My son has had a problem with eating ever since he was born prematurely and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. After a lot of stress and anxiety about reaching his weight goals, we finally enlisted an occupational therapist, who helped him learn to love eating.
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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.
Starting solid foods is very important for the development and health of babies with cystic fibrosis.
At this age, you will want to start serving high-calorie finger foods and gradually boost calories with safe solid foods. It is important to create a routine and set time limits at mealtime.
Good eating habits last a lifetime. Remember to compliment and reward good eating habits. If mealtime battles drag on and affect your child's growth, consider tube feeding to ensure good nutrition.
Children with cystic fibrosis ages 3 to 7 learn by watching their family, parents, teachers, and friends. They like to be independent but need limits and structure. Have planned meals and snacks.
People with cystic fibrosis are at risk for two common bone diseases: osteoporosis (ostea-o-pour-o-sis) and osteopenia (ostea-o-pea-knee-a).
There are many reasons why people with cystic fibrosis get osteoporosis or osteopenia. It is important to remember that nutrition, lung disease and bone health are related. When people do not feel well, they eat less and they exercise less.
A high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet and exercise leads to healthy, strong bones for people with cystic fibrosis. Good nutrition also means taking vitamin and mineral supplements and sometimes medication.
Just as the lungs produce thick, sticky mucus, the pancreas also makes thick mucus that blocks the release of enzymes needed for digestion. Most people with cystic fibrosis need to take enzymes before they eat.