Dante Carrillo
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that can cause damage to major organs, including the lungs and digestive system. The condition causes mucus, sweat, and digestive juices to become thick and sticky, clogging tubes, ducts, and passages, particularly in the lungs and pancreas. This results in respiratory infections and difficulty digesting food or absorbing nutrients. As a result, people with CF have specific dietary requirements and may need to work with a dietitian to ensure they are getting enough calories and nutrients. A CF diet is typically high in calories, fat, and salt, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and may include dietary supplements or prescribed enzymes to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1.5-2 times the calories of a person without CF |
| Fat | 40% of total calories |
| Salt | High |
| Fruits and Vegetables | High |
| Supplements | Vitamin A, D, E, K, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Essential Fatty Acids |
| Pancreatic Enzyme Replacements | Prescribed by doctors to aid digestion |
| Dietary Goals | Set goals with your dietitian |
| Exercise | Talk to your doctor about the right kind of exercise |
| BMI | Maintain a healthy weight |
| Vegetarian Diet | Possible to create nutritious plant-based meals |
| Emotional Support | Talk to a psychologist about managing emotions linked to diet |
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What You'll Learn
High-calorie, high-fat foods
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) require a balanced diet with more energy (calories) to maintain a healthy body weight. The energy needs of people with CF are estimated to be 1 ½ to 2 times the needs of those without CF. A high-calorie, high-fat diet, with 40 percent of total calories from fat is generally recommended.
A 2012 study showed an overdependence on saturated fat intake in individuals with CF and a low polyunsaturated fat intake. As individuals with CF live longer, this imbalance increases the risk of heart disease. Make sure to incorporate unsaturated fats from foods such as avocados, nuts, and oils. Walnut and flaxseed oils are good choices as they contain fats that reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease. Dairy products are also good sources of fat and calories.
Some examples of high-calorie, high-fat foods are:
- Grilled ham and cheese sandwich with avocado
- Spaghetti with sauce, extra cheese, and olive oil
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of whole milk
- Two large handfuls of nuts or trail mix
- Medium-sized bean, cheese, and salsa burrito
- Grilled chicken Caesar wrap
- Two slices of cinnamon raisin toast with butter and a cup of instant breakfast drink
- Full-fat yoghurt with granola
- Cheese crackers
- Cheese sticks
- Whole-milk cottage cheese
- Hummus with pita bread
- Pudding
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dried fruit
High-calorie supplements can be used to boost calories, but they shouldn't be used to replace meals. Instead, nutritional supplements should be taken along with a meal or as a substitute for a lower-calorie snack.
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Nutritional supplements
There are various forms of supplements available, including flavoured powders that can be mixed with milk, ready-made milk-based shakes, and high-calorie and high-protein juices. Individual fat, carbohydrate, or protein powders can also be mixed into drinks. Nutritional shakes can be made at home or bought at a store, such as Boost or Ensure.
Supplements can also be used to ensure adequate intake of protein and nutrients. For example, people with CF may require pancreatic enzymes to help absorb nutrients from their diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be necessary, especially fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and the minerals iron and zinc. CF-specific multivitamins may be prescribed.
In addition to supplements, people with CF are typically advised to consume a diet high in calories, fat, and salt, alongside fruits and vegetables. A diet with 35 to 40 percent of total calories from fat is generally recommended. High-calorie snacks and frequent, small, high-calorie meals can also help increase calorie intake.
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Calcium and fatty acids
Calcium
Calcium is important for people with CF, especially those with pancreatic insufficiency, as they are at risk of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones). Dairy products are a good source of calcium, and full-fat varieties also provide fat and calories. If a patient does not consume cow's milk, they can try milk alternatives fortified with calcium. Calcium can also be found in fruit juices.
Fatty Acids
People with CF should get 35% to 40% of their calories from fat. Fatty acids are important for brain health, overall growth, and health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve immune function when balanced with adequate omega-6 intake. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are good sources of omega-3, and they can also be found in some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and chia seeds. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in mayonnaise, sunflower seeds, and vegetable oils.
It is important to incorporate unsaturated fats into the diet, as they can lead to a healthy heart by decreasing bad cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Monounsaturated fats include olive, canola, and sesame oils, while polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 fatty acids.
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Fruits and vegetables
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of their diet. These are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre, especially in the form of whole foods.
It is recommended that people with CF eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of healthy carbohydrates, which provide calories and energy. They are also a good source of essential fatty acids, which are important for brain health and overall growth. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oils, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, are recommended.
Some fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, are not absorbed well by people with CF. These vitamins are important for eye health, bone health, and growth, as well as blood clotting and the production of red blood cells. Therefore, it is recommended that people with CF take vitamin supplements, especially those containing vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Iron, found in dried fruits and dark, leafy greens, is also important for people with CF as it helps fight infection and carries oxygen to the body's cells. Zinc, found in meats, eggs, and seafood, is another important mineral for growth, healing, and infection-fighting.
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Exercise and mental health
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). It can help improve lung health, mood, and quality of life. It is recommended that teens with CF take part in physical activities to ensure they grow up healthy, strong, and full of energy.
People with CF should consult their doctor about the right kind of exercise for them and pay attention to how they feel while exercising. It is important to rest or stop if they feel tired.
Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. It can help to improve mood and energy levels, and reduce stress and anxiety. Regular physical activity can also help to improve self-esteem and cognitive function, as well as reduce symptoms of depression and improve sleep quality.
For CF patients, exercise can be a way to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being. It can also be a way to connect with others through team sports or group activities, which can provide additional social and emotional benefits.
In addition to exercise, it is important for CF patients to maintain a healthy diet. This includes eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein. It is also important for CF patients to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and paying attention to their liquid intake. Working with a dietitian can help CF patients ensure they are getting the proper nutrition and meeting their weight goals.
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Frequently asked questions
A person with cystic fibrosis (CF) should eat a balanced diet that covers all the major food groups. It should be high-calorie, high-fat, and high-salt, with fruits and vegetables. A diet with 40% of total calories from fat is generally recommended.
People with CF don't absorb all their calories. Their energy needs are estimated to be 1.5 to 2 times that of a person without CF, and this can increase if they are fighting an infection or if their lung function drops.
A dietitian can offer tips and ideas to help a person with CF get enough nutritionally dense calories in their diet without developing eating fatigue. Nutritional shakes and supplements can also help add extra calories.
Many people with CF have trouble getting nutrients from food due to mucus buildup in their pancreas, which helps with digestion. They may need to take prescribed enzymes with meals to help them digest food and keep a healthy weight.
Besides diet, exercise can help support better lung health, mood, and quality of life. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the right kind of exercise for you.
