Does diet play a role in lung disease?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD for short) is the name for a number of lung diseases that can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and swelling of the airways. The most common forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD, but not every smoker develops COPD, which suggests that other factors may also play a role. A study of more than 70,000 women examined diet's role in COPD. The women were asked about their smoking history, their diet, and whether they had developed COPD during the 16-year study period. Based on the women's descriptions of their diet, two major dietary patterns were identified. One was characterized by generous amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods, including fish, poultry, and lowfat dairy products. The other pattern included a high use of refined grains, red meats, sweets, and high-fat dairy products. Women who developed COPD tended to have a dietary pattern that was more typical of the Standard American Diet--lots of red meat, refined grains, sweets, and fried foods. The more plant-based pattern was associated with a reduced risk of developing COPD. While we can't conclusively say that a vegetarian diet can reduce risk of COLD, it seems likely that a vegetarian diet that includes generous amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains would be beneficial. Of course, stopping smoking (or never starting) is the most important step one can take to reduce the risk of developing COPD.

Varraso R, Fung TT, Barr RG, et al. 2007. Prospective study of dietary patterns and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among U.S. women. Am J Clin Nutr 86:488-95.

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