What's the best drink for COPD?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Lung Association, proper hydration is one of the most important aspects of managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The best drink for COPD is plain water, as it helps thin mucus and makes breathing easier. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is a vital component of a comprehensive COPD management plan.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the most beneficial drinks for managing COPD, focusing on hydration to thin mucus and improve breathing. It also details beverages to avoid due to their potential to cause bloating or dehydration, and offers practical tips for maintaining optimal fluid intake throughout the day.

Key Points

Prioritize Plain Water: Water is the most effective and safest beverage for thinning mucus, making it easier to breathe and reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
Avoid Bloating Drinks: Carbonated beverages, like soda and seltzer, can cause bloating and put pressure on the diaphragm, so they should be avoided.
Limit Diuretics: Excessive caffeine from coffee or tea and all alcoholic drinks can cause dehydration and should be consumed in moderation or avoided entirely.
Consider Herbal Teas: Warm, decaffeinated herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can be soothing and help loosen mucus.
Stay Hydrated Consistently: Sip fluids throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once. Distributing your fluid intake helps maintain hydration levels and thins mucus effectively.
Watch for High-Sodium Content: Canned soups and processed foods can be high in sodium, which may cause fluid retention and increase shortness of breath.
Address Weight Goals with Care: Depending on whether you need to gain or lose weight, choose appropriate beverages like full-fat or low-fat milk, while monitoring for any personal increase in mucus perception.

Why Hydration Is Crucial for COPD Patients

Staying properly hydrated is perhaps one of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The body uses water for nearly every function, but for individuals with COPD, its role is particularly significant in the respiratory system. The lungs of a person with COPD produce mucus that is often thicker and stickier than normal, making it difficult to cough up and expel. When the body is well-hydrated, this mucus becomes thinner and less viscous, allowing for easier clearance from the airways. This can reduce the sensation of breathlessness and decrease the risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, staying hydrated helps prevent constipation, which can cause bloating and put extra pressure on the diaphragm, further impeding breathing.

The Best Drinks for COPD

Water: The Undisputed Champion

Plain water is the top choice for hydration. It is free of calories, sugar, and caffeine, and it provides the most effective means of thinning mucus. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses (around 1.5 to 2 liters) per day, but consult your doctor for personalized recommendations, especially if you have other health conditions like heart or kidney disease that may require fluid restrictions.

Tips for increasing water intake:

Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
Set reminders to drink water at regular intervals.
Infuse water with slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint for added flavor without sugar.

Herbal Teas

Warm beverages, such as herbal teas, are soothing and can help loosen mucus. Good options include ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea, which can also have anti-inflammatory effects. Ensure they are decaffeinated to avoid dehydration.

Low-Sugar Fruit Juices and Broths

For those who prefer more flavor, small amounts of low-sugar fruit juice or low-sodium broths can contribute to daily fluid intake. Some fruits are naturally high in water content, so fresh juices or smoothies are an excellent option. Soups and broths also help with hydration and can be a source of easy-to-digest nutrients.

Milk and Dairy Products

Contrary to a common myth, dairy products do not increase mucus production. While the creamy texture may feel like it thickens phlegm for some, dairy is a valuable source of nutrients like calcium and protein. If you are underweight, full-fat dairy can add important calories, while low-fat options are suitable for maintaining or losing weight.

Medical Nutritional Supplements

For individuals with a small appetite or those struggling with weight loss, medical nutritional supplements like Ensure or Boost can be a doctor-recommended way to increase calorie and nutrient intake. These can be especially helpful if you find it difficult to eat enough solid food throughout the day.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid

Some beverages can exacerbate COPD symptoms and should be consumed in moderation or avoided completely.

Carbonated Drinks

Sodas, sparkling water, and other carbonated beverages contain gas that can cause bloating. A bloated stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. It is best to stick to still beverages.

Caffeinated Drinks

While a moderate amount of tea or coffee may be acceptable, high intake of caffeine has a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration. Caffeine can also interfere with some COPD medications, so always discuss your consumption with your healthcare provider.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption should be severely limited or avoided. It acts as a diuretic, promoting fluid loss and dehydration. It can also slow down breathing and interfere with the body’s natural ability to clear mucus.

High-Sugar Beverages

Regular sodas and other sugary drinks provide empty calories and can contribute to unwanted weight gain, which can increase the body's oxygen demand and make breathing harder.

Comparison of Drinks for COPD Management


Feature	Plain Water	Herbal Tea	Low-Sugar Juice	Carbonated Drinks	Alcoholic Beverages	Caffeinated Drinks
Hydration	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Poor (diuretic effect)	Poor (diuretic effect)	Fair (diuretic effect)
Mucus Thinning	Excellent	Good	Fair	No	No	No
Bloating Risk	No	No	Low	High	High	Low
Nutritional Value	None	Low (antioxidants)	Low (vitamins)	None (empty calories)	None	None
Ease of Breathing	Improves	Soothes	Neutral	Worsens	Worsens	Neutral/Worsens
Doctor Consultation	Not typically	Low risk	Moderate	Always	Always	Moderate

Tips for Integrating Healthy Drinks into Your Routine

Managing your fluid intake strategically can make a big difference. If you experience shortness of breath while eating, try drinking your fluids after meals rather than during, as this can prevent a full stomach from pressing on your diaphragm. For those with reduced energy later in the day, consuming more fluids earlier can help. Monitoring your urine color is an easy way to check your hydration level—pale, straw-colored urine indicates proper hydration, while dark urine suggests you need more fluids. Remember that hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and soups also count toward your daily fluid goals.

Conclusion

For individuals managing COPD, the best drink is one that promotes hydration and helps thin mucus without causing bloating or interfering with medication. Plain water is the most effective and safest option. Incorporating herbal teas, low-sugar juices, and nutrient-rich milk can also contribute to overall fluid intake. Conversely, limiting or avoiding carbonated beverages, excessive caffeine, and alcohol is essential for preventing complications and promoting easier breathing. By focusing on a personalized hydration strategy and making mindful beverage choices, patients can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Visit the American Lung Association for more resources on COPD and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unless otherwise instructed by a doctor due to conditions like heart or kidney disease, many people with COPD should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of non-caffeinated fluids per day to stay properly hydrated.

Yes, you can drink milk. The idea that milk creates more mucus is a common myth. While the creamy texture may feel like it coats your throat, milk is a valuable source of nutrients and does not increase mucus production.

Carbonated drinks introduce gas into the stomach, which can cause bloating. This bloating can push up against the diaphragm, interfering with its movement and making it harder to breathe.

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can cause dehydration if consumed in excess. High amounts should be limited or avoided, as dehydration can thicken mucus. Caffeine can also interact with certain medications, so discuss your intake with your doctor.

For most everyday activity, water is sufficient for hydration. Sports drinks often contain high amounts of sugar, which can add unnecessary calories. They are only recommended for replacing electrolytes after significant activity or in very hot weather.

Good alternatives to soda include plain water, decaffeinated herbal teas, and low-sugar fruit juices. These options help with hydration without causing the bloating associated with carbonated beverages.

A simple way to check your hydration is to monitor your urine color. If you are well-hydrated, your urine should be pale yellow or clear. Darker urine is a sign that you need to increase your fluid intake.