Cystic Fibrosis-About

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.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Aerobic exercise appears to improve lung function in people with CF. In a three-year controlled trial, people with CF engaged in a home exercise program, during which they exercised for a minimum of 20 minutes, three times weekly, and attained a heart rate of approximately 150 beats per minute. A slower decline in lung function was observed in these people compared with non-exercisers.¹ Those who exercised also tended to feel better about themselves, had more energy, and/or experienced less chest congestion.

Take charge of your health and visit www.yandrhealth.com for Your FREE Personalized Nutrition and Exercise Program Today!!!

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.

Take charge of your health and visit www.yandrhealth.com for Your FREE Personalized Nutrition and Exercise Program Today!!!