Cystic Fibrosis (CF):

systems. The disease is because of a mutation in a gene that controls CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein. Lack of normal production of CFTR impairs transport of chloride across the cells and increases reabsorption of sodium, leading to production of sticky and highly concentrated secretions in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts and pancreas.

CF manifests itself in different ways: productive cough, frequent infections of the airways, lungs, and sinuses, intestinal obstruction in infancy, poor absorption of nutrients, acid reflux, bulky, foul-smelling and oily stools, diabetes, infertility and kidney stones.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Processed foods.
2. Fried foods.
3. Sugars and sweets, as they weaken the immune system.
4. Foods that increase production of mucus: sugars, chocolate, dairy products, caffeine, bananas, eggs, wheat products, pastries, and beer.
5. Red meats.
6. Allergenic foods.
7. Gluten containing foods: wheat, spelt, couscous, kamut, rye, barley, oats, and any products of wheat.
8. Avocado, passion fruit, coconut, corn, and olive: they contain higher amounts of Omega-6, which exacerbates inflammation.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: 2 liters or more a day, as dehydration may exacerbate symptoms.
2. Chicken soup or broth. It contains a high level of amino acid cysteine, which thins out mucus.
3. Hot barley soup.
4. Fish.
5. Legumes.
6. Flaxseeds.
7. Fruits high in flavonoids: berries.
8. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially onions, garlic, ginger, horseradish, and mustard.
9. Cayenne pepper, as it contains capsaicin that it may relieve airways irritation and congestion.
10. Artichoke.
11. Gluten free diet. Rice, potatoes, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, arrowroot and amaranth do not contain gluten.
12. Spices: turmeric, sumac, and cinnamon.

Recommended Supplements:

1. N – Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 500 – 1000 mg a day. It has a mucus-thinning effect, and reduces the viscosity of the mucus and secretions in the airways and GI system.
2. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day. It is a powerful antioxidant that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
3. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
4. Omega – 3 Fatty Acid: 2 – 3 grams a day. It has an anti-inflammatory activity.
5. Vitamin A: 3000 – 5000 IU a day.
6. Vitamin D: 2000 – 5000 IU a day.
7. Calcium: 1000 mg a day.
8. Digestive Enzymes: A broad spectrum product.
9. Probiotics: a product that provides 5 to 10 billion active organisms per serving.
10. Aloe Vera Juice: ¼ to ½ cup three times a day.
11. Astragalus: 1000 – 2000 mg a day, or 3 ml of tincture 2 – 3 times a day. Astragalus supports immune system against infections.
12. Curcumin: 400 – 800 mg a day. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient with ability to improve bile flow.
13. Multivitamin – Multiminerals: A high potency product.