Habitual intake of fiber-rich foods, particularly whole grains, may contribute positively to the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This study analyzed the relationship between the pre-illness intake of dietary fiber and the risk of subsequent development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dietary habits of 11,580 US men and women were assessed by hospital records and validated food frequency questionnaires respectively.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between the intake of fiber from dietary sources, particularly whole grains, and the risk of being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This 2010 study of American men and women documented a protective association between high-fiber diets and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.