Addison’s Disease diet plan consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, collard greens, mushrooms, eggs, fish, dairy products, and vitamin D-fortified foods. Patients with Addison’s disease may require a high-sodium and calcium-rich diet to benefit the condition.
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Vitamin-D fortified milk with palm sugar
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Fortified oatmeal with milk and fruits
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Apple-pomegranate feta cheese salad
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Soy chunks pulav with cucumber-onion raita and egg omelet
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: Salted mixed nuts and fortified orange juice
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Whole wheat roti with oyster mushroom gravy
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Table of Contents
What is Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease is a rare chronic condition characterized by the insufficiency of adrenal hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. Addison’s disease is also referred to as “Primary Adrenal Insufficiency”. Adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs located above each kidney. Addison’s disease can affect people at any age and is more prominent between 30 -60 years and women are more likely to acquire the disease.
Cortisol also known as “stress hormone” is extremely important for stress conditions during illness, infections, or surgery. Aldosterone manages the electrolyte balances and potassium levels.
Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system produces antibodies to destroy the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (including aldosterone), and androgens (male sex hormone) are a few hormones affected b Addison’s disease.
An insufficiency of the hormones leads to disturbances in body functions which include lack of sleep, electrolyte imbalance, fluid retention, changes in weight, gastrointestinal problems, hypotension, fatigue, and depression. If untreated, the condition may be life-threatening and hormone replacement therapy is commonly used to manage this condition.
What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease?
Symptoms of Addison’s disease are
· Muscle weakness
· Chronic fatigue
· Low blood pressure
· Loss of appetite
· Weight loss
· Digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain)
· Rapid heart rate
· Depression
· Mood swings
· Drop in blood sugar levels
· Cravings for salty foods
· Lack of sleep
· Irregular menstrual cycle
· Joint pain
Addison’s disease occurs after an injury or an infection which causes more stress on the adrenal glands. Severe cases are due to the insufficiency of cortisol which worsens the condition. Increased levels of stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy food habits, vigorous workouts which can cause injuries, and certain environmental and genetic factors are some of the common causes of the disease.
Ingestion of steroids such as glucocorticoid hormones for a prolonged period can harm the adrenal glands. These hormones act like cortisol and when stopped suddenly bring some changes in the body.
Addison’s disease was considered normal with no significant changes in life expectancy, but recent studies have shown that untreated Addison’s disease may lead to mortality with acute adrenal failure, infections, and sudden death in patients.
What are the stages of Addison’s disease?
The stages of Addison’s disease are
· Stage 0 – Adrenal glands function normally during stage 0.
· Stage 1 – Patients are diagnosed with elevated plasma renin levels while the aldosterone levels remain within normal levels or low.
· Stage 2 – High levels of plasma renin and low levels of aldosterone are reported during stage 2 of Addison’s disease. The kidney produces an enzyme called renin which helps in the regulation of blood pressure. Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) test reveals low or zero response to cortisol levels.
· Stage 3 – Increased ACTH levels and normal to low cortisol levels are experienced during this stage. ACTH hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol.
· Stage 4 – Extremely high levels of ACTH and low levels of cortisol are reported during this stage. The symptoms of Addison’s disease may be severe in this stage.
What are the types of Addison’s disease?
The types of Addison’s disease are
· Primary Adrenal Insufficiency – Primary adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison’s disease is a rare condition diagnosed when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.
· Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency – Secondary adrenal insufficiency is experienced when there is an insufficiency of the Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) produced by the pituitary gland. Due to this condition, cortisol production by the adrenal glands gets affected.
· Tertiary Adrenal Insufficiency – Tertiary adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed when there is a lack of corticotropin hormone produced by the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland does not produce enough ACTH due to insufficiency of corticotropin. This leads to the deficiency of the cortisol hormone.
Addison’s Disease Diet Plan
Addison’s Disease diet plan consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, foods with adequate salt, and foods rich in calcium and vitamin D (fortified).
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Overnight soaked chia seeds lemon water
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Avocado toast with scrambled eggs
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Spiced buttermilk with herbs like ginger and asafoetida
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Brown rice with salmon-coconut oil fish curry and cucumber salad
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: Yogurt with cut fruits
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Multigrain roti with chickpea curry and turmeric milk at bedtime.
- Consume natural vegetables and leafy greens which provide a good source of antioxidants and fiber. Insist on cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and bok choy.
- Intake of steroids such as corticosteroids for treatment may increase the risk of osteoporosis and result in reduced bone density. Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D like dairy products, broccoli, sardines, beans, and nuts.
- Switch to healthy fats such as fatty fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil instead of saturated fats from unhealthy food sources like fried foods, pastries, sugary foods, and processed foods.
- Low levels of aldosterone increase your salt needs. Electrolyte imbalance may also lead to increased salt cravings. Include iodine-rich salt such as Himalayan sea salt to manage your salt intake and consumption of sea vegetables like seaweed and kelp supports your thyroid health.
- Drink probiotic drinks such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and probiotic yogurt to improve digestive issues and gut health
- Eat fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel as they are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory.
- Choose organic, grass-fed chicken, eggs, turkey, and other animal products which have reduced exposure to pesticides.
Foods to avoid with Addison’s disease
Foods to avoid for Addison’s disease are highly sugary foods, tea, green tea, coffee, sodas, foods high in saturated fats, packaged foods, and potassium-rich foods.
Foods to avoid with Addison’s disease are
- Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks
- Sugary foods
- Fried foods
- Baked goods and pastries
- Packaged foods like chips
- Red meats
- Refined foods
- Sodas
- Artificial sweeteners
Fruits to avoid with Addison’s disease are
- Too many bananas
- Too many oranges
- Kiwis
- Cantaloupes
- Mangoes
- Grapefruits
- Melons
- Dates
- Figs
- Raisins
Vegetables to avoid with Addison’s disease are
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Beetroots
- Spinach
Treatment involves the intake of corticosteroids for a longer duration which increases the risk of obesity and osteoporosis. Consumption of too many sugary foods and highly fatty foods leads to weight gain. Processed meats, desserts, and refined grains are better to be avoided for the betterment of the symptoms.
Eating a healthy and nutritious diet helps to maintain a healthy weight and management of the symptoms of Addison’s disease.
Best vegetables for Addison’s disease
The best vegetables for Addison’s disease are
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Amaranth greens
- Turnip greens
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Capsicum
- Radish
- Cucumbers
- Oyster mushrooms
Intake of healthy food choices such as fiber-rich vegetables helps to fight against fatigue, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and high sugar levels. Vegetables are naturally fat-free which prevents acne and helps in managing insulin resistance.
Consistent intake of healthy vegetables and whole grains in the diet prevents you from cravings for sugary foods and high-fat foods rich in saturated fats.
Best fruits for Addison’s disease
The best fruits for Addison’s disease are
- Avocados
- Apples
- Papaya
- Pears
- Guavas
- Lemons
- Pomegranates
- Strawberries
- Cherries
Fruits energize the body, fight against adrenal fatigue, fulfill fluid intake, prevent dehydration, and help to raise blood sugar levels. It is advised to restrict certain potassium-rich fruits as potassium accumulates in the body and rises the blood potassium levels.
Avoid the consumption of fruits in the morning if you feel tired and low blood sugar levels prevail. Prefer organically grown fruits as persons with Addison’s disease may be sensitive to the chemicals in the fruits.
Tips for Addison’s Disease
Tips for Addison’s Disease are
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and sodium to improve the symptoms of Addison’s disease
- Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and destruction of bone density.
- Make a plan for a consistent work schedule
- Avoid sugary foods, caffeine, and processed foods to stay away from the risk of obesity and high blood sugar levels.
- Manage stress and depression with the help of yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, and gentle exercises
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration and other related consequences.
- Practice good quality sleeping patterns as lack of sleep may exacerbate the release of excess cortisol.
- Stay away from potassium-rich foods such as bananas, cantaloupes, dried fruits, dates, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, beet greens, and coconut water
- Make sure not to miss any of your medications.
Foods to prevent Addison’s disease
Foods to prevent Addison’s disease are fruits, vegetables, avocados, beans, lentils, dairy products, fortified eggs, meats, and fatty fish. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D reduce the risk of osteoporosis and benefit bone health.
Foods rich in healthy fats such as avocados, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids which provide numerous benefits for Addison’s disease.
FAQs
Is Addison’s disease curable?
Addison’s disease cannot be cured completely but can be treated with medicines such as corticosteroids to replace cortisol and aldosterone. Patients with Addison’s disease need to be under medications for their entire lifetime to maintain their hormonal balance. An active lifestyle is possible with a few dietary modifications and lifestyle changes.
What are the best foods to eat for Addison’s disease?
Calcium-rich foods such as milk, curd, cheese, paneer, and vitamin D-fortified foods such as cereals, milk, mushrooms, and fortified orange juice, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, eggs, meat, and fish are some of the best foods to eat for Addison’s disease. Include foods rich in sodium and low in potassium in the diet to regulate hormonal imbalance and the symptoms of Addison’s disease.
What is the natural remedy for Addison’s disease?
Including herbs such as turmeric, ginger, basil, and ashwagandha may benefit the condition by reducing stress on the adrenal glands. An adrenal-healthy diet improves blood pressure, maintains stress levels, and ensures the effective functioning of the adrenal glands. Ashwagandha restores energy levels and supports the endocrine system.
How can I reduce Addison’s disease?
Hormonal replacement therapy with corticosteroids replaces the missing hormones which the adrenal glands are incapable to produce. Management of stress, eating a high-sodium diet, avoiding foods high in potassium content, and restrictions on unhealthy foods such as white sugars, foods made from white flour, fried foods, and processed, and packaged foods aid in reducing Addison’s disease.
Is protein good for Addison’s disease?
Patients with Addison’s disease need to stay on a high-protein diet as proteins are essential nutrients for fighting against adrenal fatigue and other symptoms of Addison’s disease. A protein-rich meal in combination with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats manages your blood sugar levels and prevents the risk of obesity.
Is calcium good for Addison’s disease?
Calcium is an essential mineral for patients with Addison’s disease since the patients under steroid medications are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density. Calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, nuts, seeds, salmon, sardines, tofu, beans, and lentils support bone health and help to maintain weight.
Is vitamin good for Addison’s disease?
Lack and insufficiency of vitamin D are the common signs of Addison’s disease. Intake of vitamin D in the form of fortified foods such as fortified milk, eggs, mushrooms, and fruit juices is beneficial for Addison’s disease. Get some early morning sun’s rays for a good source of vitamin D.
What are the first signs of Addison’s disease?
Fatigue, pain in the abdomen, muscle weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite, drop in blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, electrolyte imbalance, absence of periods, and night sweats are some of the first signs of Addison’s disease. It is necessary to be cautious when a person reports the first signs of Addison’s disease and take the necessary treatments to avoid the severity of the symptoms.
Is Addison’s disease a serious condition?
Addison’s disease may be life-threatening if untreated. Addison’s disease may lead to an Adrenal crisis due to decreased levels of adrenal hormones in the body. Addison’s disease may not affect life expectancy but patients may find it difficult to manage stress and blood glucose levels. Patients may require to be under corticosteroid therapy for the rest of their life.
How can I treat Addison’s disease at home?
Addison’s disease can be treated at home by taking corticosteroids (steroids) under professional medical supervision which helps to manage the condition. Consuming herbs such as turmeric, ginger, tulsi, and ashwagandha may help to improve the symptoms. Restrictions in diet and lifestyle changes can make a person live a normal life with Addison’s disease.
How to reverse Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease may be permanent or sometimes temporary. Corticosteroid replacement therapy helps to restore the hormonal levels that the adrenal glands fail to produce. Corticosteroids can be taken in the form of tablets twice or thrice a day. Increasing the salt intake is advised for Addison’s disease patients. Skipping regular doses of medicine may lead to a lack of sleep and hormonal imbalances.