Medical nutritionists who make diet plans to manage cystic fibrosis stress the importance of higher fat content. Those suffering from cystic fibrosis need a calorie intake that is 10% to 90% higher than that of a person without the disease. This requirement of food comes from frequent meals and snacks that include whole-fat dairy foods and healthy fats. Though carbohydrates are the best source of energy for the body and it is important to continue consuming carbohydrates and proteins, a high-fat diet is recommended as it provides the required calories that help a person manage symptoms of cystic fibrosis. When it comes to foods to manage cystic fibrosis, given below are some important things you need to be aware of.

How is the diet to manage cystic fibrosis different?
The food plan for a person suffering from cystic fibrosis is very different from other diets mainly due to the absence of any restrictions. There are hardly any food items that have to be avoided.

• Food intake has to be frequent and rich in calories. It is such a diet that helps patients remain healthy and fight infections that keep appearing. It may sound easy to add more calories in the diet as the struggle is always to cut down on calories to lose weight in the case of people without cystic fibrosis.
• Getting the right nutrition or maintaining a healthy weight can be a problem despite eating frequently or eating high-fat food. This is because the condition affects digestion and absorption of fats due to build up of mucus in the digestive tract.
• Eating regularly becomes difficult also due to loss of appetite during infection. That is another task that you have to confront if you are suffering from cystic fibrosis.

How can one’s diet be high in fat to manage cystic fibrosis?
It is challenging for individuals with cystic fibrosis to get enough fat in their diet every day. Full-fat dairy products, fats and oils should be used in regular diet. They should be added to all the dishes wherever possible. All toned, skimmed, or low-fat products can be replaced with wholesome, high-fat food.

Listed below are some examples of high-fat foods. Items like full-fat dairy products need to be consumed directly or added to dishes:

• Whole milk or smoothies
• Full fat yogurt
• Cheese added to eggs, sandwiches, pizzas, or burgers
• Butter or cheese with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables
• Extra cream added to sauces, puddings, and desserts
• Ice creams and milkshakes
• Whipped cream added to hot chocolate and desserts

Fats and oils to add extra fat to regular food or snacks:

• Pasta, noodles, or grains such as rice with added olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salads sprinkled with oil and real dressings instead of light or diet salads
• Bacon with eggs or with vegetable dishes
• Choosing fatty fish like salmon or mackerel while having seafood
• Avocado with salads, sandwiches, or smoothies
• Fries and chips with guacamole
• Toasts with peanut, almond, or cashew butter