A useful tool from NaturalHerbsGuide.

Back to Disorder Library

• A study is being conducted on the drug amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic) to see whether it would be beneficial to use them along with treatment with some diuretic drugs. It is thought to make the lung secretions less thick by blocking sodium uptake by lung cells.
• Cystic Fibrosis symptomology can be controlled with numerous drugs. Antibiotics can be used to fight the infections to which people with CF are prone, especially infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is a microbe that is drawn to the sticky mucus in the lungs. Pancrelipase (also sold under different brand names) is obtained through a prescription product that has a combination of digestive enzymes that is usually prescribed for people with CF and other pancreatic insufficiencies. Individuals may also take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or prednisone.
• DNAase (Dornase) is an enzyme that occurs naturally and breaks down DNA molecules. Some fo the mucus that clogs the airways of people with CF is extremely thick and sticky due to it containing large molecules of DNA released by white blood cells and they die fighting chronic bacterial infection. This makes the mucus even thicker. Breaking down DNA molecules assists in making the mucus less thick.
• Gene therapy may prove to be the treatment of choice for people with CF. In laboratory testing normal CF genes have been given to people with CF with reported success. Rat experimentation indicated that changing the defective CF genes with normal ones in just 10 percent of the lung lining cells makes lung function better. Because the genes in the cells of the reproductive system are unaffected, however, offspring can still obtain CF. Along with gene therapy, work is proceeding with vector aerosols. A vector is similar to a shuttle that can give a good copy of the defective gene to the appropriate place in the body.
• Levels of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are both fatty acids are unbalanced in individuals that have CF. This imbalance is most evident in the lungs, pancreas, and intestine which are the most common areas affected by CF. Research in this area suggests promising results.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation can be contacted for support and information.
• The Flutter, which is a small hand-held device, helps people with CF to loosen mucus from the airways and can replace conventional physiotherapy.
• When levels of selenium and vitamin E are low, this seems to be linked to CF and cancer.
• When the antibiotic tobramycin (nebcin) is given by aerosol spray instead of by traditional intravenous methods, it has been reported to be more effective in reaching infected lung tissue.

• Avoid eating white flour, processed foods, animal products, sugar, and dairy products. These items will cause the mucus to build up and drains the body of energy.
• Cystic Fibrosis requires more nutrients than regular people. You should take more enzymes vitamins and minerals.
• Diet should be 75% raw vegetables and fruits along with seeds and nuts.
• It is important to eat garlic, mushrooms (shiitake), and onions to receive the germanium.
• Raise your salt intake and be sure to drink lots of fluids in hot weather.