High energy foods to beat COPD fatigue-Lovego Weekly Report

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High energy foods to beat COPD fatigue

Living with COPD may mean that you have to go slow on physical activities. This is because breathing is much harder and you have to pace yourself to keep from feeling fatigued. Because your body has to exert more effort to breathe, the muscles that support respiration may need to use up about 10 times more calories to work properly.

Though this may mean that you have to consume more calories, too many from the wrong sources may lead to unhealthy weight gain that may make COPD even more challenging. Thus, it’s important to know which foods can give you just the right amount of energy without being unhealthy for you. Here are a number of foods that you can eat as snacks or incorporate into your meals for that much-needed energy to get you throughout the day without feeling fatigued.

Nuts and Seeds. Popularly known for being healthy snacks, nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are packed with protein that provides extended energy to beat off fatigue. Just a handful of these nuts and seeds in between meals can help you feel full and energized for longer, unlike snacks made up of refined carbohydrates whose energy boost only lasts for a few minutes and leaves you feeling sluggish afterward. Additionally, nuts and seeds contain magnesium that helps fight fatigue buildup in your muscles. Aside from eating them whole, a lot of nuts, like almond and cashew, can be made into highly satisfying nut butters that make for yummy sandwiches!

Cheese, milk and other dairy items. Cheeses and milk are excellent sources of calcium, protein, and a bit of fat, along with other nutrients to keep you from feeling tired. Dairy items are calorie-dense, meaning that they greatly help you meet the energy and nutrient requirements you need throughout the day. Dietitians usually recommend a higher caloric intake for COPD patients, and taking in milk and dairy can help you meet such requirements more easily. Additionally, calcium helps support and stabilize bones. Instead of spreading jam onto your bread, use a slice of cheese instead. You can also use milk to make your smoothies creamier, at the same time getting more energy from your drink.

Beans and legumes. Beans are power-packed with fiber and protein, making them an ideal addition to your daily food items, either as a snack or part of your meal. The fiber they contain also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, preventing the extreme fluctuations that sweet, sugary foods can cause. Aside from this, legumes also contain zinc, which experts have found to be an essential part of a COPD diet that can help improve symptoms. They are also packed with B vitamins, iron and potassium. Peas, black beans, lentils, and other types of legumes are inexpensive, offer diverse choices, and can easily be added as part of your meals.

Yogurt. Aside from milk and cheese, yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. Plus, the probiotics it contains act as important digestive aids to break down food for easy absorption of nutrients and minerals. Yogurt is also readily digested, giving you quick energy burst after consumption. You can top your yogurt with fresh fruit slices, or add it into your smoothies and shakes for an extra source of nutrients.

Spinach. This leafy green food may be unassuming, but is quite a good source of iron. Lack of iron can result to frequent fatigue and sleepiness, thus, a good COPD diet should supply you with adequate amounts of this mineral. Spinach contains iron together with Vitamin C, which work together for better absorption into your system. It also contains a great deal of Vitamin K, folate, magnesium and B-vitamins. Add some spinach to eggs, take it as a salad snack, or saute it with onions as a simple side dish.

Eggs. This very versatile food is usually a staple at every home, and why not, as it provides a great deal of protein for lasting energy. Eggs also contain a variety of B-vitamins, phosphorus and selenium. So unless you’re allergic to eggs, they are actually a good source of energy and can be added to almost every meal.

Oatmeal. Throw out those sugary cereals and switch them up with oatmeal. Oatmeal’s unique characteristics don’t give you the extreme blood sugar spikes and the sugar crash that comes after consuming refined carbohydrates. This is because oatmeal contains high amounts of fiber that is digested slowly and makes you feel fuller for longer. Add some milk and fruit slices to that oatmeal bowl and you’ve got a filling snack to keep fatigue at bay!

Knowing the right foods that help give your lungs and muscles the energy they need to function optimally can help ease the difficult symptoms that come with COPD. Once you start adding the foods above to your snacks and meals, you’ll notice that you feel more energetic throughout the day and ready to do the tasks at hand. You’ll also be able to free yourself from feeling sluggish and fatigued at certain points during the day. So, whether you’re home or going grocery shopping, be sure to keep a high-energy snack with you at all times so you’ll be able to keep fatigue from beating you up!


Do you have other high-energy foods that you recommend? What are your go-to foods for optimal energy? We’d be glad to hear about them in the comments below!

Lovego Service

Email: service@oxygencare.cn

Tel:86-0755-23733851

Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China

COPD and Living with pets-Lovego Weekly Report

Weekly Report

COPD and Living with pets

Having COPD comes with various challenges, and sometimes, it may mean having to give up some things that are important to you. Between having to modify your home arrangement and give up strenuous physical activities, you may also need to decide whether or not you can still keep your furry, four-legged friends.

It is common knowledge that having pets in the home, especially cats, dogs and other animals that shed fur, may be a cause for concern if you have COPD. Animal dander, in some cases, can make symptoms more severe, and can even be a trigger for exacerbations. Despite all these, many COPD patients have opted to keep their pets close, and so far have been able to manage well.
Additionally, studies do claim that animal therapy, or the presence of a pet in the home, does have certain benefits such as stress relief and as an aid in coping with the disease. If you have a pet or are thinking of getting one, yet are concerned with the challenges it may pose to your condition, here are some things you can do to make sure your pet doesn’t contribute to any COPD exacerbations.

Have an allergy test. This is one of the first and most important steps you should do before considering keeping an old pet or getting one. This test usually involves either a skin test or a blood test, where medical laboratory personnel try to determine which substances you are allergic to. If results show that you aren’t allergic to animal dander and fur, then you can keep your furry friend close by. If, unfortunately, you are allergic to this, you may have to consider going without a dog or cat, as allergens trigger mucus buildup and airway constriction, which can lead to exacerbations. As you can see, this test can ultimately determine whether or not you can have furry animals inside your home. You can ask your doctor where you can get an allergy test done.

Vacuum regularly. Once you decide to keep a pet, you should maintain your indoor area free from pet dander and fur. Choose a high-powered vacuum to do the job for you, as such models are more efficient and do a more thorough job. Set a regular schedule for vacuuming your carpets and rugs to eliminate any fur, dander or dust that may trigger COPD symptoms. Make sure to get all the areas around your home that your pet goes to, since eliminating as much fur and animal shedding is crucial. If you’re unable to do the vacuuming regularly, you can also ask a family member or friend help every now and then.

Opt for hardwood or tiles. Instead of the usual carpeted floors, you can take a big step to reduce animal dander in your home by going for hardwood or tile flooring instead. Though carpets may be more comfortable for you and may be easily vacuumed, they are actually more difficult to maintain. Over time, dust, animal dander and fur can get lodged and tangled into the carpet fibers and may not be readily removed by vacuuming. Tiles and hardwood are much more convenient to clean, and you can be sure that no particles get stuck or lodged into cracks and fibers. Replacing your carpet with hard flooring is ultimately an investment for your health.

Check your litter box. Anywhere there’s a cat, a litter box isn’t far away. Though such things may seem quite innocent, a number of kitty litter brands can have dust issues. Pouring out the litter usually raises dust, which can severely irritate the airways. There are actually litter brands that are low-dust alternatives, so better choose from among these types. If you can’t find one, another resort would be to have someone else do the litter-changing for you.

Bedrooms should be kept pet-free. No matter how much you love your pets and want to be around them all the time, you have to see to it that your health is kept a priority. Thus, this “no pets” rule should hold, even if just in your bedroom. Your room is where you spend 6-8 hours of your time sleeping, and as much as possible, should be the area that is impeccably free from any allergens or irritants. So unless you want to vacuum your room every day and change the sheets every night, keep your pet away from your bedroom at all costs. This will make sure that you have a place to run to whenever your COPD symptoms get overwhelming and if you need an escape from the other areas of the house.

Choose an appropriate pet. If all else fails and your cat or dog can’t stay with you, you can opt to have another type of pet that doesn’t shed and give off dander. Such options are getting a fish aquarium, a bird, or a small reptile (an iguana or lizard can do). On the brighter side, such types of animals do not require a high level of maintenance around the home. These options can also help cheer you up with their charm and color.

While life may be easier without a pet to clean up after, anyone who has had a dog or cat can understand how precious such companions can be. Though many people enjoy the presence of a cat on their lap or a dog beside them, the presence of these companions is all the more comforting to people who have certain health challenges. Ask any pet lover, and you’ll know that the joy and cheer these pets bring is more than enough to make up for the extra effort needed to keep the home neat and clean.


Do you have a pet of your own at home? We’d love to hear your tips and stories on living with pets despite having COPD!

Lovego Service

Email: service@oxygencare.cn

Tel:86-0755-23733851

Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China

Sleeping better with COPD-Lovego Weekly Report

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Sleeping better with COPD 

Having COPD comes with various signs and symptoms, and one of the most common is being unable to get a good night’s sleep. The lack of oxygen you may experience while lying down results in sleep impairment, causing you to wake up struggling for air and being unable to go back to sleep. This lack of quality sleep can also lead to being more fatigued the next day, a weaker immune system, and being unable to maintain proper weight.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to sleep better despite having COPD. In this article, we’ve rounded up a number of ways that can help you get a good night’s sleep and keep your health in better shape.

Check your sleeping position. Changing your sleeping position can have a large impact on your sleep quality. Lying down can be uncomfortable for patients with COPD because the airways usually have difficulty staying open. Some patients work around this by propping themselves up on higher pillows, since an upright position makes it easier to breathe. This position, however, can also be quite uncomfortable as the hours pass, possibly disrupting sleep. Your best bet is to sleep on your side. This position keeps the airways open and prevents any pressure on the throat, thus minimizing the chances of breathing problems while you snooze.

Keep your head higher. Aside from checking your sleeping position, you can also check whether your head is in the right position when sleeping. When you sleep on your side, make sure that your head is supported well and propped up higher by comfortable pillows. Keeping your head elevated prevents airway restriction that may lead to serious breathing problems. Using one to two pillows can help provide adequate head support to maintain open airways.

Look into your medications. Though its usually the symptoms of COPD that affect sleep quality, there are times when your medications could be contributing to your nighttime woes. Talk to your doctor about your medications, and ask whether any of them may have side effects that lead to sleep disruption. You can also do your own research and look up the side effects of your medications. If you notice that a certain drug may be causing your sleeping difficulties, ask your doctor for an alternative drug. Note that you should always consult your physician when attempting to stop or switch medications. You may also ask your doctor for any possibility of adjusting your medication schedule, so that any drugs that can help you breathe better can be taken at night.

Don’t go to sleep hungry. Attempting to sleep with a growling stomach will only further aggravate your sleeping difficulties. If it’s been a few hours after dinner and you still feel hungry before bedtime, snack on some high-protein food, like nuts or cheese. Try to avoid carbohydrate and sugar-rich snacks before bed since these stimulate your metabolism, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Also, avoid any caffeinated drinks starting in the afternoon. Don’t drink soft drinks or other carbonated beverages, either, which can cause trouble breathing from the gas that pushes up on the diaphragm.

Meditate and do deep breathing. Meditation and breathing at least 15 minutes before going to bed can help your body and mind wind down and relax. You can do this by simply sitting quietly and taking long, deep breaths. Focus on your breaths for at least 5 to 10 minutes, and feel the tension from your body ease up. Aside form putting you into a state of relaxation, this practice also helps clear up your airways of any mucus that can make breathing more difficult once you lie down.

Use supplemental oxygen. If you are on supplemental oxygen around the clock or for a number of hours a day, don’t turn it off at bedtime. Having supplemental oxygen while sleeping helps keep your blood oxygen levels stable, allowing you to sleep better throughout the night. If your doctor prescribes oxygen only on an “as needed” basis, ask him or her if using supplemental oxygen at bedtime may help you sleep more easily.

Aside from following these tips above, you can also make sure that your room is conducive to sleeping. The temperature should be cool, while the room should be completely dark. Having a sleep schedule also helps, where you go to bed at the same time each night. All of these can help you sleep better and be more energized the following day!

Do you have any other tips to sleep better? We’d be glad to hear about them in the comments below!

Lovego Service

Email: service@oxygencare.cn

Tel:86-0755-23733851

Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China

Staying positive despite COPD-Lovego weekly report

Weekly report

Staying positive despite COPD

All the medications and health precautions that come with COPD can leave you feeling overwhelmed and troubled with all the changes needed. These, plus the stress of coping with the bothersome symptoms of the disease, can leave your emotions out of control. When left unchecked, these emotions gone haywire can lead to anxiety and even depression, leaving a strain on your mental and emotional health. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the blues and stay positive despite COPD.

Choose a good physician. Having a great doctor means that you can communicate openly with him or her, and are not hesitant to trust his or her opinions. A good physician can provide sound medical advice while still being able to put you at ease and make you feel better despite your perceived difficulties regarding your condition. This type of relationship with your doctor can have a positive impact on how you view your condition, especially if your doctor is able to put you at ease and make you see the bright side of things.

Set a daily goal. Being able to achieve something every day can boost your morale and give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Set a slightly challenging yet achievable goal that makes you look forward to getting up the next day and doing it. No matter how small your goal is, like walking a bit more every day or doing one more chore, every accomplished goal is a sign of progress and can help keep you feeling more productive, more capable, and less anxious about your condition.

Have a new hobby, or resume an old one. If your condition has stopped you from having any hobbies, now can be the right time to start thinking about what your interests are. Even if some hobbies, such as playing sports or frequent traveling, can be off-limits, there are numerous other things you can keep yourself busy with. Creating crafts, gardening, and puzzles, and even yoga and Tai chi can help keep you occupied while also being great for your mental, emotional and physical health. Additionally, many hobbies can be done with family members and friends. This means that you get to spend more time with your loved ones, too!

Practice positive thinking. Everything is a matter of perspective, so they say. Having a positive outlook can only come about by practicing positive thinking. Many studies have shown that a positive attitude can make patients cope much better with their condition, leading to a more rapid recovery or a slower progression of the disease. Though at some moments, it may be difficult to dispel darker thoughts, doing positive self-talk and getting used to positive affirmations can be accomplished with continuous practice. Identify negative thoughts and change the way you perceive such thoughts. Check in constantly and be aware whenever a negative thought creeps in. Then, find something positive about the thought, or try to assure yourself that things could be worse and that something good will come out of the situation. In time, you’ll see that you’ve become more optimistic about things and not tend to worry too much.

Find ways to laugh more. Be it sharing jokes or watching a good comedy movie, it’s easy to find ways to laugh more. When you laugh, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel more relaxed, feel less pain, feel more at ease, and be less stressed. This shows that there may actually be a basis to the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Also, remember that to some extent, how you act can influence how you feel and think. Thus, seeking out ways to laugh more can actually make you a happier, more positive person. Try joking around with your family at the dinner table, or watch funny videos on the internet. In no time, you’ll end up laughing at yourself, too. You’ll see that it really isn’t that difficult to cheer yourself up!

Staying happier and keeping negative thoughts at bay isn’t really that difficult. Once you get used to thinking and staying positive, you’ll notice that you actually feel better about your condition. This will also help you stay motivated and energetic despite the symptoms of COPD.


Do you have any more tips to staying positive and feeling happier? How has staying positive helped you with your condition? Do share with us in the comments below!

Lovego Service 

Email: service@oxygencare.cn

Tel:86-0755-23733851

Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China

What happens when you breathe- Lovego Weekly report

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What happens when you breathe

We talked about many tips to live a better life when battle with COPD. This week, let’s return back and see what happens when we breathe:


Air enters through our mouth or nose, the epiglottis opens to allow the air into our windpipe, and the air travels through the bronchi into the bronchioles, which look like the branches on an upside-down tree, getting smaller the farther into your lungs they go. (The bronchi and bronchioles together are often referred to as bronchial tubes.) At the end of each of these branches is a cluster of microscopic air sacs called alveoli that look like bunches of tiny grapes or soap bubbles. Each little sac — there are about 300 million of them in a healthy lung — is covered in small blood vessels. When you inhale, the blood in the pulmonary capillaries is high in carbon dioxide and low in oxygen. The oxygen in the air you breathe in is absorbed from your air sacs into your blood, and the carbon dioxide in your blood is transferred into your air sacs. You then expel the carbon dioxide from your body when you exhale. And your blood carries its new load of oxygen to your heart, your brain, and the rest of your body. (This process, known as the gas exchange, because it’s the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide, is illustrated in above picture.) All this takes only a fraction of a second, and your body does it all on its own, an average of 15 to 25 times every minute while you’re resting. That’s because your medulla, hypothalamus, and cortex send and receive signals from your lungs and special cells throughout your respiratory system that continually monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. And when you hold your breath, your brain sends a signal to your lungs ordering them to start breathing again.


Your central nervous system has a variety of specialized cells that monitor the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. These cells send signals to your brain when the levels are out of balance. Some of these cells are located in your aorta, the largest artery in your body, which begins at your heart. Some are located in your carotid arteries, the arteries on either side of your neck that supply oxygen to


your brain. Still others are located in your brain stem. The cells in the brain stem pay particular attention to the carbon dioxide level in the fluid that encompasses your brain and spinal cord. If too much carbon dioxide is in this fluid, your lungs receive a signal to increase the rate of breathing and to take in deep breaths. When the carbon dioxide level drops to an acceptable level, your breathing rate returns to normal.

Lovego Service 

Email: service@oxygencare.cn

Tel:86-0755-23733851

Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China