Dairy products and mucus

Question

Hello,
Before I had my second child with cystic fibrosis, I have long been treated, and my first daughter, with homeopathy. The various doctors I have consulted in this context have always recommended in cases of rhinitis or bronchitis to temporarily halt the consumption of dairy products that promote the production of mucus in the lungs. If I remember correctly, the production would be stimulated by the liver phospholipid content in milk.
I would like to know what role the liver plays in the production of mucus (if played one) and if the consumption of dairy products (or other food for that matter) could have an impact on the quantity and thick mucus in my son.
Thank you in advance for these lights.

Answer

Hello,
Indeed many public forums relate patient testimonials to support the hypothesis that milk could increase mucus production. Critics and beliefs about milk are recurrent, and extrapolation of such data for dairy products are common but completely unsupported by scientific data. No study has shown a change in pulmonary function parameters related to the consumption of milk. In addition, limiting consumption of dairy products can lead to low intakes of many nutrients, including calcium. For patients with cystic fibrosis already combining several risk factors for osteoporosis, calcium-rich foods are instead highly recommended. Throughout growth, cow's milk and dairy products are an important food.
Milk consumption is likely to trigger health disorders in two specific situations. Allergy to cow's milk protein (CMPA), which affects 1-2% of infants, requires the replacement of milk by a substitute where proteins are modified to make them lose their allergenicity and heals generally before the age of 2 years. Lactose intolerance by intestinal lactase deficiency (the enzyme that helps digest lactose) is genetically determined. It affects 5-10% of individuals in Europe. In this case, processed cheeses, practically free of lactose, and yogurts are generally well tolerated, usually a small amount of milk as well (about one glass per day).
In conclusion, milk and dairy products are not only very useful for balancing food, but also very safe food. There is no reason to exclude or discourage their use, particularly for patients with cystic fibrosis, whose calcium intake should be increased.

The liver has no special role in the production of bronchial mucus that is produced by mucous glands of bronchial epithelium.
There is no evidence that foods influence the quantity and thickness of mucus, BY cons a good hydration status also affects the state of hydration of mucus and facilitates its removal during the sessions of bronchial drainage .

I hope that answers your questions
Sincerely,

Dr. Sophie Ravilly

28.03.2011