Cushing's syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder caused by chronically high levels of the hormone cortisol. Cushing's syndrome can be caused by long-term use of glucocorticoid hormones or pituitary adenomas -- benign pituitary gland tumors. Chronic exposure to cortisol can lead to brittle bones, weight gain, diabetes and high blood pressure. Following a healthy diet to help improve bone health and weight can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of complications related to Cushing's syndrome.
Grains
Grains are an important source of calories, B vitamins and iron. You may need to limit the amount of grains in your diet to help control your weight. Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine how many grains you need to eat a day. In addition, you should make most of your grain choices whole grain. Cushing's syndrome often raises blood sugar, and choosing foods higher in fiber, such as whole grains, can aid in blood sugar control. Healthy choices on your diet plan include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereals, brown rice, quinoa, millet, barley and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables make a healthy addition to your diet. They are low in calories and high in fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and folate. When choosing fruits, make most of your choices whole fruits to aid in blood sugar control. In addition to helping you control blood sugar, fiber in foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains help lower blood cholesterol levels, another side affect of Cushing's syndrome. Healthy fruit and vegetable choices include apples, pears, melon, berries, oranges, broccoli, leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, kale, spinach and carrots.
Dairy Products
Cushing's syndrome increases your risk of osteoporosis, making it very important that you get adequate amounts of calcium in your diet. Dairy products are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, both essential for bone health. You should aim for about three servings of dairy products a day. Include low-fat or nonfat dairy products to limit fat and calorie intake. Healthy choices include nonfat milk, 1 percent fat milk, nonfat yogurt and low-fat cheese.
Meat and Beans
Meat and beans provide your body with protein, iron and zinc. Meats are a source of saturated fat, which can raise blood cholesterol levels. Include leaner cuts to lower your intake, such as white meat poultry, fish, pork tenderloin or beef eye of round. Beans are naturally low in both fat and saturated fat and high in fiber, making them a healthy alternative to meat.
Sodium
It is also important to limit the sodium in your diet. High intakes of sodium causes your body to retain water, increasing your weight. In addition, if you have high blood pressure -- another complication of Cushing's syndrome -- limiting your intake of sodium may help reduce your numbers. To help decrease your sodium intake, stop adding salt to your food while cooking and at the table. You should also read food labels and choose more low-sodium food items, those that contain less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Cushing's Syndrome; September 2010
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cushing's Syndrome Information Page
- Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center; Nutrition for Patients with Cushing Syndrome; 1997
- USDA's ChooseMyPlate.gov: Food Groups
- Colorado State University Extension; Sodium in the Diet; J. Anderson, et al.; May 2010
