A patient with Addison’s disease asks a nurse for nutrition and diet advice. Which of the following diet modifications is not recommended?
A. A diet high in grains.
B. A diet with adequate caloric intake.
C. A high protein diet.
D. A restricted sodium diet.
Correct Answer: D. A restricted sodium diet.
A patient with Addison’s disease requires normal dietary sodium to prevent excess fluid loss. Do not reduce salt in the diet. The client may need to add extra salt to his food during hot and humid weather or after exercise to replace salt lost through sweating. Do not use salt substitutes.
Option A: Addison’s disease is a rare condition. It develops when the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, do not make enough of certain hormones. These hormones are important for normal body function. They help the body cope with stress, hold salt and water, and maintain blood pressure. The client should include complex carbohydrates in his diet, including grains.
Option B: A high protein diet is recommended for the client with Addison’s disease. The adrenal fatigue diet aims to stabilize blood sugar and balance cortisol levels by limiting sugar while increasing the intake of protein, healthy fats, veggies, and whole grains. Healthy fats and high-quality proteins slow the blood sugar rollercoaster and promote stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Option C: Adequate caloric intake is recommended. Refined carbohydrates quickly break down into sugar after you ingest them, which causes a spike in blood sugar followed by a steep decline. The diet discourages foods that are inflammatory or hard to digest and may contribute to gut health issues. The adrenal fatigue diet is more about eating more foods that make the client feel good and nourish the body versus restricting.