How to Treat Cystic Fibrosis Naturally

Treating cystic fibrosis often requires prolonged use of heavy doses of antibiotics and other drugs to treat bacterial infections. However, you can manage some symptoms of cystic fibrosis naturally. Diet, exercise, acupuncture and massage are effective means of improving many respiratory and digestive functions for people with CF.

Instructions

Treat Cystic Fibrosis Naturally Through Diet and Exercise

1. Promote weight gain by eating foods that are high in fat and calories. When eating more fat, increase the amount of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K.

2. Eat foods that are naturally high in dietary enzymes, such as pineapple and papaya, to aid with absorption and break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

3. Slow mucus growth by incorporating some of the following into your diet: garlic, onions, mustard, parsley, celery and oils found in nuts, seeds and fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring.

4. Add antioxidants to your diet, such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and Coenzyme Q10. Antioxidants may help reduce inflammation of tissues and bacterial infections.

5. Improve gastrointestinal health with grape-seed products and acidophilus.

6. Get 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise three to five times per week. Aerobic exercise builds lung capacity and helps loosen mucus, so it can be cleared.

7. Find natural products at the Cystic Fibrosis Services, Inc. website, and click the "natural" tab (see Resources below). The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation receives 10 percent of all purchases made through this website.

Treat Cystic Fibrosis Naturally With Herbs

1. Drink green tea to boost antioxidants and improve immune-system function.

2. Reduce inflammation of tissues with ginkgo biloba and cat's claw. Both are antioxidants and cat's claw can also fight bacterial infections.

3. Detox your system with milk-thistle-seed extract taken two to three times daily.

4. Treat pain and inflammation naturally with bromelain.

5. Take 50 mg. of ground ivy three times a day to slow the buildup of mucus in the lungs and digestive tract.

6. Fight bacterial infections with echinacea, elecampane and goldenseal.

Treat Cystic Fibrosis Naturally With Complementary Methods

1. Treat CF symptoms with acupuncture to improve digestion and respiratory functions.

2. Use therapeutic massage and chest compressions to loosen phlegm and clear mucus from the lungs.

3. Try homeopathic remedies, such as antimonium tartaricum and carbo vegetabilis, to improve respiratory function. Speak with an experienced homeopath for exact dosages. Also, check with your physician to ensure that these supplements won't interfere with any medication you're taking.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that children are receiving the calcium they need. Calcium absorption is especially difficult for people with CF.

• Consult with a dietitian who specializes in CF to ensure that you and your family are getting the proper nutrients.

• To avoid unpleasant consequences of making the wrong choices, always check with your physician before making any dietary changes or beginning an exercise regimen.