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Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis (CF) is a debilitating, lifelong disease of the perspiration and exocrine glands which begins at a young age, and substantially shortens life span. The disease causes the glands of the body to secrete a great deal of sticky, thick mucus, particularly in the lungs and pancreas. In the lungs, the mucus interferes with breathing and causes constant coughing. Susceptibility for recurring respiratory infections is increased, and pneumonia often results. In the pancreas, the usual digestive enzymes are lacking and nutrients are poorly absorbed. This results in digestive disturbances, malnutrition, poor weight gain in children, and stools that are large, shiny and smelly. Poor tolerance to heat is also a symptom. Since the sweat, salivary and parotid glands produce more than the usual amounts of sodium and chloride, a perspiration test can verify the diagnosis for cystic fibrosis. Approximately one in 1800 people suffer from CF and the incidence is slightly higher in whites than blacks. It is rare in those of Asian descent. About 90% of the cases are discovered during infancy while 10% with milder symptoms are detected in adolescence or young childhood. CF is a serious disorder. The average survival for CF patients is approximately 20 years but many patients survive into their 20s and 30s. Early diagnosis improves prognosis. CF affects the lung, leading to bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, lung abscesses, sinusitis, nasal polyps, cardiac complications and even respiratory failure. A long list of digestive problems result from pancreatic insufficiency, the inability of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes-amylase, lipase, protease and other. Some of these gastrointestinal complications include nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition secondary to poor absorption, diabetes mellitus, liver problems, hemorrhoids and constipation. In males, there may be sterility due to defective or absent organs (epididymis, seminal vesicles) in the genital tract; in females, decreased fertility results from the increase viscosity of the vaginal secretions. Bone age may be retarded and bone, itself, may be demineralized as found in osteoporosis. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary illness and only if both parents carry the gene is there a chance that the child is affected. The cause is often linked to an improper transport of electrolytes. Many symptoms of cystic fibrosis are compounded by the faulty absorption of nutrients. The resulting malnutrition causes many symptoms and increases a susceptibility for infection. For this reason, proper diet plays an essential role in the health of a person with cystic fibrosis. Foods should be rich in nutrients and free of all sugar and chemical additives. Only fresh, raw foods can provide these nutrients, as refined, packaged and processed foods are empty calories. Supplements and herbsSupplements used for cystic fibrosis aim to improve digestion, so that foods are better assimilated and malnutrition is alleviated. Overall health improves substantially. Since a person with this condition has few enzymes to assimilate nutrients, supplying the body with digestive enzymes is essential. Lactobacillus acidophilus combination cultures re-introduce healthy bacteria into the bowels where they are needed to improve disease resistance and support digestion. Green food supplements, such as blue-green algae and chlorella, are highly recommended. They are rich in chlorophyll and many trace nutrients that support renewal of tissue and hinder bacterial growth and inflammation. Thymus extract and coenzyme Q10 will also reduce the infection rate. Those with cystic fibrosis are often lacking in essential fatty acids. Evening primrose oil provides the body with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which is important for building health and combating inflammation. Free form amino acid supplements ensure adequate protein intake needed for tissue repair and growth. Extra vitamin C with bioflavonoids is recommended to increase resistance to infections. Vitamin E is important as well, as it improves symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis. Vitamin E also prevents scarring of the pancreas. The B vitamins are often deficient if the intestinal flora has been upset from repeated antibiotic use. B12 should be taken in sublingual form (under the tongue) to provide direct absorption into the mucous membranes, since the enzyme necessary for the absorption of this vitamin is usually lacking. Optimize dosages of vitamins A, D, and K as well as zinc and selenium should be determined by lab tests. The amino acid, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a natural antibiotic. It helps dissolve mucous build-up anywhere in the respiratory tract and is particularly effective with sinusitis and bronchitis. If antibiotics have been prescribed, it is important to supplement with lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria and lactobacillus sporogenes. These friendly bowel bacteria which are killed off by prescriptions are important to help prevent yeast (candida) and other infections. Since so many different areas are affected by this condition, herbal remedies should stimulate the glands, aid digestion, strengthen the immune system and lungs, and build up the blood.
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