First of all, the old advice about avoiding dairy has been found to be true for only a few people who are dairy-sensitive. The theory was that dairy made your mucus thicker - testing by Dr McShane at UT Tyler has shown this is not so for most people.

Chronic disease (with or without infection) causes tissue damage that needs to be repaired - this means a high-protein, nutrient dense diet. Especially older adults do not get enough protein, so finding safe sources - fatty fish, lean chicken and pork, eggs, dairy and occasional beef, as well as legumes (beans) is important.

I don't put a lot of stock in all the books promoting one diet over another, and especially not any that "forbid" specific foods - unless you have a true allergy to them, or they interfere with a medication your are taking.

I don't know how you usually eat, but we fill our dinner plates with 2 or more vegetables, a starch, a serving of protein and a side of fruit. Sometimes it is separate dishes, other times a skillet meal or a hearty soup/stew. For breakfast, it is yogurt with fruits and pumpkin seeds or whole grain toast with peanut butter and a side of fruit. Lunch is leftovers from dinner, or a smoothie or a bowl of garden veggies with cottage cheese. Or if I am treating myself, hard cheese, crackers and fruit (watching that darn cholesterol.) At least 2 meals a week are based on beans - either a stew, a Southwestern rice/bean/chile bowl, or a stir-fry with tofu.

Why are you avoiding soy?

Not sure how the discussion about 7% saline vs. 3% saline morphed into a discussion about diet but okay. Hope you find the answers you need.

Michelle McDonald is a nutritionist at National Jewish Health who frequently does webinars sponsored by NTM Info and Research which I have found helpful. This is a link to her most recent webinar. Fear is pretty big in the beginning of this journey we are all on, and there is so much to learn! But most of us find ways to manage. Wishing you all the best.
Anna