Nutrition and cystic fibrosis: recipes

By Éliane Bérubé, cystic fibrosis nutritionist at the CHUM

Nutrition is a very complex science where nothing is completely black or white. Each person has different needs, tastes, and cooking practices. For people living with cystic fibrosis, eating is certainly not easy! Due to certain particularities, for example the expenditure of energy by the lungs or the presence of malabsorption, the diet will have to be adapted. However, there are tips to ensure that eating remains a pleasure.

First of all, it is essential to specify that not all people with cystic fibrosis have the same nutrient needs (calories, proteins, carbohydrates, etc.). Several factors influence needs, such as weight, age, gender, gender, physical activity level, other medical conditions, etc. Each individual is unique, and the explanations given below are statements that include general principles.

One of the biggest particularities in relation to nutrition is the amount of energy expended, largely by the lungs, which work a bit harder than those of the rest of the population. In fact, the lower the FEV1, the more easily the body burns calories.

That said, the person will have to compensate for this loss of energy by adopting a slightly richer diet. A richer diet means more calories, without necessarily increasing portions. We want each bite to pay more, by adding, for example, oil, butter, cream, seeds or nuts, creamy sauces, grated cheese, avocado, etc.

Then, another very important factor: whether or not there is malabsorption present. If yes, it means that the digestive system has a bit more difficulty absorbing all nutrients, including fats, proteins, and some vitamins. In this case, the person living with CF will need enzyme replacement therapy that is tailored to their needs. Especially since malabsorption is also a factor that could lead the CF population to have to compensate in terms of calories and other nutrients, and even to the point of having to take supplements of certain vitamins in the form of prescribed pharmaceutical tablets.

All these nutritional specificities for people living with CF can quickly become a real headache! Here are five principles to keep in mind:

1: Get involved in meal preparation: the more you cook, the easier it becomes! Like anything in everyday life, practice will make the activity more enjoyable and accessible over time.

2: Make room for snacks: when the meal was not full enough, when the schedule is too busy and there is no time to eat well, when you have just trained, etc.

3: Integrate our favorite foods into our routine: eating should definitely not become a chore! It is therefore very important to enjoy our favorite foods several times a week.

4: Be curious: the more different foods we try, the more options we have, and the easier it is to create original and tasty recipes.

5: Get inspired: with social networks that have become so accessible, there is a wide range of culinary inspirations all over the web! For example, people with a higher appetite, or anti-diet nutritionists who really care about the pleasure of eating. Do not hesitate to equip yourself with several colorful and simple recipe books to make daily life easier. However, beware of people who advocate fad diets, since most of them are not adapted to CF.

Finally, the diet of a person living with cystic fibrosis presents its challenges and particularities. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek the help of the nutritionist on your healthcare team in order to develop nutritional strategies that will take into account your preferences and values, while being adapted to your needs. Each person is unique!

‍