Cushing Syndrome Diet

Cushing’s syndrome is one of the common diseases that many of us suffer from when we do not take care of our endocrine system. Cushing Syndrome Diet can combat all the health issues.  It is caused by elevated levels of cortisol in the blood, which may have been because of the excessive secretion of cortisol, a hormone that is released by the body under stress, or by the intake of glucocorticoid drugs like Prednisone. Some of the common signs that will show up of the disease are – pink stretch marks on our skin, a round face, weight gain in the upper body, acnes, fatigue, high blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, kidney stones, sleep disorders, irregular periods, low libido, decreased fertility, and also a flabby bulge in between our shoulders. A Cushion syndrome diet is essential to include in the diet process.

Our endocrine system is one of the most valuable organ systems of our body. It directly controls the production and as well distribution of all the hormones that our body produces, and these hormones spell the difference in our survival and death. Cushing’s Syndrome is five times more prevalent in women than men.

The hormone cortisol is important for us. It helps in:

• Maintaining proper blood pressure
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Lowering inflammation in the body, and
• Turning the foods, we eat into an energy source

Diet and nutrition plays a valuable role in reducing and controlling the levels of cortisol in our body. A Cushion syndrome diet emphasizes the proper intake of calcium, healthy fats, vitamin B foods, foods rich in potassium and magnesium, and high-protein foods.

What does a Cushing diet do?

As cortisol is also important for the body’s metabolic process, high levels of cortisol in our body can significantly affect the process of our body’s processes the nutrients. Cushing diet can bring in the changes that help limit or counter the symptoms of the disease. The diet makes sure that:

We get more calcium and vitamin D

Cushing syndrome can reduce our bone density leading to osteoporosis. Eating foods like kale, broccoli, cheese, and milk and beverages fortified with Vitamin D, helps in maintaining calcium and vitamin D levels in our body.

Control our blood sugar levels

Elevated levels of blood sugar are common in people with Cushing’s syndrome, which can further lead to many complications like cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, nerve damage, and problems in the bones and joints. The diet suggests eating foods like asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, avocados, cucumbers, and celery.

Get more protein-rich foods

Out of the many functions of cortisol, one important role is the breakdown of proteins, and it is very essential for building muscles and maintaining them. Getting exposed to excessive cortisol can lead to muscle loss. Eating foods rich in protein like beans, tofu, lentils, fish, low-fat yogurt and cheese can prevent muscle loss associated with Cushing’s syndrome.

Get healthy fats

Healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing inflammation and stabilizing your mood. They support proper brain health and promote the production of important hormones. Aside from salmons and sardines, you can get healthy fats from nuts and seeds, olive and coconut oil, and avocado.

Potassium and magnesium

Organic yogurt, beans, legumes, leafy greens, broccoli, avocados, and nuts are some foods that are rich in potassium and magnesium, which acts as electrolytes to relax muscles and are very critical for our overall health. They help lower high blood pressures, reduce aches, promote good sleep, and give relief from headaches.

Cholesterol levels are reduced

Higher levels of cholesterol are very common in people with Cushing’s syndrome. The diet controls the levels of cholesterol by making us avoid fatty foods, and eating more high-fiber foods like kidney beans, apples, pears, barley, and prunes. These foods help in offsetting the effects of our body’s higher cholesterol levels.

Reduce our sodium intake

Excess intake of sodium through diet can increase our blood pressure and may also cause weight gain. The diet works on avoiding the intake of high sodium foods like processed and packaged foods and others and limiting the intake of salt added to the foods we eat.

Cushing Syndrome Foods to Avoid

Dietary recommendations should be sought as per individual needs with Cushing’s syndrome. The symptoms and the associated problems with Cushing’s syndrome will determine what foods you should eat and the Cushing syndrome foods to avoid. In general, the common foods that you should avoid with Cushing’s disease are:

Sodium-rich foods:

High blood pressure is common amongst people with Cushing’s syndrome. It is why it is very crucial to control sodium intake. Intake of too much sodium may promote water retention and weight gain. Prefer having fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit or avoid the intake of high-sodium foods like cured meats, chips, fries, packaged foods, and pickled products. Avoid adding salt while cooking, instead, try to flavor your food with natural herbs and spices.

Carbohydrates:

People with Cushing’s syndrome often have diabetes also, hence, you will need to follow a low-carbohydrate diet to efficiently manage your blood sugar levels. Cushing syndrome diet and exercise, are the two most important factors that help you prevent weight gain and also muscle loss. Exercise that involves weight bearing, like weightlifting can help in increasing bone density and also prevent bone loss. Involve in strength training and aerobic activities too.

Tobacco and alcohol

Taking tobacco can pose danger during surgery. If you have been advised surgery for treating Cushing’s disease, smoking can promote risks of surgical complications.

Drinking heavily can raise symptoms identical to Cushing’s syndrome and if you already have Cushing’s syndrome, taking alcohol can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the disease.

Cushing’s syndrome is dangerous. While there are certain ways in treating the issue, a Cushing syndrome diet plan goes hand-in-hand with the treatment plan. It can help improve your life. Always seek guidance from ab expert dietician for your Cushing’s syndrome diet plan.

7 days diet plan for cushing syndrome

Here is a 7-day diet plan for Cushing’s Syndrome:

Day 1:

• Breakfast:

Oatmeal with almond milk, sliced banana, and cinnamon (350 calories)

• Lunch:

Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and balsamic vinaigrette (400 calories)

• Evening Snack:

Carrots with hummus (150 calories)

• Dinner:

Baked salmon with roasted asparagus and quinoa (500 calories)

Day 2:

• Breakfast:

Greek yoghourt with blueberries and granola (350 calories)

• Lunch:

Turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mustard (400 calories)

• Evening Snack:

 Mixed nuts (150 calories)

• Dinner:

Grilled steak with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans (500 calories)

Day 3:

• Breakfast:

 Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole-grain toast (350 calories)

• Lunch:

 Tuna salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette (400 calories)

• Evening Snack:

Roasted chickpeas (150 calories)

• Dinner:

 Baked chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts and brown rice (500 calories)

Day 4:

• Breakfast:

Smoothie with almond milk, strawberries, banana, and spinach (350 calories)

• Lunch:

Grilled shrimp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and avocado dressing (400 calories)

• Evening Snack:

Hard-boiled egg (150 calories)

• Dinner:

Baked cod with roasted cauliflower and quinoa (500 calories)

Day 5:

• Breakfast:

Breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, black beans, salsa, and avocado (350 calories)

• Lunch:

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice (400 calories)

• Evening Snack:

Edamame (150 calories)

• Dinner:

Baked turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles and tomato sauce (500 calories)

Day 6:

• Breakfast:

Greek yoghourt with raspberries and granola (350 calories)

• Lunch:

Grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mustard (400 calories)

• Evening Snack:

Roasted almonds (150 calories)

• Dinner:

Baked salmon with roasted broccoli and quinoa (500 calories)

Day 7:

• Breakfast:

Apple with almond butter and Pear with string cheese (350 calories)

• Lunch:

Grilled chicken breast salad with mixed greens (400 calories)

• Evening snack

Orange with cottage cheese (150 calories)

• Dinner

Vegetarian chilli with avocado and Greek yoghourt (500 calories)

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)