Adrenal Insufficiency

High-salt diet (primary insufficiency—need 3-6g extra sodium/day, salt food liberally, salt tablets), Adequate calories (metabolism affected), Regular meals (prevent hypoglycemia—cortisol helps maintain blood sugar), Protein adequate (adrenal hormone synthesis), Vitamin C foods (adrenals concentrate vitamin C—citrus, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries), Avoid fasting (risk of hypoglycemia, adrenal crisis), Hydration critical (especially during illness, heat, exercise), Avoid alcohol (stresses system, hypoglycemia risk), Small frequent meals if hypoglycemia prone, Balanced macronutrients, Electrolyte-rich foods (potassium, sodium balance—bananas, avocado, sweet potato, spinach, coconut water)

Medical alert bracelet or necklace (CRITICAL—emergency personnel need to know, adrenal crisis is life-threatening), Emergency injection kit (hydrocortisone 100mg IM—for crisis, teach family/friends how to inject), Stress-dose steroids during illness/surgery (double or triple maintenance dose—prevents crisis, work with endocrinologist on sick-day rules), Avoid overexertion (can precipitate crisis—but gentle exercise okay), Adequate sleep (7-9 hours), Stress management (emotional stress can trigger crisis—meditation, therapy, support groups), Avoid extreme heat (dehydration risk), Travel preparedness (extra medication, emergency kit, medical documentation), Regular endocrinology follow-up, Educate family/friends (recognize crisis symptoms—severe weakness, confusion, abdominal pain, vomiting, low BP—call 911), Never abruptly stop steroids (must taper slowly—sudden withdrawal causes crisis), Sick-day protocol (increase steroid dose with illness, vomiting—go to ER if can't keep meds down), Medical ID card with diagnosis, medications, emergency contact, Gradual stress exposure (body can't mount normal cortisol response—avoid sudden physical/emotional stressors), Join support groups (Addison's community helpful—share experiences, tips)