Symptoms may vary from person to person since everyone reacts to high cortisol levels somewhat differently.
Some of the most common Cushing’s disease symptoms include:
- weight gain (especially in the abdominal area, lower back, upper body or near the neck, which is sometimes called a “buffalo hump“)
- fatigue
- a puffy, rounded face
- skin problems, including redness, facial hair growth, slow healing, stretch marks, dryness and acne
- muscle weakness
- high blood pressure
- high blood glucose (sugar) levels
- changes in mood, including depression and anxiety
- irregular periods and fertility problems
- low sex drive
- abnormal hair growth on the body and face (especially noticeable in women)
- weakened bones and higher risk for fractures or osteoporosis
- digestive problems, including bloating/water retention, kidney stones and constipation
- trouble sleeping
- weight gain and developmental problems in children
1. Consume an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
People with Cushing’s disease are at an increased risk for other health problems, including bone loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sex hormone imbalances and more. Cortisol stimulates your sympathetic nervous system and decreases your digestive secretion, sometimes making it hard to fully digest foods, absorb nutrients properly and go to the bathroom normally.
A nutrient-dense, unprocessed diet can help prevent complications and ease symptoms by balancing hormones naturally, improving digestion and lowering inflammation. Eating foods with calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium is important for bone health while lowering the intake of artificial ingredients, processed grains, caffeine, alcohol, sugar and sodium also helps.
2. Get Support and Help
Many people with Cushing’s disease suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. It helps to speak with a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, and get support from family, friends, and people going through the same problem. One of the best ways to bust stress naturally and feel happier is to connect with other people.
3. Help Balance Hormones with Exercise
When done in a moderate, healthy way, exercise can be a great way to lower stress, control cortisol and manage your weight. Cushing’s disease is associated with weight gain, muscle weakness, bone loss, and fatigue, which exercise is great for reducing naturally. Another benefit of exercise is it’s an effective distraction from stressful events, blunts the harmful effects of blood pressure and protects the heart.
That being said, too much exercise can sometimes worsen the problem and interfere with hormones in a negative way, so always get your doctor’s opinion and discuss how you’re feeling. Work with your doctor to come up with an exercise plan that combines cardiovascular/aerobic activities, strength training, and stress management techniques. Start slowly, and avoid very strenuous exercise that wears you out. Instead focus on finding activities you enjoy, including group classes, walking outdoors, swimming, cycling, lifting weights, yoga or tai chi.
4. Get Enough Rest and Lower Stress
Getting adequate sleep is important for controlling cortisol and other hormones. A lack of sleep disturbs normal hormonal functions, increases cortisol, can alter your appetite and can lead to chronic fatigue, weight gain, moodiness, and other symptoms. If you can’t sleep, make it a priority to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night, ideally waking and going to bed around the same times every day.
5. Try Adaptogen Herbs
Adaptogen herbs are completely natural and help lower cortisol by boosting your ability to deal with stress. Many also have energizing qualities, antioxidant effects, antidepressant effects, and can help naturally lower fatigue, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. If you’re dealing with Cushing’s disease, it’s best to talk to your doctor before using any herbal treatments, especially if you’re taking medications, but in general, these plants have been used safely for thousands of years with little side effects.
Essential oils are also helpful for fighting stress, such as lavender, myrrh, frankincense, and bergamot. These are capable of lowering cortisol, reducing inflammation, improving immunity, balancing hormones, and helping with sleep and digestion.
Article from https://draxe.com/cushings-disease/
