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?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Hi @poodledoc ...I am in total agreement with your approach to health and am currently on my 3rd read of The China Study. There is so much good information in that book. For anyone reading this post...I too have had excellent results with my health since transitioning from a vegetarian diet to a vegan diet several years ago. My shortness of breath is barely discernable, mucus is down and I have had no illness or even a cold since embracing a vegan, Whole Food Plant-Based Diet. I must admit the positives from the elimination of dairy and eggs have been very noticeable but the true reason for my change was to do no harm to any living animal. As I look at my cats and dog I know all living creatures deserve compassion....and I could no longer pay for someone else to do carnage.
Anyway, for me....no sugar, a very small amount of oil sourced from avocado or olive, no alcohol, gluten-free and total plant-based. I do cheat and have a little of Amy's gluten-free vegan pizza once a week. Ha! Gotta have some fun!! I have been wanting to tune into the Game Changers and will look that up now at your recommendation. Thank you...Bill!
Kate
Thanks Kahyhg for asking my questions re Kimchi! Is having bronchiectasis your primary motivator for the diet you speak of?
Bronchiecstasis and MAC. I’ve just ordered the books mentioned in an earlier post too. I’ll see if I can try a vegan diet or start on that road.
Thanks
Some dairy is actually beneficial. Most of the organic cheeses are "raw" or "unpasteurized". This is different or safer somehow than raw milk but still contains all of the lung benefits of raw dairy. Also organic whey protein powder is one of the best food sources of glutathione. Glutathione is something I learned about in this group as being a powerhouse for the lungs.
What is MAC?
A difficult to get rid of bacteria.
Mycobacterium avium complex. A lot of people on this forum have it. Consider yourself fortunate that you don’t know what it is.
It’s better to look it up than have me try to explain it!
@barbb MAC stands for mycobacterium avium complex . It is considered to be a rare lung disease . Unlike TB it is not considered a contagious disease. It is usually treated with three strong antibiotics for at least a year. Generally a person will have a bronchoscopy, CT scan, blood work checks, and periodic sputum checks during the MAC journey. Most people have the MAC bacteria but are not infected with it. When it becomes an infection it becomes problematic. irene5
Amen “to fortunate not to have it.” Wish many of us could say the same. It’s nasty.
Thanks for your explanation. Now that you have explained that so well....can you or anyone explain what the relationship is between MAC and Bronchiectasis? Obviously there are similarities but beyond that?