10 Things People with Cystic Fibrosis Want You to Know
Extra calories are sometimes necessary.
An individual with CF has to eat anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 calories a day in order to maintain a healthy weight. This involves eating plenty of fat, protein, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Mucus can also cause problems in the pancreas, thus preventing the release of enzymes needed for the digestion of food. Some individuals even consume pancreatic enzymes with food – up to 40 pills a day – in order to receive the proper nutrients they need and help stave off infections.