Healthy diet linked to lower risk of chronic lung disease

Public Release: 3-Feb-2015
BMJ-British Medical Journal

Eating a diet rich in whole grains, polyunsaturated fats and nuts -- and low in red and processed meat, refined grains and sugary drinks -- is associated with a lower risk of chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), finds a study published in The BMJ this week.

The finding supports the importance of a healthy diet to promote lung health.

COPD is an umbrella term for chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema and bronchitis, which block the airways and restrict oxygen flow around the body. It is currently ranked the third leading cause of death worldwide.

The predominant risk factor for COPD in the developed world is cigarette smoking, but up to one third of COPD patients have never smoked, suggesting that other factors are involved.

A healthy diet has been consistently linked with reduced risk of heart disease and cancer,

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