Cystic fibrosis is a chronic progressive disease that affects your respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis may include thick mucus in your lungs, wheezing, abdominal pain, fatigue and additional conditions such as chronic sinus infections, unintentional weight loss, bronchitis and asthma. In addition to medical treatments, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends a healthy diet as an important means of managing the disease. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Function
A nutritious diet is important for improving and maintaining body strength, physical development and strengthening your body's ability to protect itself from infections and diseases, many of which may interfere with cystic fibrosis. A high fat, high calorie diet is important, particularly for children with cystic fibrosis, who are at risk for growth delays, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. An appropriate diet also enhances lung health and hydration and helps prevent mucous buildup.
Optimum Foods
While foods affect people with cystic fibrosis differently, particular foods provide exceptional benefits. Foods that help reduce mucous buildup, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, include celery, garlic, mustard, parsley, horseradish, pickles, watercress and lemon. Foods that help reduce inflammation include fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, halibut and flounder, nuts, such as walnuts, and seeds, such as flaxseed. Nuts, seeds and oils, such as olive and canola oil, also provide nutritious calorie-dense food options. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and starchy vegetables, provide rich amounts of nutrients, such as iron and B-vitamins, fiber and glucose -- your body's primary energy source. Protein rich foods, such as lean meats, dairy products, eggs, legumes and fish, enhance lean tissue growth and repair and play an important role in your immune system.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods may trigger or worsen cystic fibrosis symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests limiting potential allergens and foods that may contribute to mucous production, which include dairy products, wheat, food additives, salty foods, soy, corn, cabbage, bananas, potatoes and sugar. Limiting refined carbohydrate sources, such as enriched breads, pasta and snack foods, allows more room in your diet for nutritious alternatives, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. While healthy fats enhance your wellness and caloric intake, foods high in saturated fat or trans fats, such as fatty red meats, processed meats, deep-fried foods and commercially-prepared cookies, cakes, crackers and pastries, may worsen inflammation and damage your heart health.
Supplements
Dietary supplements, though not a substitute for healthy foods, may enhance your wellness when faced with cystic fibrosis. Most all people with the disease take pancreatic enzyme supplements, which help your intestines digest food and absorb nutrients properly. Since cystic fibrosis may make it difficult for your body to absorb certain nutrients, your doctor may recommend vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly if you have difficulty adhering to a nutritious diet. Since dietary supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications, seek approval and guidance from your doctor before taking them.
