Respiratory & Lungs
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive problems. Nutritional approaches — especially selenium and essential fatty acids — have shown promise in prevention and management.
📝 Summary
In short: Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive problems. Nutritional approaches — especially selenium and essential fatty acids — have shown promise in prevention and management.
Common causes: Genetic mutation (CFTR gene); Possible selenium deficiency in fetus/newborn; Essential fatty acid deficiency.
First thing to try: Eat a highly nourishing diet high in raw fruits and vegetables, with adequate carbohydrates, protein, and vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More →/mineralA natural building block your body needs in small amounts, like calcium or magnesium. More → supplementation.
See a doctor if: Any respiratory deterioration or acute infection
🌿 Overview
Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic disease causing thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other organs. Research by Dr. Joel Wallach and others suggests that selenium deficiency plays a central role. A highly nutritious diet with essential fatty acids is critical for anyone managing CF.
CF causes chronic lung infections, breathing difficulties, and impaired nutrient absorption. Three views of causation exist: purely genetic; caused by subclinical celiac disease impairing selenium and fatty acid absorption; or — per Wallach — a selenium/essential fatty acid deficiency that is 100% preventable. Whatever the cause, maximizing nutrition is always beneficial.
Common signs
- Thick mucus in lungs
- Chronic coughing and wheezing
- Recurrent lung infections
- Digestive problems and malabsorption of fats
- Failure to thrive in children
- Abnormally salty sweat
🔎 Why it happens
Common causes and triggers — spotting yours is often the first step to relief.
- Genetic mutation (CFTR gene)
- Possible selenium deficiency in fetus/newborn
- Essential fatty acid deficiency
- Subclinical celiac disease impairing absorption
✅ What to do
Gentle, practical steps you can take at home — start at the top.
- Eat a highly nourishing diet high in raw fruits and vegetables, with adequate carbohydrates, protein, and vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More →/mineralA natural building block your body needs in small amounts, like calcium or magnesium. More → supplementation.
- Because CF impairs nutrient absorption, eat MORE than typical — extra food is needed to absorb what the body requires.
- Eat whole grains, nuts, legumes, and fresh produce.
- Include selenium (200 mcg daily) — may address underlying deficiency.
- Include essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, 2–3 tsp daily) — critical for lung tissue health.
- Include germanium (found in garlic and onions) for immune support.
- Eliminate all processed and junk food.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Helpful herbs: echinacea, licorice root, ginger (anti-inflammatoryA food or habit that helps calm swelling and redness in the body. More →), yarrow, peppermint.
- Cayenne, garlic, and mullein help clear congestion.
- Garlic and teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea → tree oil fight infection.
- Determine and avoid any food allergies (especially wheat and cow's milk).
- Drink plenty of liquids with adequate salt in hot weather.
⭐ Community-ranked natural supports
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A nutrient-dense, often high-calorie diet (as the CF team advises) supports growth and energy.93254
Crowd feedback, not medical advice — in this preview your vote is saved on your device. *Ties are broken by our editor score (sources, safety, simplicity, cost, lifestyle fit).
📊 Compare these remedies side by side
Our editor score weighs sources, safety, simplicity, cost, and lifestyle fit. Source endorsements tally how many books and studies reference each remedy. A higher number isn't a promise — it's just a starting point.
| Remedy | Type | Editor score | Source endorsements |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Fiber Whole Foods | Food | 93 | 254 |
| Garlic | Food | 85 | 244 |
| Oats & Whole Grains | Food | 95 | 160 |
| Echinacea | Herb | 78 | 88 |
🍽️ Eating to help
Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.
Favor these
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes and nuts
- Garlic and onions
- Flaxseed oil
- Carrot juice
Go easy on
- Processed and junk food
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Common allergens (wheat, cow's milk, soy)
People with CF must eat significantly more than others because nutrient absorption is impaired. Supplement aggressively.
⚖️ Good to know
- CF management requires ongoing medical care — do not replace conventional treatment with natural remedies alone.
- Lung infections can be life-threatening and require prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Pancreatic enzyme supplementation may be needed for fat absorption.
🩺 When to see a doctor
- Any respiratory deterioration or acute infection
- Failure to gain weight
- For all routine CF management
📜 A note from history
Dr. Joel Wallach, a veterinarian, published research in 1978 showing he could reproduce CF changes in animals through selenium deficiency and cure them through selenium supplementation — work that was controversial but sparked ongoing nutritional research.
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