Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the digestive and respiratory systems in a child’s body. It affects the normal functioning of the epithelial cells, which leads to the balance of salt and water in the body getting disturbed. This leads to the production of thick mucus, which clogs the lungs and also causes breathing issues. Children suffering from cystic fibrosis require more calories than other kids, and they should eat healthy foods to help manage the condition. The intake of these calories can be cross-checked with doctors and nutritionists to help them better. The following are some nutrients to help manage cystic fibrosis, along with some foods that are inherently rich in these nutrients:

• Calcium
  Children affected by this condition are more likely to develop weak bones because of a lack of calcium. So, their diet should contain food items that are rich sources of calcium, like dairy products and juices.
• Fatty acids
  Foods to help manage cystic fibrosis also include essential fatty acids, and flax seeds, salmon, walnuts, soybean oil, plant oils, sunflower oil, and such are great sources of omega-3 fats. They aid the building of cell membranes and also play a role in the functioning of the lungs.
• Iron
  Iron is considered to be one of the best foods to help manage cystic fibrosis. This is because children suffering from cystic fibrosis are at a high risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue and poor resistance to infection. So, they are advised to consume foods rich in iron like cereal, meats, dried fruits, and dark green vegetables.
• Zinc and salt
  Zinc has an important function of healing, aiding growth, and fighting infection and is found in eggs, meats, seafood, and liver. Besides, children suffering from cystic fibrosis tend to lose a lot of salt in their sweat, so they should consume more salt to maintain the salt levels in the body.
• Protein
  The consumption of foods rich in protein is also required to help manage cystic fibrosis. To prevent muscle loss due to this disease, children should consume chicken, eggs, fish, and soy.
• Antioxidants
  It is important to eat foods that can fight off bacterial infection easily. Fruits and vegetables, especially berries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage, are great sources of antioxidants.
• Fiber
  Consuming fiber-rich food items is recommended by doctors as fiber helps fight blockages in the intestines. Many kinds of breakfast cereal, oats, quinoa, and cracked wheat have high fiber and protein.

Additional diet tips to manage this disease in children

• Give them whole milk and milkshakes to drink.
• When serving them pizza, top it with extra cheese.
• Add extra cheese to your child’s sandwiches.
• Use regular instead of low-fat dressing on salads and vegetables.
• Add extra butter or olive oil to foods.
• Let your child consume more avocados.
• Let them eat calorie-rich desserts.
• Always carry high-energy snacks for your little one, regardless of where you go.
• Avoid anything with the diet, low-fat, no-fat, or reduced-calorie labels.