General Nutritional Management
Diet remains a very important part of the management of CF. Good nutrition helps the body fight infections and maintain strength. Nutrition needs can change throughout adulthood depending on your health, lifestyle, activity levels, digestive health and CF treatments. There is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to the CF diet.
Your CF dietitian can help you find an eating pattern that meets your individual needs and supports your weight, muscle, bone and gut health and overall wellbeing. They should also provide guidance on pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, salt and hydration, and support the management of CF-related diabetes or changes in weight.
Monitoring Your Nutritional Health
Dietitians no longer rely on weight alone to measure and track health. A range of measurement tools including body composition testing (measuring fat and muscle), glucose monitoring, diet analysis software, body measurements, bloods and blood pressure are all used to create highly personalised nutrition plans and targets.
Regular reviews with your CF dietitian are important, even when you are feeling well, as your nutritional needs may change over time.
The following areas should be reviewed at clinic:
- Body trends- waist measurement, body composition, weight and any concerns over body image
- Blood pressure and lipids
- Vitamins and bone health- vitamin levels, bone density scans
- Blood glucose- annual CFRD screening
- Create a plan together- set clear goals. Lean on your team to talk about barriers such as appetite, fatigue, cost and time.
Clinic Contact Details
SCGH
WA Adult CF Team SCGH
Tel: (08) 6457 1756
Email: cysticfibrosis.scgh@health.wa.gov.au
FSH
Tel: (08) 6152 4029
Email: fsh.advancedlungdiseaseoutpatientclinic@health.wa.gov.au