Taking Care of Your Digestive System

If you have cystic fibrosis, you have to pay more attention than most people to what you eat because sticky mucus in the pancreas interferes with the proper digestion of your food and causes blockages in the intestines.

Taking the right medications not only helps you meet your nutrition goals but also it prevents you from harming your health.

Just as the lungs produce thick, sticky mucus, the pancreas also makes thick mucus that blocks the release of enzymes needed for digestion. Most people with cystic fibrosis need to take enzymes before they eat.

Phthalates (pronounced “THA-lates”) are a group of chemicals used in many products, including drugs, medical supplies, toys, vinyl flooring, wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, cosmetics, and personal care products like soaps and shampoos.

Managing your daily life so that you don't miss your treatments while also taking in enough calories to maintain a healthy weight is not easy. You're not expected to do it alone. Your cystic fibrosis care team is there to help you.