Healthy Eating with Bronchiectasis

I used to think I was eating healthy—until I got diagnosed.


Pasta and veggies. Rice and veggies. Potatoes and veggies. That was my go-to. But after my bronchiectasis and MAC diagnosis, I learned the hard way that protein is critical when dealing with inflammation and infection.


Those days of carb-heavy meals? They’re long gone.


One of my biggest lessons came from Michelle MacDonald, a nutritionist at National Jewish Health. In a webinar series sponsored by Bronchiectasis and NTM Info & Research, Michelle emphasized not only the importance of protein but also the need for a well-balanced diet—including protein, carbs, and fats—with a special focus on getting enough calories.


💥The Power of Protein💥
According to Michelle, protein should anchor every meal. And no, that doesn’t mean tossing a handful of garbanzo beans into your stir-fry. It means making a deliberate effort to get 20–30 grams per meal. Personally, I aim for the high 20s, four times a day.


I think of protein as “spackle”—filling in the damage caused by inflammation and infection. I truly believe this was one of the key reasons I was able to clear a MAC infection without antibiotics—my body had what it needed to repair and rebuild.


💥Don’t Forget Carbs & Fats💥
While protein is essential, carbs and fats also play a crucial role in immunity and energy. If you’re not consuming enough, your body will start using protein for fuel instead—wasting it on energy instead of healing.


💥Trying to Gain Weight? Be Smart About Fiber💥
If you struggle with appetite or need to gain weight, Michelle recommends limiting fiber from fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and whole grains. These foods fill you up too quickly, so don’t make salads your main course!


At the end of the day, airway clearance, exercise, and good habits all matter, but none of it works if your body doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to heal.


#HealthyEating #EatForHealing #ProteinPower #Bronchiectasis #NTMLungDisease #NutritionMatters #RespiratoryHealth