What Is The Diet For Cystic Fibrosis?

Good nutrition is important for the overall health of the body. This is especially true for people who suffer from cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis). Living with cystic fibrosis can create significant challenges, which include problems with nutrient intake and fat absorption , as well as appetite problems.

How does cystic fibrosis affect the body?

Cystic fibrosis is a rare inherited disease for which there is no cure. If both parents carry the mutation in the disease gene - CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) , there is a 25% risk of their child being born with this disorder.

Cystic fibrosis adversely affects the epithelial cells of the body, whose function helps to regulate the balance of salt and water in the body. These cells are located in the sweat glands, pancreas and lungs, where sweat, mucus and digestive juices are formed, respectively. In people with cystic fibrosis, these secretions have an increased density, which can cause significant problems with breathing, absorption of nutrients and digestion.

Often people with cystic fibrosis also develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency , which can lead to additional digestive problems due to an excessive amount of mucus in the pancreas. This mucus blocks pancreatic enzymes from reaching the intestines, where they usually support the digestive process. Without the delivery of enzymes in the right place, the absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, along with vitamins and minerals, is blocked. They are all important for the growth of the body.

How does cystic fibrosis affect nutritional needs?

Without a sufficient supply of protein, fat and other nutrients, it is more difficult to avoid colds and other infections. It is also more difficult for the body to keep the lungs clean and healthy. You may also develop underweight .

In cystic fibrosis, the diet should be balanced , consisting of fats, proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The amount of these foods in the diet should be increased to ensure that the body is able to absorb enough of these essential nutrients.

• Protein : Foods high in protein, such as beef, chicken, eggs, fish and soy, are important in preventing muscle loss.
• Zinc : Foods high in zinc include beans, spinach, liver, eggs and seafood. Zinc is important in preventing infections.
• Salt : People with CF have sweat with a higher salt content, which can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Salty snacks, pickles and sports drinks can help compensate for the salt lost through sweating.
• Calcium : Foods high in calcium help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is a problem for people with cystic fibrosis. Good sources of calcium are dairy products, such as high-fat yogurt, whole milk and high-fat cheese.
• Iron : Iron helps fight infection and is needed to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen. Foods high in iron include liver, tuna, lamb, seafood, eggs, beef and turkey.
• Antioxidants : Fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants and are important in fighting bacterial infection. People with cystic fibrosis suffer from more frequent airway inflammations, which makes the bacterial infection more likely and very dangerous to the health of these patients.
• Fiber : It is recommended to consume foods high in fiber that help cleanse the intestines. Many high-fiber grains are also high in protein.

How can you increase calorie intake in cystic fibrosis?

People with CF need more calories than other people. Dishes that can be considered too high in fat for healthy people, such as burgers with french fries, are a good food choice for people with cystic fibrosis.

In general, you can increase your calorie intake by consuming:

• High fat beef;
• Whole milk instead of skimmed milk;
• Adding bacon and cheese to salads, fried eggs and other prepared dishes;
• Smoothies containing peanut butter, whole milk and bananas;
• Fried eggs with additional addition of butter;
• Additional addition of mayonnaise on sandwiches;
• Spaghetti with olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese, with the addition of sauces and additional bacon;
• Chocolate;

The following should usually be avoided :

• Restrictive diets;
• Products that are low in fat and fat-free;
• Low calorie foods

How can you get more protein?

Foods high in protein help build muscle , and are involved in tissue repair and keeping bones healthy. It is important for people with cystic fibrosis to get enough protein daily. It is recommended:

• Drinking high-protein shakes, especially when the patient is not ready for a big meal, as well as for breakfast;
• Add meat and cheese to the morning scrambled eggs. Bacon, salami, sausage and other types of sausages are good choices;
• White rice can be replaced with quinoa, a complete protein food that contains the nine essential amino acids;
• Adding milk powder containing casein (a protein that is absorbed slowly) to juice, cereals, pancake mix, shakes;
• Consumption of high-fat yogurt instead of regular yogurt

A nutritionist may recommend taking fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are important for growth and also help relieve the condition. Fat-soluble vitamins are crucial for proper fat absorption.

It may also be necessary to take dietary supplements containing B vitamins, proteins and other nutrients with each meal. They can be prescribed by a doctor and are usually determined by the individual needs of the patient.

If the patient suffers from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, he must take additional pancreatic enzymes with food to compensate for the enzymes that the pancreas cannot deliver to the body.