This inherited disease causes glands to over-secrete, severely impairing the pancreas, liver and lungs, although sweat and salivary glands are also affected. In the digestive system there is poor digestion and absorption (especially of fat) due to pancreatic insufficiency and blocked liver ducts. In the lungs there is difficulty breathing and frequent infections due to sticky mucous congestion. This also means that the risk of pneumonia is very high. Cystic fibrosis is a serious condition, and careful management with close medical supervision is important.
Naturopathic treatment involves improving digestion, correcting nutrient deficiencies, breaking down mucous and supporting the immune system. This approach can work alongside conventional treatment.
Taking a good multivitamin and mineral formula 1 to 2 times daily is advisable, to help generally correct deficiencies caused by poor digestion and absorption, and excessive perspiration. Keeping your nutrient levels up is important in supporting the immune system, and helping it to fight the pathogens that cause respiratory infections. Information in the 'immune support' section may also be helpful. Vitamin E and selenium deficiencies have also been associated with cystic fibrosis. You should try to use supplements in liquid form whenever possible.
| This replaces pancreatic enzymes and improves digestion, preventing deficiencies of fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and vitamin B12. It also reduces inflammation due to infection, and helps to break up mucous. Use as directed on the label | |
| To correct deficiencies of omega 3 and omega 6, to maintain immune function. Take blended product as directed, or 6 grams to 10 grams fish oil and 3 grams to 6 grams evening primrose oil / safflower oil4 per day | |
| Breaks up mucous, especially in the lungs. Also provides antioxidant protection to the liver and lungs. Take 500mg twice per day | |
| Improves fat digestion. Take 30mg per kilo of bodyweight per day - on an empty stomach with fruit juice (not pineapple) | |
| To correct deficiency, to help prevent mucous infection and protect the lungs. 5,000iu to 10,000iu per day | |
| To correct deficiency. 1,000iu to 2,000iu per day | |
| To correct deficiency, and support immunity. 100iu to 300iu per day | |
| To correct deficiency. 5mg every 3 days. |
There are many herbs that are supportive to patients with cystic fibrosis. Tinctures are preferable wherever possible as they are easier for the body to absorb.
| Supplies vitamin K and helps replace lost minerals (through excessive perspiration), also aids nutrient absorption. 1ml to 2ml tincture, or 500mg of leaf powder 3 times per day. | |
| To help support immune function - 5 days on and 2 days off. 3ml to 5ml of tincture or 300mg to 500mg of root powder, 3 times per day. | |
| Breaks up mucous and helps to fight infection. Aged or whole bulb - 3 times daily (liquid forms are sometimes available) | |
| If there is already infection. Potent anti-microbial agent. 1ml to 4ml tincture, or 2,000mg of root powder - 2 to 3 times per day for no longer than 3 weeks. | |
| To liquefy mucous and clear congestion on the lungs - Use as directed on the label. | |
| Helps to clear mucous from the lungs - 1ml to 4ml tincture, 3 to 4 times per day. |
The following essential oils could be used for inhalation to help thin mucous and keep infection out of the lungs.
People with cystic fibrosis need to eat larger quantities of foods, due to their impaired ability to digest and absorb nutrients. They typically need to consume 20% to 50% more calories than a healthy person (of similar size and shape). In addition, they should chew their food well to help break it down and assist with digestion.
Eating a diet consisting of around 75% fresh raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds will help to supply lots of natural digestive enzymes, as well as vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids (nuts should be chewed well to aid digestion). Blending and juicing is useful as it helps to break up food and lessens the load on the digestive system.
It is important to drink at least two litres of water per day to keep the mucous membranes flowing freely, in order to prevent congestion through the body. Keeping fluid intake up is crucial, as people with cystic fibrosis are also more likely to be dehydrated due to their excessive perspiration. Fluid replacements / electrolyte drinks are useful at keeping the body well hydrated, especially in hot weather.
Due to excessive perspiration, you can become deficient in mineral salts, especially sodium. Patients should therefore use salt liberally on food and in cooking. Children with this condition seem to perspire more than adults, and are much more prone to fevers. Extra salt added to their diet is sensible (around 2grams to 4grams per day).
Garlic is a powerful anti-microbial food which helps to ward off infection, and should be used in generous amounts. At least two whole cloves per day, either added to cooking, chopped into salads or just eaten in a sandwich. Also eat plenty of onions and shiitake mushrooms as they too have similar properties.
Foods that encourage mucous congestion should be avoided, these include; dairy products, sugar, white flour products, animal fats and dried foods. Wheat and gluten can also be problematic, and sometimes difficult to digest for people with this condition. It is also wise to check for any potential food intolerances.
Eat plenty of natural live soya yoghurt, to top up beneficial bacteria needed to keep the immune system healthy, especially if using conventional antibiotics.
|
|
|
 | This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). |