Heather Driscoll, RD, MBA is a Registered Dietitian and Manager of Clinical Nutrition at the University of Colorado Hospital. She has both a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Her specialties include nutrition and aging, eternal nutrition, nutrition advancement with neurosurgery, and nutrition in respiratory disease.

Is it necessary, and why, to take a magnesium supplement if you are taking calcium and vitamin D supplements?

Yes, magnesium has been shown in studies to improve lung function in asthmatics, up to 6% in 6 months. It acts as a bronchiodilator. Calcium and Vitamin D have similar pathways though to absorption, so it is important to space supplements out over the day. Calcium is vital for the ionic exchange in the muscles during contraction in breathing. Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb calcium and it is also thought to be able to repair lung tissues.

Are there certain foods that cause shortness of breath?

Certain foods are classified as “gassy foods”: broccoli, cauliflower, beans, cabbage are some. Carbonated beverages also produce excess gas. These gasses are not helpful for breathing and can cause bloating. High sodium foods are also to be avoided, as they cause bloating and pressure on the lungs as well. Avoid large  meals, but space small ones throughout the day for adequate nutrition.

Are there specific foods or drinks that should be avoided to prevent fluid overload with augmentation therapy infusions?

Sodium should be avoided. Sodium is highest in processed foods, unfortunately. Look for easy to prepare “healthy” meals that list sodium. A rule of thumb is try to stick less than 2000 mg sodium per day. Food manufacturers are beginning to improve their sodium and sugar content to meet the health demands of consumers.

Are there certain foods that cause reflux problems for Alphas?

Fluid overload with augmentation therapy can be complicated by several factors. Malnutrition or poor protein intake puts patients at higher risk. Sodium and other electrolyte balance should be monitored if there is suspected liver, kidney, or congestive heart failure. Other medications like steroids can contribute to these imbalances. Also, stress and hormones are factors to consider.

What can an Alpha incorporate in their diet to help reduce inflammation?

Inflammation can be reduced by eating foods closest to their natural state. Fried foods, processed, refined sugar and white flour, candy, sugary cereal, soft drinks, pastries, and junk foods are all implicated in inflammation. The exception to the whole foods is the nightshade family: potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. Saturated fat also has a component that triggers inflammation: the fatty arachidonic acid.

Why do carbohydrates make breathing more difficult? Are there “good” carbohydrates for Alphas?

Simple carbohydrates are the least desirable source of energy: white flour, white rice, white pasta, sugary pastries and cereals. The way the grain came off the plant is the best carbohydrate: whole grain flour, brown rice, whole grain pasta, whole grain baking mixes. Whole grains are a complete package of nutrition: the fiber in the hull, the starch in the endosperm, and the oil and protein packed into the bran. The vitamins and minerals are included in the grain, rather than sprayed on in the enrichment process of refined starches. As with any nutrition advice, a Registered Dietitian is the best resource to customize a program based on physician recommendations, labs, and anthropometrics.