The change of season is one of the most difficult times of the year. We often feel tired and without strength and in many cases we have a low mood. In most cases it is not anything serious and we can take advantage of excellent natural remedies to get back in shape. But if the general malaise is accompanied by an excessive need for salty foods we must be careful. Maybe there is something wrong.
If we are always sleepy or craving salty foods, perhaps we suffer from this very rare disease: Addison’s disease. Let’s see what it is, the symptoms and how to behave in the case of a positive diagnosis. But we mustn’t be scared. Thanks to the tremendous advances made by research, the life expectancy of Addison’s disease patients is equal to that of healthy people.
If we are always sleepy or craving salty foods, perhaps we suffer from this very rare disease
Addison’s disease is considered to be rare, affecting about 1 in 100,000 people in the population. It affects the adrenal glands and prevents the proper production of cortisol and aldosterone. Two hormones essential for the proper functioning of the body. It usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50 and a slightly higher percentage of women.
The symptoms of Addison’s disease are difficult to recognize because they often resemble those of other diseases or common seasonal ailments. Among these, the ISS identifies fatigue and drowsiness, a slight depression, the constant need to drink and the desire to eat salty.
This is because the disease causes aldosterone deficiency. The hormone that regulates the absorption of minerals and fluids in the body. Addison’s sufferers usually have low sodium and high potassium levels.
The diagnosis
If we suffer from any of these symptoms and they do not go away we will need to see a doctor. He will be the one to recommend a series of tests to do to understand if we suffer from Addison’s disease. One of the most common tests is the blood test. It is essential to understand mineral levels and any excess non-protein nitrogen. Other useful tests are those of the hormonal dosage and that of the thyroid. In both cases, the reference specialist is the endocrinologist. Those with this pathology often also suffer from hypothyroidism.
The treatment
Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease and unfortunately accompanies the whole life of those who contract it. But science can help us relieve symptoms and allow us to live a normal life. The basic treatment for the disease involves the integration of hormones that our body no longer produces through corticosteroid drugs.
Patients with this rare disease often have sudden drops in strength. For this reason they must learn to manage them without fear and should never forget the medicines.
Help can also come from nutrition which must be agreed with the doctor. It will be he who will show us the correct foods to replenish the lost minerals and not raise the level of those not disposed of. But above all he will show us the foods that do not interfere with the drugs to be taken.
Deepening
Few people know that using these very common drugs often puts the kidneys in danger