About the added salt to Olivia's diet

I was asked about why the added salt to Olivia's diet. I found this text which explains better than I can. http://www.aboutcysticfibrosis.com/cystic-fibrosis-salt.htm

Salt Loss in Cystic Fibrosis

CF affects the body’s ability to move salt and water on the cellular level. The protein created by the mutated CFTR gene is attached to outer cell membranes of exocrine glands and organs. This protein acts as a channel that connects the inner cell material or cytoplasm with the surrounding fluid environment. In sweat ducts, these proteins facilitate the flow of chloride from the sweat to the cytoplasm.

Defective CFTR proteins result to chloride ions being trapped inside the cells of respiratory airways and outside the skin. Negatively charged chloride ions tend to attract positively charged ions outside the cell and this includes sodium, the most common ion. Chloride and sodium combined produces salt, which is lost in high amounts in CF patients. Salt levels in cystic fibrosis also upset the blood’s mineral balance and often leads to fever and dehydration especially in hot weather.


Cystic Fibrosis and Salt Level Management

Managing symptoms and salt levels in patients with cystic fibrosis include medications, nutritional supplements and pancreatic enzyme replacements. CF patients need additional salt and fluid intake to make up for excessive loss of it. Any food that tastes salty like chips, fast food, frozen dinners are good sources of the mineral for CF patients.

Salt is essential for patients with cystic fibrosis for muscle function, nerve cell health and to improve the flow of fluid in cells. Since patients are losing higher than normal levels of it when they sweat, replacing this loss is very vital. Infants with cystic fibrosis must have salt added to their formula or baby food. In children, teens and adults, sodium chloride levels can be maintained by adding liberal amounts of the mineral to their diet, especially during hot weather. The doctor or health care provider can help patients determine the right amount of salt for them.