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3 lifestyle changes for Cushing's syndrome recovery

This syndrome has unpleasant effects but responds well to simple lifestyle changes.

30 August 2016
by Glynis Horning

Cushing's syndrome – or hypercortisolism – is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol. It results in muscle weakness, mood changes, abnormal hair growth and weight gain, especially around the waist and between the shoulders (a distinctive 'fatty hump'), and it increases your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and osteoporosis.

Treatment includes medication or surgery, but lifestyle changes such as the below can also contribute to your recovery.

1. Watch your diet

Your body needs nutritious, wholesome food to recover and to shed the extra kilograms. Ask a registered dietitian to draw up a personalised balanced eating plan for your particular energy needs. 

Excess cortisol causes muscle loss, so adequate protein intake is essential to retain your current muscle and promote muscle growth, explains Anita Mostert, a registered dietitian at Health Worx Clinic in Johannesburg. “As you age, this may be even more challenging.”

Aim to include protein at every meal, in lean forms such as fish, beans, lentils, tofu and low-fat cottage cheese and yoghurt. Other good sources are eggs, chicken and peanut butter, she says.

Too much cortisol also causes bone loss, so eat plenty of calcium-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, Chinese cabbage and most grains, along with low-fat dairy products. Today many breakfast cereals, beverages and fruit juices are fortified with calcium, but also ask your doctor about taking a supplement to be safe. “Without adequate vitamin D, calcium won't be absorbed into the bones,” Mostert says: “Make sure the calcium supplement you take contains vitamin D or take a vitamin D supplement separately, recommended by your doctor.”

Cushing's syndrome promotes high blood pressure and raises your risk of hypertension. Salt worsens this, so take care to reduce your intake – this will also help prevent fluid retention and weight gain, says Mostert. Follow a diet low in salt and high in potassium-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and high-fibre cereals such as oats.

Use lemon juice as a salt alternative, she advises. “You can also flavour your food with spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cumin, and vegetables such as garlic, onion and tomato.” Stay clear of cured meats, pickles, potato crisps and pretzels. If you use tinned vegetables or baked beans, go for low-salt varieties.

“If you have Cushing's-related diabetes, you may need a nutritionally-balanced, controlled carbohydrate diet – a dietitian can best guide you,” advises Mostert.

2. Get moving – but gently

Exercise is vital to control your weight and muscle loss and improve muscle gain, says Durban personal trainer Hayley Cassim. But with weakened muscles, you need to start slowly, preferably with a trainer to guide and monitor you.

Begin with low-impact exercise such a water aerobics, yoga or tai chi – these can help relieve the muscle and joint pain that often come with Cushing's recovery. Move on to weight-bearing exercise two or three times a week, to help prevent bone loss and increase bone density, and at least 20 minutes a day of aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or jogging.

3. Keep an eye on your mental health

Cushing's can also cause cognitive difficulties and depression. Build mental strength by doing, for example, crossword puzzles or Sudoku. 

Never ignore feelings of being depressed or overwhelmed – get psychological counseling if your mental health takes too much strain. Joining or forming a support group with others who have shared your experience can help considerably too. Ask your doctor for contact details.

Above all, be kind to yourself and get plenty of rest and sleep.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com