Diet—An Important Tool In Treating Cystic Fibrosis!
To be healthy active adults we need to have a healthy diet. If you are sick or have a serious disease a healthy diet is even more important. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting your fat and sugar intake and reducing the salt from your diet will make anyone healthier, especially those who have cystic fibrosis.
There are some foods a cystic fibrosis patient should stay away from completely or eat in small quantities. Foods that increase mucus production or cause an allergic reaction should be removed from your diet. If you are lactose intolerant and a cystic fibrosis patient, it is essential you stay away from all dairy products. Especially stay away from milk, cheese, and ice cream. Other foods that could cause allergic reactions and make cystic fibrosis symptoms worse are peanuts, oranges, sugar, bananas, and saturated fats. You should also limit or avoid excessive meat, wheat, barley and oat products and leave the saltshaker off the table.
Cystic fibrosis patients should eat large amounts of foods that help reduce inflammation and mucus build up. You may be surprised what is recommended! Some of the more common items are garlic, onions, mustard, celery, and parsley. Some of the odd items it is recommended to eat includes horseradish, watercress, umeboshi plums, rose pits tea, lemon, pickles, and foods that contain anti-inflammatory oils. These are nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish.
Along with a healthy diet there are nutrient supplements that will help a patient with cystic fibrosis. These nutrient supplements can be found in a nutrition store or in your local drugstore. Patients having problems with their pancreas because of the disease should supplement their diet with pancreatic enzymes. There are supplements available to help protect the lungs. Antioxidants such as selenium, vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C all are helpful in protecting the lungs. A supplement called N-acetyl cysteine will help reduce mucus. 200 mgs should be taken three times a day to be effective.
Zinc is important to your immune system. Cystic fibrosis patients often have chronic coughs and recurring upper respiratory infections. An adult should take 10 to 30 mg of zinc each day to boost the immune system. Another supplement, Quercetin should be taken before each meal to reduce inflammation. You should take 250 to 500 mg for the supplement to be effective.
Herbs may also help ease the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Just a reminder, there is no known cure for cystic fibrosis. You can take steps to ease the severity of the symptoms. There are herb mixtures that will help liquefy mucus, stimulate the pancreas, and fight infection. Many of the ingredients can be found as dried extracts, teas, or liquids. These are normally found in a health food store. Before you begin taking any supplements or herbal cures, consult your doctor. Do not use herbs or supplements in place of your prescribed medications. Cystic fibrosis patients should watch their diet carefully and continue to get some form of physical exercise each day. This will help you physically and emotionally.
Cystic Fibrosis
Strong Signs Of The Presence Of Cystic Fibrosis In The Body
Self-Care For Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Treating Cystic Fibrosis With Drugs
Medical Problems Caused By Cystic Fibrosis
General Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis Throughout The Body
Signs And Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis
Helping Teens With Cystic Fibrosis
... from their mistakes. You should step in if they are neglecting their health and not taking their medications, as they should. Encourage your teen to be frank with their friends. To other people it may seem strange to take a handful of pills before each meal or snack; for cystic fibrosis teens it is a ...
Herbal Remedies For Cystic Fibrosis
... herbal remedies should be used as a supplement to medications and physiotherapy prescribed by your doctor. Before taking any herbal medicine or any other homeopathic therapy, consult your doctor to ensure there will not be an adverse reaction to any medications you are taking. People have used herbal ...
Medical Problems Caused By Cystic Fibrosis
... doctor may recommend Vitamin D supplements to prevent low bone density. If you see any signs or symptoms of cystic fibrosis you should contact your doctor immediately. Frequent cough, repeated bouts of pneumonia and bronchitis, dehydration, diarrhea, stomach pain and excessive gas are symptoms of cystic ...
General Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis
... both carriers of the recessive CF gene they will have undergone DNA testing and realize there is a chance their child will have cystic fibrosis. Testing can be done before the baby is born to see if they have the mutant gene. The disease cannot be treated until after birth, but it does give parents time ...
Problems Associated With Cystic Fibrosis In Adults
... insemination with donated sperm or adoption is the only options an infertile man has to father a child. A woman may become pregnant in the regular way but pregnancy may leave the woman with severe lung damage. This could be life threatening. If a cystic fibrosis patient cannot find any relief from these ...