Pediatric Dietician, Empowerment facilitator for Children with Special Needs, Researcher, Child and Community Driven enthusiast.
Cystic Fibrosis is a complex multi system disorder characterized by by abnormally thick secretions from exocrine gland that impairs the function of lungs and digestive system. Poor nutrition is observed with unfavorable energy balance due to increased stool energy losses and increased energy requirements related to disease severity , also reduced oral energy intake causing flatering growth. More energy is required in their diets during periods of infection to support breathing and malabsorption. A healthy body weight and a good lung function is a key indicator showing that they are well nourished. Poor health may led to futher medical conditions linked with Cystic fibrosis such as -Oesteopenia or oesteoporosis affecting the bone health due to late and less release of hormones especially in late puberty causing a need of more time to grow also weak breathing making a person less active hence causing weak bones and skin body stress which releases cytokines to fight infection leading to less calcium. -CFR Diabetes caused by pancreas damage affecting enzyme , hormone and digestive juice production. -Distal intestinal obstruction Syndrome affecting the bowel and intestines caused by food and mucus obstruction leading to pain, a good intake of fibre can help to maintain microphone which support the immune system, hydration and fluid intake. - With constipation the use of polyethylene glycol can bring positive impacts. - Those with liver diseases an intake of protein should be limited 1.8-2.0 kg/ day and a good optimal weight maintainance. - Gastro oesophageal reflux diseases can be relieved by a trial of medications such as antacids like PPI as Ameprazole. It's important to ensure a hig fat and high energy diet by recommending a higher number of serving according to calorie intake while considering the age and weight together with vitamins supplementation of fat soluble ones ( vitABDECK multivitamin ) . Choosing DHA over Omega 6 inorder to maintain a balance with anaerobic exercises of 30 minutes daily. A good intake of minerals esp Na, Cl, Ca ,Fe and Zn. Inadequate salt causes stomach pains ,weakness ,nausea and headaches. Though the intake varies with symptoms, dietary intake, climate and PA. Ensure fluid supplementation to prevent dehydration. Also undertaking pancreatic enzyme capsules to help digestion ie. Crean Enzyme. Use of probiotics which can reduce inflamations and exacertations , increase lung function and GI health. Supper foods in CF diet are fish, tomatoes, broccoli, olive oil, brazilian nuts, beans ,soy ,natural yoghurt but incase of tube feeding ( enteral) should be taken to account with individual preference, clinical preference , age ,life style. The benefits and side effects of anabolic and appetite stimulants must be taken to account while special consideration should be made to those with eating disorders especially atypical type. #cysticfibrosis# #specialneeds#
