Food Proportions
The diet for patients with chronic bronchitis and asthma differs significantly between periods without infection or flare-ups and periods with infection or flare-ups. The most crucial aspect is adjusting the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in food according to the patient's condition.
● Periods without infection or flare-ups
The total daily energy requirement is basically the same as for a healthy person, with higher protein intake from food and fat intake similar to that of a healthy person.
● Periods with infection or flare-ups
Fat should account for 35% (101g), protein for 18% (117g), and carbohydrates for 45% (290g) of the total daily intake. Carbohydrates should mainly come from grains and tubers, protein from grains, legumes, fish, and meat, and fat from legumes, fish, meat, and cooking oil.
Food Selection
● Avoid sucrose, sugary drinks, and sweets as much as possible.
● Soy-based foods should be the first choice for protein-rich foods. The reason is that chronic bronchitis, due to long-term brain hypoxia, often involves psychiatric symptoms, leading to a higher level of a substance called tryptophan in the brain. Several amino acids in soy can compete with tryptophan to enter the brain, thereby reducing the damage to brain function caused by tryptophan.
● Increase foods rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps repair the tracheal lining and lung tissue, and works with vitamin C to enhance immunity.
Food Preparation
Food should be light and low in salt. Steaming, stewing, and dressing are preferred cooking methods, while fried, deep-fried, smoked, and preserved foods should be consumed less. Identify allergens that trigger asthma to prevent recurrence.