Addison's Disease

MUST increase salt intake significantly (adrenal insufficiency causes salt wasting), liberal salting of foods, salty snacks readily available, adequate hydration (with electrolytes), never skip meals (hypoglycemia risk), complex carbohydrates with protein for stable blood sugar, increase calories during stress/illness, avoid fasting or low-carb diets (can trigger crisis), vitamin C-rich foods, adequate protein, healthy fats, some patients need more frequent small meals, avoid alcohol (stresses already compromised adrenals), always carry emergency hydrocortisone and fast-acting carbs.

ALWAYS wear medical alert bracelet (life-threatening if unconscious and not treated), carry emergency injection kit (Solu-Cortef), stress dosing protocol (double or triple hydrocortisone during illness, surgery, severe stress), never miss medication doses, anticipate needs (travel, illness, dental procedures), educate family on crisis recognition and emergency injection, avoid strenuous exercise without adequate replacement dosing, adequate rest, stress management, regular endocrinology follow-up, replace electrolytes especially in heat or after exercise.