Eating for Health–Foods to Enjoy and Foods to Avoid

Cystic fibrosis patients often have their digestive system attacked by the disease. Obviously a healthy diet is important for everyone but especially for those who are suffering from cystic fibrosis that is affecting their digestive system. The thick secretions caused by the mutant cystic fibrosis gene often block the small ducts that take enzymes from the pancreas to digest the foods in the stomach. When food is not digested properly, the body fails to receive the essential nutrients to grow, keep their weight, and stay healthy.

A person with cystic fibrosis should be able to eat normally but there are some foods they should avoid to prevent complications in the digestive tract. Foods that should not be eaten in large quantities include foods that increase mucus production or can cause allergies. If you are a person with CF and are lactose intolerant, you should not consume large amounts of dairy products. This includes eggs, milk, cheese, and ice-cream. Other foods you should eat only in small quantities are peanuts, bananas, and oranges. Cystic fibrosis patients should avoid saturated fats, wheat, barley, oats, and rye. They should also avoid eating red meat, and of course do not use much salt!

Foods a patient should eat in large quantities are foods that reduce inflammation and mucus. Some foods are widely known to help with health problems such as cold-water fish, nuts, lemons, garlic and onions. These foods can be taken in supplements or they may be added with more consumption of the foods that contain them. Other less widely recognized foods that will help reduce inflammation and mucus include, watercress, horseradish, mustard, umeboshi plums, rose pits tea, pickles, parsley, celery and any foods that include anti-inflammatory oils.

Adult cystic fibrosis patients know their body. They know what helps them and foods that makes them worse. A child is different and they need help from a parent, guardian or caregiver so they will eat right and avoid foods that will hurt them.

It is often difficult for cystic fibrosis patients to receive the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes the body needs. It is recommended that valuable nutrient supplements be added to diet of a cystic fibrosis patient.

* Pancreatic enzymes should be taken before each meal or snack. This will help food to be properly digested by replacing the enzymes that are not coming through blocked passageways.

* Antioxidants are also important. These fight against the toxins that we take into our body by breathing the air around us. Selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C. and beta-carotene should be taken as a supplement to a healthy diet.

* Z-acetyl cysteine should be part of your supplement routine because it helps to thin mucus.

* Zinc taken daily will help support the immune system

* Quercetin is another supplement that can help reduce inflammation.

Eat lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruits that are allowed and stay away from fats and processed sugar. Eating healthy should be a habit that everyone should practice. It is especially important for a patient with cystic fibrosis.