A cystic fibrosis diet aims to loosen mucus in the lungs and provide nutrients not easily absorbed by the body. This includes high-calorie and high-fat foods, salty snacks, and supplements like vitamins and pancreatic enzymes. It’s important to balance with nutrient-dense foods and extra elements like salt, protein, zinc, iron, and calcium. Full-fat dairy is also recommended. Supplements with calcium, zinc, sodium chloride, and iron, as well as fat-soluble vitamins like K, E, A, and D, may also be necessary.
The main goals of a cystic fibrosis diet are to loosen mucus that accumulates in the lungs and to make up for nutrients and calories that are not easily absorbed by the body. This can be achieved by eating a diet high in calories and fat and eating frequent salty snacks. Foods with these properties can help pass through the mucus, allowing their nutrients to be properly absorbed. Many patients also supplement with vitamins and pancreatic enzyme supplements. This type of diet can also provide the patient with the extra energy needed to breathe.
A typical cystic fibrosis diet will consist of extra amounts of the elements the body loses due to the condition, such as salt, protein, zinc, iron, and calcium. This is the rare diet where you are recommended to eat foods like pizza, bacon burgers, and cheesecake. Because foods like these can also be among the most detrimental choices for overall health, it’s important to balance a person’s overall diet with the extra calories and fat in a cystic fibrosis diet. This includes eating plenty of nutrient-dense foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
There are several different types of foods that can be beneficial for a cystic fibrosis patient. It’s particularly important to eat plenty of protein, which can be found in foods like meat, fish, beans, and eggs. Many of these foods can also provide zinc. Dark leafy greens, dried fruits, and fortified cereals are good sources of iron. Supplemental salt is another vital part of a good cystic fibrosis diet; Eating salty foods and adding extra salt to meals is often enough to meet these needs.
Full-fat dairy is often another important element of a cystic fibrosis diet. These foods provide vital calories, protein, calcium, and fat. Whole milk, smoothies, cheese, and yogurt are all good options.
There are also many vitamins, minerals, and supplements that are often an important part of a good cystic fibrosis diet. Patients will often be advised to take daily supplements with calcium, zinc, sodium chloride, and iron. Since people with cystic fibrosis have difficulty absorbing fat, vitamins such as K, E, A, and D, which are fat-soluble, are also often supplemented. Pancreatic enzyme supplements may also be an effective way to help patients absorb nutrients from food more efficiently.
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