Nutritional needs for people with cystic fibrosis are determined by their degree of malabsorption, activity level and the severity of lung disease. Individuals with CF typically need 1 ½ to 2 times as many calories as people without CF.
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Individuals with cystic fibrosis require more energy to breathe normally, fight lung infections and compensate for poor digestion. For these reasons, they need more calories than people without CF.
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Your body needs vitamins to help it grow, function, and fight off infection. Try to incorporate foods rich in these vitamins and take a vitamin supplement, if necessary.
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Like vitamins, minerals also help with normal growth, function and maintenance of good health. Individuals with cystic fibrosis can be deficient in these minerals.
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Individuals with cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases often have a “hidden” loss of muscle mass, despite normal body weight and BMI. Increasing your protein intake and exercising regularly are easy ways to preserve muscle mass.
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Part of achieving good lung health through nutrition is maintaining a balance of oxidants (toxic chemicals that kill invaders) and antioxidants (chemicals that control oxidants so lungs aren't damaged).
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The thick, sticky
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More women with cystic fibrosis are reaching reproductive age, becoming pregnant, and delivering babies. Nutrition before and during pregnancy is essential for all women.
Contact a dedicated CF Foundation Compass case manager:
Call us at 844-COMPASS
(1-844-266-7277)
Mon - Thu, 9 am - 7 pm ET
Fri, 9 am - 5 pm ET