Bronchiectasis and diet
I’ve heard and read conflicting views and recommendations regarding the best diet for those of us with Bronchiectasis, esp. regarding dairy products and whether they contribute to mucus production. What have you found out regarding diet and foods that trigger problems?
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Dear @lilianna
Here is an article about how to recover your guts when taking antibiotics. They highly recommend taking probiotics with antibiotics together. I think your food plus probiotics will help a lot. I wish you safe and sound! 🙂
https://drruscio.com/taking-probiotics-with-antibiotics/
Hi!
I have heard that milk can have a mucus-producing quality, and I'm wondering if the products like Boost and Ensure are known for doing the same? With Bronchiectasis, I try to avoid ANY mucus-producing products or actions.
Thank you for any information.
Jan Skallerud
Hi Jan.
If you want to avoid milk-based protein shakes, Orgain, Suja, and Koia and a few other companies offer dairy-free vegan shakes. I alternate whey shakes with vegan shakes, and am trying to cut down on dairy products. Good luck!
In Canada, we have a meal replacement called 'Sperri' which is vegan and dairy, soy and gluten free.
I do not find that this causes any extra sputum production.
Apparently it is now available in some states.
I am dealing with a triple challenge, bronchiectasis, severe osteoporosis and a chronic low sodium level, which can accelerate osteoporosis. I don't have a lot of mucus and am afraid to avoid dairy. If I don't drink more than the average amount of water my mucus becomes thicker and stubborn rather than staying juicy. I am grateful that I can exercise: bicycling, walking and strength training. My pulmonologist doesn't weigh in on finding the right balance. He ordered a CT because of recent recurrence of hemoptysis and because it's been awhile. Any ideas on the best approach? (I use an Aerobika and recently started adding Active Cycle of Breathing.)
It's wonderful that you can exercise! From the helpful people on this and other forums I've learned that exercise and airway clearance are key. Are you doing airway clearance twice daily (nebulizing. 3% or 7% saline) before using the Aerobic and doing the Active Cycle of Breathing? Best of luck to you.
I am doing airway clearance with the Aerobika twice a day since I was diagnosed in March '23. I first learned about Active Cycle of Breathing on this community about 2 weeks ago and have been doing it either before or after using my device. (I haven't figured out which sequence is more effective.) My pulmonologist has never mentioned nebulizing nor have ever I had a sputum culture. His notes on my portal mentioned a sputum culture if I "continue to have trouble". So as a retired RN I can see that his treatment regime is VERY conservative.
What type of probiotics does everyone suggest?
NJH dietician suggests Jarro-Dophilus EPS. Non-GMO, gluten free, vegetarian, 10 Billion CFU