4 Foods to Eat to Manage Cystic Fibrosis
The best way to treat cystic fibrosis is to follow a healthy and balanced diet. It helps improve your health and also manages the symptoms. If you are suffering from cystic fibrosis, you need to consume a higher number of calories as compared to others to maintain a healthy weight and prevent weight loss due to the condition. Some people have difficulty digesting certain foods, especially fats, which may lead to nutritional deficiency and weight loss. Also, since some people with this condition experience a loss of appetite, nutritious foods from all food groups, like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, must be added to the diet to stay healthy. Here are some foods to help manage cystic fibrosis:
- Fruits
You need antioxidants and fiber in abundance to fight diseases, and fruits are rich in these nutrients. Fruits help lower inflammation, fight infections, and reduce intestinal blockages. Fruits with vitamin C are one of the best foods to help manage cystic fibrosis and are especially helpful in warding off infections. So, include a variety of fruits to increase the nutritional quotient of your diet, the more colorful, the merrier. - Vegetables
Vegetables are among the healthiest foods on the planet and help manage cystic fibrosis. They contain fiber and antioxidants, so including a variety of colorful veggies in your diet is a great way to stay hale and hearty. They are rich sources of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and K, iron, and such. Arugula, bok choy, broccoli, kale, and mustard greens are some of the leafy greens to include in your diet. You should stock up on orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes as well to protect your body against infections. - Nuts
Nuts are also great options for adults and children suffering from cystic fibrosis as they are an incredible combination of fats, protein, and fiber. A handful of nuts a day can not only be satiating, but they can also cater to your nutrient needs significantly. Almonds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, and pistachios should be a crucial part of a healthy diet. You can munch on them during those mid-morning hunger pangs or add them to any of your foods for flavor and texture. Adding these to your foods can bring up the nutrient quotient and also help increase the flavor of the food, fighting oxidative damage and infections while you enjoy your food. - Dark chocolate
This magnesium-rich food is rich in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great food to help manage cystic fibrosis. Chocolates are high in calories, but they contain healthy fats, but keep in mind that you should pick chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa to avoid sugar intake and weight gain.
The above list of foods to help manage cystic fibrosis comes in handy to manage the condition. You can also consult a nutritionist to figure out the ideal diet for you and ask whether you need any vitamin supplements to help alleviate the symptoms and manage the condition better.