Nutrition
This information is provided for your consideration; remember to always consult with your healthcare team.
One of the main ways to stay healthier as a patient of cystic fibrosis is to maintain a balanced diet. In many cases people choose to outline a dietary plan specific to their particular needs, with the help of a nutritionist specializing in cystic fibrosis. Some complications, especially reduced pancreatic function, can affect how well nutrients from food are absorbed into the body. For this reason people with cystic fibrosis often need to employ strategies to obtain the necessary amount of calories and essential nutrients in their diets. This can include taking vitamin supplements but mostly consists of staying aware of your personal caloric needs. Maintaining a good diet can become more difficult as the stresses of adolescence increase, but staying vigilant means you have a much higher chance of staying happier and healthier.
In some cases a careful diet and dietary supplements are not enough to stave off the risks of malnutrition that come along with cystic fibrosis. Some patients who struggle more in this area decide to undergo a procedure which allows them to get extra nutrients from a feeding tube during the night.
An important part is to maintain your gastrointestinal health. Knowing your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) and Body Mass Index (BMI) can be helpful, though your cystic fibrosis care team is probably closely tracking your weight. It is also important to be aware of symptoms of intestinal blockage, which can become more difficult to treat the longer it goes undiagnosed. There are many resources available to you in this area, but remember to talk to your physician. Websites like kidshealth.org have helpful sections of cystic fibrosis nutrition that include lists of specific recipes
Consider exploring the following websites for more information:
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