Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes the body to produce thick and sticky mucus buildup in the lungs and in the digestive tract. This mucus buildup causes life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fats, and monosaturated fats may help relieve symptoms of cystic fibrosis, as omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for normal growth and development.
Fatty Acids and Cystic Fibrosis
Recent studies show that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and monosaturated fats may have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with cystic fibrosis, according to NutritionMD.org. Omega-3 fatty acids and monosaturated fats may help reduce sputum production and improve lung functioning. Fatty acids also provide the body with fats needed to prevent weight loss. Most patients with cystic fibrosis lose weight because of lack of digestive enzymes to help the body digest and absorb fats and proteins.
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have to be provided in the diet because the body can't make them. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, halibut, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout, flaxseed oil, canola oil, pumpkin seed oil and walnut oil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Sources of Monosaturated Fats
Monosaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature. Sources of monosaturated fats include olive oil, peanut oil, corn oil, safflower oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, peanut butter, cashew nuts, grape seed oil, macadamia nut oil, cashew nut oil, high oleic oil and avocado.
Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms
Patients with cystic fibrosis experience symptoms such as increased mucus in sinuses or lungs, cough, nasal congestion, sinus pain, recurrent pneumonia, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, intestinal gas, bloating, abdominal pain, severe constipation, foul smelling pale or clay colored stool that float, mucus in stool, and weight loss. Children with cystic fibrosis may experience salty-tasting skin, failure to gain weight and delayed growth, according to PubMed Health.
