Do CF and superfoods get along well?

Question

Hello,
My husband is suffering from CF and I would like to create our food even more consciously, i.e. to incorporate natural anti-inflammatory substances. Can one make a statement in how far superfoods, e.g. goji berry, salmon oils, curcumine are suitable for this? I am worrying that it could come to interactions or damage of the liver. Can you recommend other substances?
Many thanks and best regards,
PS

Answer

Hello,
the field of the so-called superfoods is by now very substantial. According to the actual German magazin „eco-testing“ about this topic, the intake of some of these superfoods has to be dehorted (chia, goji berries, hemp seeds, wheat gras etc.) because of a high burden (in spite of bio-quality!) with pesticides, mineral oils and heavy metals. Furthermore, the “positive” effect is very over-estimated. When taking the amount of intake into account, the assumed advantage is relativised if compared to local or “normal” food.
Relevant for the nutrition concerning the supply with nutrients in CF would be a sufficient supply with fruit and vegetables, besides a sufficient calory intake especially via fat, preferably foods containing simple unsaturated fatty acids (olives/ olive oil, avocado, macadamia) and omega-3-fatty acids (most active form DHA – docosahexaenoic acid, especially in wildly caught fatty fish (e.g. Sockeye salmon)). By itself, this group of foods are “superfoods”, as they contain besides important vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres (prebiotics) also different secondary plant substances, that have a positive effect on diverse body functions. As an example garlic contains the alliin, that turns into allicin via processing (peeling, shredding).
Allicin increases the level of catalase and glutathion peroxidase in the blood, that have a strong anti-oxidative effect. Other secondary plant substances are polyphenoles, among those could be found dyestuffs (flavonoids yellow, orange, red, blue, violet in berries, cherries, plums etc.) and quercetin (in onions and colewort), carotinoids (further dyestuffs in fruits and vegetables) and sulfides (allicin). These could have and an antimicrobial, antioxidative and digestive effect.

In order to be provided the best with healthy food, no expensive and critically laden products have to be bought. Please pay attention to a sufficient supply with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables (bio quality) or also frozen sorts, at least 5 servings per day, if possible different and coloured sorts. Prepare two times a week a good serving of fatty fish. In case of a dislike of fish you could use fish oil supplements. Reduce the intake of conveniece food (trans fatty acids), raffinated sugar as well as the usage of oils rich in omega-6-fatty acids (sunflower, thistle, wheat/maize germ oil etc) to a minimum. As a snack olives, macadamia nuts, peantus and walnuts are well suitable, other nuts contain a too high part of omega-6, therefore should only rarely be eaten. Avocados are an "allrounder" wih a very high nutrient profile and are suitable as spread, salad ingredient, as avocado cream (guacamole or sweet) or as an ingredient for puddings and creams.
Important is the sufficient supply with pancreatic enzymes, in case your husband is pancreatic insufficient. All the substances as well as fat-soluble vitamins are only absorbed with a good digestion of fat.
Please talk again to the dietician of your CF center. She will for sure be able to give you further advice.
I hope to have answered your questions sufficently and stay with my best regards,
Suzanne van Dullemen

04.06.2016