Bronchiectasis and diet

Posted by ckscoville @ckscoville, Jul 26, 2020

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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@carollpeterson3206

Have you found a reputable brand? And has it been tested by a 3rd party? Would like to purchase some, but want to be sure it’s a pure quality product.
Thanks for your help

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Hi Caroll. I’m going to start taking mullein syrup but I’ve read that mullein tea is just as effective. I’ve used the National Library of Medicine as a source. Please research it on that website which I’ve been gravitating to. I’m new at this and everyone’s different so see what speaks to you and your symptoms and keep me updated, if you don’t mind. I’ll do the same. My pulmonologist is on vacation. He’s returning mid Feb., so this research is what I’ve been doing prior to our meeting to discuss my MAC diagnosis.

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@rbl

Before I was diagnosed with Mac and Bronchiectasis, I was unable to gain weight, I was 114 for the past 5 years. When I first started antibiotics I went down to 102 from lack of appetite. I was mostly eating vegetarian diet with some chicken and fish, no dairy. I met with a nutritionist and she pointed out that I wasn’t getting enough protein. I started drinking milk and eating Greek yogurt. I also have more beef and chicken and I’m up 125+lbs., my doctor was so excited. I keep track of what I eat in an app now and I can check my protein, calcium and etc daily. I eat throughout the day, trying to get everything in that I need to eat for the day. Sometimes I feel like my life is just breathing, eating , exercising and Dr. appointments. Looking forward to a slowdown in May, hopefully getting off meds. by then.

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Agree with: "Sometimes I feel like my life is just breathing, eating , exercising and Dr. appointments." Plus home therpy with Nebulizing, Aerobika, Vest etc. But we are living life...and doing what we should for the sake of ourselves and others, as well as what is best.
May we all persevere.

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Thank you former gardener! That’s new to me but very encouraging. I will start taking mullein syrup but will try this one next.

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I’m cautious about taking any herbs without consulting with doctors. Having said that, congrats to those who have good results that compliment your Rx meds. Whether it’s pharmaceutical companies or herbal companies, it is big business. I saw mention of licorice in the above discussions, I loved eating a piece of Australian licorice but as I get older noticed even two pieces makes my BP higher. It can have that effect. My son & daughter-in-law (50ish) are borderline fanatics about nutrition & exercise. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners, if they read ingredients and need to look up something not recognized, it is suspicious. I tease them that they will need to inherit my money because they will live to be 120.
I’m more in favor of another post that spoke of protein, fruits and veggies. Exercise! Today the produce isn’t as nutrient dense as it was 75 years ago. I try to avoid the dirty dozen produce if organic is available. I buy 100% grass fed no hormones, no antibiotics beef from Winola Farms. There are several local providers of free range chicken eggs. I have DIPNECH and bronchiectasis. After some rough bouts, went to Mayo. Doing much better. Mucinex as needed which is seldom.

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@jsuarez910

Hi Caroll. I’m going to start taking mullein syrup but I’ve read that mullein tea is just as effective. I’ve used the National Library of Medicine as a source. Please research it on that website which I’ve been gravitating to. I’m new at this and everyone’s different so see what speaks to you and your symptoms and keep me updated, if you don’t mind. I’ll do the same. My pulmonologist is on vacation. He’s returning mid Feb., so this research is what I’ve been doing prior to our meeting to discuss my MAC diagnosis.

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Thanks for that information, and happy to see you are way ahead of the game. I was on the big 3 for 10 months, and was taken off because of my weight, by Dr Daily at NJH. I was diagnosed 18 months ago, and recent CT scan not looking good. But hopefully with the nebulizing I can stay away from having to go back on the antibiotics. Thanks for information on Natl library, will check it out. Keep in touch!!

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It can all be confusing especially since BE is related to inflammation and what one should and should not eat with inflammation, like dairy and other things to avoid with inflammation. I have worked so hard to get the inflammation down and have as seen, noted, with those areas that were "inflammed" have gone down and back to what I consdier normal for me. Some Dieticians suggest eating fast absorbing carbos for gaining weight expecially if exercising, however most of these are causes of inflammation...... however one might need to decide for themselves how much slow absorbing carbos and how to handle the suggestion of a low amount of slow absorbing carbos vs a higher amoumt of fast absorbing carbos. I recently read an 80/20 suggestion also. My mucus tends to be so thick after the protein powder smoothie(s) and as well some of the other fast absorbing carbos. Probably best to do the fast absorbing carbos just before exercise....or after....however, we then need to not do it all, food intake, in consideration of when we are going to do neb/vest/aerobika etc. Any thoughts??

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@jsuarez910

Hi Sue, I’m new to this site & was just diagnosed with MAC a week ago. I also have bronchiectasis. I already do airway clearance and have been doing tons of research. I was curious about the weight issue that many in this group are commenting on. Do most who participate in the 3 drug treatment for Mac lose weight? Thanks

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I have not lost any weight

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@jessicamc

I’m cautious about taking any herbs without consulting with doctors. Having said that, congrats to those who have good results that compliment your Rx meds. Whether it’s pharmaceutical companies or herbal companies, it is big business. I saw mention of licorice in the above discussions, I loved eating a piece of Australian licorice but as I get older noticed even two pieces makes my BP higher. It can have that effect. My son & daughter-in-law (50ish) are borderline fanatics about nutrition & exercise. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners, if they read ingredients and need to look up something not recognized, it is suspicious. I tease them that they will need to inherit my money because they will live to be 120.
I’m more in favor of another post that spoke of protein, fruits and veggies. Exercise! Today the produce isn’t as nutrient dense as it was 75 years ago. I try to avoid the dirty dozen produce if organic is available. I buy 100% grass fed no hormones, no antibiotics beef from Winola Farms. There are several local providers of free range chicken eggs. I have DIPNECH and bronchiectasis. After some rough bouts, went to Mayo. Doing much better. Mucinex as needed which is seldom.

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Thanks for your response. You’re right in saying that you should speak with your doctor before taking herbal supplements. I’m definitely going to include mine.

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@ljostroga1973

I have not lost any weight

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So happy to hear that! I have hope and will try to stay positive.

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@rbl

Before I was diagnosed with Mac and Bronchiectasis, I was unable to gain weight, I was 114 for the past 5 years. When I first started antibiotics I went down to 102 from lack of appetite. I was mostly eating vegetarian diet with some chicken and fish, no dairy. I met with a nutritionist and she pointed out that I wasn’t getting enough protein. I started drinking milk and eating Greek yogurt. I also have more beef and chicken and I’m up 125+lbs., my doctor was so excited. I keep track of what I eat in an app now and I can check my protein, calcium and etc daily. I eat throughout the day, trying to get everything in that I need to eat for the day. Sometimes I feel like my life is just breathing, eating , exercising and Dr. appointments. Looking forward to a slowdown in May, hopefully getting off meds. by then.

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Dear RBL,
Congratulations on your success and perseverance. Regardless there are some days that are difficult.
I’m trying to track my protein intake also. Would you mind telling me the app you use? Is it user friendly? I’m not tech savvy.
Thanks

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