Cushing's Syndrome

Low-glycemic diet critical (Cushing's causes insulin resistance and diabetes), eliminate refined sugars and carbohydrates, adequate protein to prevent muscle wasting (cortisol is catabolic), calcium and vitamin D-rich foods for bone protection (or supplement), reduce sodium (hypertension and fluid retention common), increase potassium-rich foods (leafy greens, avocado, sweet potato - cortisol depletes potassium), anti-inflammatory diet, avoid alcohol and caffeine (stress HPA axis), adequate calories (not low-calorie despite weight gain - need nutrition for healing).

Stress management critical (stress worsens cortisol even in Cushing's), protect bones (fall prevention, weight-bearing exercise when able), monitor blood pressure regularly, monitor blood sugar, wound care (cortisol impairs healing), infection prevention (immunosuppressed), sun protection (thin fragile skin), gentle exercise (avoid injury, support bone health), adequate sleep despite insomnia from high cortisol, emotional support (body changes are distressing - moon face, central obesity, striae, mood changes), post-treatment: patience with recovery (can take months to years for HPA axis to normalize).