Check out the ‘Cystic Fibrosis Patient Diets and Eating Plans’ The majority of patients with cystic fibrosis, or CF, are diagnosed before the age of two. CF is a hereditary disorder in which mucus accumulates in the lungs and around the pancreas. Mucus buildup in the lungs can cause breathing difficulties. Lung infections are prevalent in people with cystic fibrosis.
RDNs, or registered dietitian nutritionists, prepare meal programs for children and adults with cystic fibrosis. Their advice are tailored to the needs of the individual. Many people with CF require more calories, sodium, protein, and fat than their contemporaries without CF, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.
Cystic Fibrosis Patient Diets and Eating Plans
Calories and Fat
RDNs compute calories based on a person’s age, gender, degree of exercise, and health status. Children’s growth requirements are also essential concerns. Calorie requirements for both children and adults with CF maybe 10 to 100% more than those of a comparable individual without CF. People with CF may need to consume smaller, more frequent meals and snacks, or focus on foods that provide a lot of calories in tiny amounts, such as whole fat dairy products and healthy fat sources.
Many people with CF have formerly advised a “high-fat” diet. However, breakthroughs in medication may enable people with cystic fibrosis to maintain or even gain weight.
As a result, RDNs can assist in determining the amount of fat and other nutrients that an individual requires, as well as developing a balanced eating plan based on their own food choices and culture.
These are a few common ways to include extra calories from fat:
- Drinking whole milk or using it to make smoothies
- Eating full-fat yogurt
- Adding cheese to egg dishes, sandwiches, burgers and steamed vegetables
- Mixing butter or cheese into mashed potatoes
- Using a cream to make sauces and puddings
- Adding olive oil to pasta dishes or drizzling it over salads and grains, such as rice and quinoa
- Dipping bread in olive oil
- Choosing regular dressings instead of light, lite or diet salad dressings
- Selecting fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel, when having seafood
- Adding avocado to salads and sandwiches or smoothies
- Eating chips with guacamole
- Snacking on trail mix with a variety of nuts and seeds
- Spreading toast with peanut, almond or cashew butter
Balanced Eating Plans
For persons with CF, a regular eating pattern that includes three meals per day plus snacks as needed to meet calorie and protein needs is essential. A nutritious diet should include a range of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, dairy products, and protein meals.
Protein intake is critical for people with cystic fibrosis. The RDN can help you determine how much protein you require and recommend protein-rich meals such as meats, eggs, soy-based foods such as tofu and tempeh, seafood, nuts, and beans.
Vitamins and Minerals
People with cystic fibrosis frequently have variable vitamin and mineral requirements. An RDN can create an eating plan that includes meals and beverages that will help you reach these requirements.
For example:
Vitamins A, D, E, and K. The inability to absorb fat-rich diets can also result in a lack of fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are examples of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Dairy products, some fortified breakfast cereals, sweet potatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables are all sources of vitamin A
- Eggs, fatty fish, like salmon, and fortified dairy products are good sources of vitamin D
- Vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds are packed with vitamin E
- Green leafy vegetables are the best sources of vitamin K
Calcium: Individuals with CF are more likely to develop osteoporosis or bone weakness. This increases the likelihood of bone fractures. An RDN can give you with a list of calcium-rich foods, such as:
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Calcium-fortified 100% fruit juices and soy beverages
- Salmon with soft bones
- Collard greens and kale
Sodium:Â Sodium is an electrolyte needed for muscle and nerve function. Individuals with CF lose a higher-than-normal amount of sodium in their sweat. Seasoning foods with salt can help increase sodium intake.
Iron: Many factors can influence iron deficiency, which is common in people with CF. Foods providing a good source of iron include fortified cereals, oysters, some types of beans and lentils, and beef. Other foods that contain iron in smaller amounts include dark green leafy vegetables.
Zinc: Zinc is another mineral that can cause a deficiency and helps to fight infection and promote healing. It can be found in the same foods as iron. Beans, shrimp, and meats are examples.
Because a person with CF may not be able to get all of the vitamins and minerals they require, they may require a supplement in a CF-specific formulation. Before taking an over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplement, consult with your doctor.
RDNs can be found in a searchable database maintained by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Enter your zip code to locate RDNs in your region.
