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Cystic Fibrosis
Get support for cystic fibrosis by focusing on overall fitness and your unique nutritional needs. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Fill up on fat-soluble supplements
Help avoid deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins by taking daily amounts of vitamin A (5,000 IU), vitamin D (1,000 IU), and vitamin E (100 IU); also take 5 mg of vitamin K every three days
- Fight back with fatty acids
Work with a nutritionist to determine how much vegetable oil or fish oil should be included in your diet to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency
- Shake on the salt
Get plenty of salt in your diet to replace the large amounts lost through sweating
Also indexed as:
- CF,
- chronic lung disease,
- chronic pulmonary disease,
- CLD,
- cystic fibrosis,
- dietary supplements,
- supplements
About this treatment
About This Condition
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that results in impaired transport of chloride into and out of cells. The digestive and respiratory systems are most affected.
The most common manifestation of cystic fibrosis is frequent respiratory infection. Impaired digestion and malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency and blocked liver ducts is often seen as well. Management of this condition requires the help of a qualified doctor.
Symptoms
Symptoms include a persistent cough with thick and often greenish-colored mucus, failure to grow normally, recurrent sinus and bronchial infections, and frequent, bulky, foul-smelling stools. Infants may experience a set of acute symptoms, including a distended abdomen, failure to pass stool, and vomiting. Although the course of the disease is highly variable, largely dependent upon the severity and frequency of respiratory infections, CF inevitably leads to debility and death. Average survival is to age 31.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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