1. Fish Oil and Omega-Threes
If there is one "miracle drug" out there, omega-three fatty acids may be it. Omega-threes are one type of essential fatty acids—meaning you need to obtain them from dietary sources since your body can't produce them. Purported benefits include slowing the aging process, promoting heart health and improving mood and cognitive function. One of the best sources of omega-threes is cold water fish like salmon and mackerel. Nutritionists recommend eating these types of fish at least three times per week to get maximum benefits. Many people find it difficult to incorporate that much fish into their diet and opt to go the supplement route instead. Researchers have investigated different therapeutic doses of fish oil, but the most effective dose is yet to be conclusively determined.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Omega-Threes
What do aging, heart disease and cystic fibrosis (CF) all have in common? It's inflammation—a reaction that occurs when our immune system thinks it needs to fight off invaders and instead attacks normal, healthy tissue. One of the most powerful weapons against inflammation is fish oil rich in omega-three fatty acids. These fatty acids work throughout your body to quell this immune system response by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. By doing so, they can help prevent disease or at reduce symptom incidence in the case of CF.
3. Lung Support
The major contributor to morbidity and mortality in CF patients is a progressive deterioration in lung function. Chronic pulmonary infections flood the airways of the lungs with white blood cells that then produce pro-inflammatory compounds. This accumulation leads to the formation of a thick, mucous that just perpetuates the dangerous cycle of infection. Researchers have discovered that supplementation with omega-three fatty acids can actually build up their concentration within the membranes of the white blood cells. Potentially, that means a decrease in inflammation and a disruption in the infection cycle.
4. Pancreatic Enzymes
Pulmonary infections aren't the only serious problem for CF patients. Many also struggle with pancreatic insufficiency. That means that the pancreas can't function effectively in the digestive process and they end up with fat malabsorption. To counteract this, many supplement their diet with additional pancreatic enzymes which help the pancreas function more normally. When supplementing with fish oil, some CF patients may need to increase their dose of enzymes to deal with the extra fat.
5. How Much is Ideal
Research into the benefits of fish oil for cystic fibrosis has been going on for over ten years. Unfortunately, a consistent positive effect for CF patients using omega-three supplements has not yet been proven. The ideal dose and route of delivery (oral versus intravenous) is also unclear. More extensive research using longer study periods and larger groups of subjects is still needed. For CF patients and their families, it's crucial to consult a physician before starting any type of supplement.
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