Cushing's disease occurs when your pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, and this stimulates an increased production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is normally released by your body during stressful situations and the hormone works to control how your body uses carbohydrates, fats and proteins. According to Cushing's Help and Support, Cushing's is a rare disease that affects only 10 to 15 out of 1 million people. Many people can also suffer from Cushing's syndrome, which causes similar symptoms but results from a tumor in the adrenal gland or taking too much corticosteroid medications like prednisone. For many suffering from Cushing's, potassium levels may be low; consuming foods high in potassium will help balance these levels.
Symptoms
Cushing's symptoms include upper body obesity, moon face, or a round and red face, slow growth rates in children, acne or skin infections, backache, bone tenderness, weak muscles, excess hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, decreased fertility in men and impotence. Additionally, blood sugar levels, white blood cell counts and cholesterol may be high, while potassium levels may be low. Treatment of Cushing's depends on its cause. If caused by excess corticosteroid use, you will need to slowly decrease the drugs. If caused by a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands, surgery or radiation treatment may be necessary.
Fruits and Vegetables
If you suffer from Cushing's, eating foods high in potassium will help keep your levels within the adequate range. Fruits high in potassium include papaya, prune juice, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, bananas, raisins, mango, kiwi, oranges and orange juice and pears. Fruits like peaches, watermelon, apples, pineapple and strawberries also provide a good source. Vegetables high in potassium include tomatoes or tomato juice, sweet potatoes, avocado, potatoes, asparagus, pumpkin, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts. Other vegetables that provide a smaller amount of potassium include green beans, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, cauliflower, broccoli and corn.
Protein Sources
Foods rich in protein, such as meats, seeds, nuts and legumes, are also good sources of potassium. Protein foods highest in potassium include pinto beans, lentils, dried peas, salmon, dark meat turkey, sunflower seeds, lean beef and peanut butter. Other sources providing smaller amounts of potassium include salted peanuts and eggs.
Dairy and Other Sources
Dairy products are also good sources of potassium. Those highest in potassium include yogurt, 2 percent milk and low-fat cottage cheese. Other sources that provide potassium in smaller levels include ricotta cheese, vanilla ice cream, American cheese and cheddar cheese. Molasses is a good source of potassium with just one tablespoon providing 498 mg. As a treat, a 1 1/2 oz. chocolate bar can provide 169 mg of potassium.
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