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 everyone,
My name is Suzanne, I am 55 years old and I got diagnosed by Mac Lung Disease. I like to learn more about your experiences, taking the medications and treatments.
Join the Facebook Group named Lung Matters, it is an excellent group also. I've been fighting MAC, Bronchiectasis, cavitation, fungal, and more for over 5 years. We learn to treat it, live with it, and continue our somewhat normal lives.
HI, are you on meds, or do you just do all the clearance modalities?
So how are those changes working for you?
I haven’t thought about that post for a long time but happy to say that I’m feeling better than I was when I wrote it.
Despite occasionally feeling overwhelmed and indulging in my own personal “pity parties”, I’ve been diligent with most of the changes I made back then and made others as I’ve learned more about this disease. I’ve found that getting mac has changed my life, in some ways good and in other ways not so good. I walk a fine line between seeing everything through a Mac lens (and sometimes being impossible to be around) and remembering to get out and enjoy life. This forum has been a lifesaver.
@kathyhg I am curious to learn about other changes you’ve made aside from diet that have helped?
I take NAC 600
Yes! I agree!! I make a big smoothie every morning and rotate some of the good gut choices and lots of organic berries + greens, superfoods...no dairy. (Northwest wild foods has some great berries you probably cannot find in your area, very high in antioxidants ..immune boosting) Avoiding the foods Thumper mentioned can help with inflammation as well!! (which is basically what we are dealing with) All of these changes + many more has helped my conditions and my CT's have even improved. (not expected!) Blessings!
Hi Kathleen - I continue to use dairy in my smoothies, homemade Greek yogurt with nothing added. Years ago, due to my thick, sticky mucus, we did a 2 month dairy-free test to see if it would help - no change. So I went back to limited dairy for the calcium and other nutrients. Greek yogurt, hard cheeses, and lactose free milk.
So my smoothies have a big scoop of yogurt as well as whatever I find in the fridge.
We visit our local farmers' markets for fresh local produce and it makes up at least 50% of our daily diet. We have a diverse community near both of our homes, so have added many new and unfamiliar foods at the urging of local producers.
Sue
I try to use Goat dairy as it is easier to digest (for me). Goat milk, kefir, cheese. I think dairy is very individual. Some bodies do fine with it and some do not! I am glad I tolerate it as there are so many things I do not tolerate!