, carrot, turmeric and grapefruit juice
Blend three medium carrots, half-inch fresh ginger, a half teaspoon of turmeric powder or a half-inch piece of fresh turmeric and half a grapefruit. Using fresh turmeric is recommended, but since it is hard to find in stores, use powdered turmeric or turmeric extract as the last option.

7. Radish detox smoothie
Radish is good for fighting diseases and rescuing cells from destruction by free radicals. Radishes also regulate blood pressure and relieve congestion and prevent respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Blend one bunch of radish, one ripe banana, ½ cup raspberries or strawberries, and one and a half cup of coconut water. Add coconut milk and a pinch of salt to spruce up the taste.

8. H20

Drink plenty of water to keep the mucus in your airways thin and to make it easier to clear your lungs. At least 8 to 10 glasses of water are ideal. A healthy diet may not cure COPD but it will help your body to fight off infections. Eating healthfully can help to improve resistance to chest infections.