The viscous, sticky mucus that is produced in the lungs is
also produced in the digestive tract and pancreas. This inhibits digestive enzymes
from breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the patient’s diet. This is why
a patient with Cystic Fibrosis follows a diet high in calories and high in fat.
Maintaining healthy weight and possibly increasing it, is a successful strategy
in fighting infection and keeping your body strong. The
diet consists of special nutrients such as minerals, vitamins and enzymes.
Minerals: help with normal growth,
function and maintenance of good health
Calcium
Essential element (body does not make it on its own) that contributes to
building strong bones and teeth as well as maintaining nerve and muscle health.
Sources of calcium include dairy products and green vegetables. Calcium
supplements can also be used in patient’s that are lactose intolerant and can’t
have dairy sources.
Iron
Essential element (body does not make it on its own) that contributes to
carrying oxygen in red blood cells from the lungs to the body. Sources of iron
include meat sources such as beef, lamb, and plant sources such as nuts, leafy
greens and whole grains.
Sodium Chloride
A salt, that contributes in the maintenance of fluid balance in the
body. Patients with Cystic Fibrosis lose more salt in their sweat, which means
they much eat more salty foods, especially during hot weather where they will
sweat more frequent. Sources of sodium chloride include salted meats, nuts,
margarine.
Zinc
Contributes to the immune system, cell v=division, cell
growth, wound healing, and breakdown of carbohydrates. Sources of Zinc include oysters,
poultry, beans, dairy, and whole grains.
Vitamins- help your body grow, function
and fight off infection
Vitamin
A
Contributes to bone and
tooth formation, vision health, cell function and immunity. Sources of vitamin
A include liver\fish oils, dairy, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin D
Contributes
to building and maintain strong bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D,
bones can become thin and brittle. Sources of vitamin D include Cod liver oil,
dairy, egg yolks, and cheese.
Vitamin E
Is an
antioxidant, protecting compounds in the body from combining with oxygen; when
compounds become oxidized they become harmful to the body. Also helps keep red
blood cells healthy, fights infection and maintains intestine health. Sources
of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin K
Contributes
to blood clotting and synthesis of proteins found in plasma, bone and kidneys. Sources
of vitamin K include spinach, kale, cabbage, fruits, meats, dairy and eggs.
Enzymes- help
speed up the breakdown (hydrolysis) of food molecules
Taken by
mouth, they function in your intestines to allow digestion of food and
absorption of nutrients to feed your body. Pancreatic enzyme supplements come
in capsule form. Inside each capsule are small beads that contain the digestive
enzymes. Each of the beads are enteric coated, which allows them to be
dissolved in the small intestine where the digestive enzymes are released and
help digest food.
No comments:
Post a Comment