Create a Cystic Fibrosis Diet By Eating Foods That Boost the Immune System

When you have cystic fibrosis, building up the immune system can help prevent additional health issues. Choosing the right foods can strengthen the body so that it can better fight infections and breathing problems. While it is impossible to eliminate all of the health concerns associated with cystic fibrosis, a diet high in immune boosters can help.

1. Iron is found in fortified cereal, meat and dark green vegetables. Iron helps the body to fight infections.

2. One of the more common nutrient deficiencies is zinc, which is necessary to fight infections. It is found in meat, eggs and seafood.

3. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Studies show that sugar depresses the immune system.

4. Everyone has heard that vitamin c helps fight colds, but that is not all. Vitamin C increases the levels of immunoglobulin in the body. These are the proteins in the blood that fight disease. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, strawberries and red peppers.

5. Vitamin E, found in oil, nuts and avocados, increases the production of B-cells, which are the immune cells in the body.

6. Essential fatty acids, either flax or fish oils, increase the action of the white blood cells that are responsible for fighting disease.