Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has announced a new section of their web site devoted to promoting better nutrition in the CF community – Nutrition and Your Digestive System. This section provides comprehensive information on the various aspects of nutritional health. Here are the subtopics in this new section:

  • Taking Care of Your Digestive System – If you have CF, you have sticky mucus in your digestive system. You need to take enzymes to digest food and medications to stay regular. Doing this will help you grow, maintain your weight and fight lung infections.

  • Getting Your Nutrients – Nutritional needs for people with cystic fibrosis are determined by their degree of malabsorption, activity level and the severity of lung disease. Individuals with CF typically need 1 ½ to 2 times as many calories as people without CF.

  • Protecting and Maintaining Bone Health – People with cystic fibrosis are living longer than ever. As people age, bones get weaker and break more easily. Let’s look at different ways that this can be prevented with nutrition and exercise.

  • Tube Feeding: Another Healthy Option – Tube feeding can be a great way to get the calories and nutrients that you or your child with cystic fibrosis need to gain and maintain a healthy weight. Explore this as an option with your CF care team.

  • Good Nutrition for Kids With CF – Good nutrition for children with cystic fibrosis means high-calorie foods, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. It also can mean accepting tube feeding as a way to help your child thrive.