Why Maintaining a Healthy Weight is Crucial for Successfully Managing Bronchiectasis

⭐️Why Maintaining a Healthy Weight is Crucial for Successfully Managing Bronchiectasis⭐️

In this coming week we’ll delve into how to add protein to our diet. But first, let’s revisit why staying in a healthy weight zone is critical for those with bronchiectasis (BE).

A BMI below 18.5: This is considered underweight and linked to a poorer prognosis for BE patients. For example,someone who’s 5’4” and weighs 108 lbs has a BMI of 18.5.

Underweight Risks: People with BE who are underweight are more prone to:
*Frequent acute exacerbations (flare-ups)
*Reduced lung function
*Increased systemic inflammation
*Higher rates of chronic infections

This means restrictive diets lacking dairy, low in carbs, and devoid of sweets, might be counterproductive, causing inflammation instead of fighting it.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition

When our body lacks the calories and nutrients needed for strong immunity, it can’t function optimally. It’s like asking for overtime work without additional pay (food)!

As nutritionist Michelle MacDonald emphasizes, “if we don’t eat, our body will eat us.”

This can lead to:
*Muscle breakdown (including breathing and heart muscles)
*Shortness of breath
*Difficulty pumping blood, leading to fatigue and hindering daily activities
*Malnourishment impacts all organs, tissues, and bones.

It can cause:
* Brain fog
* Severe constipation and bowel impaction
* Increased risk of bone fractures

⭐️Low BMI and Hospitalization: A low BMI is linked to a higher risk of hospitalization.

⭐️Eligibility for Treatment: Being underweight can exclude you from potentially life-saving surgeries or clinical trials. For instance, the ARINA-1 Phase 2 trial (nebulizing a solution with glutathione) required a BMI exceeding 18 for participation.

Has this information shed light on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight?

Take Action: Discuss a weight-gain plan with your medical team. Don’t delay – it’s crucial for your well-being.

#bronchiectasis  #NTM #NTMlung #DisorderedEating #EatingDisorder