You may not have heard about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often called COPD, but it is a major cause of death and illness worldwide.In the United States, it is the fourth most common cause of death, and the only one that has steadily increased since 1970.COPD is an overall term for a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct airways in the lungs, and it can be divided into two categories: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It can also refer to damage caused by asthmatic bronchitis. In all forms, the tubes and air sacs that carry air in and out of a person's lungs become partially obstructed or blocked, making it difficult to breathe.According to Jennifer Hudson, a tobacco prevention specialist with the Nassau County Health Department, the most common cause is cigarette smoking, accounting for 80 percent of all cases.Lung irritants such as asbestos, dust pollution and secondhand smoke may be contributors.The disease also is often associated with nutritional depletion. About 75 percent of patients suffer from weight loss, especially those with emphysema. Loss of lean muscle is very common. Malnutrition decreases lung muscle strength, making breathing more difficult and also makes one more susceptible to infections.Maintaining good nutritional status through intake of "nutrient-dense" foods is important for people with the disease. "Nutrient-dense" foods are full of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Eating a diet that is "anti-inflammatory" also is beneficial.Here are 10 nutrition tips for people with COPD:- Eat five servings of vegetables daily. The deeper the color, the better. Cover pots and cook in small amounts of liquid to conserve nutrients. Better yet, eat fresh.- Choose fruit. The darker the color, the better. Citrus is good. If weight or high blood sugar is a problem, limit juice.- B vitamins and magnesium are needed for energy. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals, and add bran, wheat germ or ground flaxseed.- Avoid dehydration, which thickens mucus. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. Liquids can be filling, so drink liquids between meals. Limit calorie-containing beverages if weight or high blood sugar is a problem. Excess hot or cold liquids may increase coughing. Having a bad day? Try chicken soup.- Adequate protein intake is often difficult because chewing can increase fatigue and shortness of breath. If unable to eat enough protein from lean meats, fish or chicken, try dried beans and peas. These are heart-healthy as well as great sources of protein, fiber and nutrients, and are easy to chew.Protein powders or nonfat dried milk powder can be added to sauces, soups, shakes, or cereal to increase protein without increasing quantity. Adding diced or ground meat to soup and casseroles can also increase protein content. Other sources of protein include peanut butter, eggs and nonfat dairy products.- Eat five or six small meals a day to lessen fatigue and decrease discomfort. High protein shakes can be snacks.- If swelling in your hands or feet is a problem, limit sodium to no more than 2,000 milligrams per day. Basically, this means no added salt and no processed foods. Read labels.- Take multivitamins that help with stress. They contain more B complex, vitamins C and A, and magnesium.- Take 1 gram daily of Omega 3 fatty acid, or include walnuts, salmon, tuna and other cold-water fish in your diet.- Include fat in each meal, unless obesity or slow digestion is a problem. Otherwise, fat is a great source of calories. Choose less-inflammatory fats such as nuts and avocados and olive, canola and soybean oils.Go to MayoClinic.com for more information.Mary Snyder, a dietitian with Baptist Medical Center Nassau, is a member of the Nassau County Health Improvement Coalition.