Which dietary pattern would be prescribed for a client with Addison's disease?

Which dietary pattern would be prescribed for a client with Addison's disease?

• A. Low-sodium, low-protein, high-fat
• B. High-sodium, high-complex carbohydrate, high-protein
• C. High-sodium, low-carbohydrate, high-fat
• D. Low-sodium, high-protein, low-carbohydrate

Answer: (B)

In Addison's disease, the body loses aldosterone, causing salt wasting, dehydration, and, with cortisol deficiency, potential hypoglycemia and catabolic stress. The dietary approach focuses on replacing sodium, providing enough calories and protein, and maintaining steady energy with complex carbohydrates. A high-sodium intake helps counteract the salt loss and supports fluid balance, while adequate protein supports tissue repair and an increased metabolic demand. Complex carbohydrates supply a gradual, sustained source of glucose to prevent hypoglycemia. So the best pattern is high sodium, adequate protein, and high-complex carbohydrates. Relying on low sodium would worsen dehydration, a low-carbohydrate plan could lead to hypoglycemia, and simply focusing on fat without addressing salt and protein doesn’t meet the body's needs in Addison's disease.

In Addison's disease, the body loses aldosterone, causing salt wasting, dehydration, and, with cortisol deficiency, potential hypoglycemia and catabolic stress. The dietary approach focuses on replacing sodium, providing enough calories and protein, and maintaining steady energy with complex carbohydrates. A high-sodium intake helps counteract the salt loss and supports fluid balance, while adequate protein supports tissue repair and an increased metabolic demand. Complex carbohydrates supply a gradual, sustained source of glucose to prevent hypoglycemia. So the best pattern is high sodium, adequate protein, and high-complex carbohydrates. Relying on low sodium would worsen dehydration, a low-carbohydrate plan could lead to hypoglycemia, and simply focusing on fat without addressing salt and protein doesn’t meet the body's needs in Addison's disease.