Prednisone is a potent corticosteroid drug frequently recommended to treat various illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, allergies, and asthma. Prednisone can successfully reduce inflammation and symptom relief, but it can also have some negative side effects and affect your body in different ways. Protecting your body’s general health while using prednisone and reducing any potential side effects is crucial. This post looks at some doable advice and tactics for supporting your body while taking prednisone.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is essential when using prednisone, as it is for everyone else, but it takes on an even greater degree of significance. This medicine has been shown to stimulate appetite and result in weight gain, most notably in the form of moon face and redistribution of fat to the abdominal region. Concentrate on eating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats to mitigate the negative consequences of this diet. Choose to have meals that are more frequent and smaller in size to better control your hunger levels and avoid overeating. In addition, decrease your consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat meals as much as possible because these things can lead to weight gain and worsen other prednisone-related side effects.
Monitor Sodium Intake
Prednisone can increase blood pressure and create fluid retention, so watching your sodium consumption when taking this drug is crucial. Consuming an excessive amount of salt can make fluid retention worse, which can lead to swelling, edema, and even high blood pressure. To lessen the severity of these symptoms, you should strive to reduce the amount of sodium you consume by avoiding high-sodium processed meals, canned products, and fast food. Instead, choose fresh, healthy foods and flavor your meals with herbs, spices, or other lower-salt alternatives. Consuming a large quantity of water can also assist in the removal of excess salt from the body.
Exercise Regularly
Working out consistently is good for general health, but it may be especially helpful for those on prednisone. Regular exercise can assist in the prevention of weight gain, the improvement of cardiovascular health, the strengthening of muscles and bones, as well as the enhancement of mood and mental well-being. Participate in pursuits that provide you pleasure, such as going for a stroll, swimming, riding a bike, or doing yoga. Your workouts should begin cautiously, and you should progressively increase both the intensity and the time. However, it is vital to visit your healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program, as they are in the best position to provide individualized guidance based on your particular medical condition and current fitness level.
Manage Stress Levels
The adverse effects of prednisone can be made worse by stress, which can also negatively impact your general health. The medicine itself may cause mood fluctuations and increased anxiety in certain people. Therefore, it is important to locate stress management strategies that work. You might want to make relaxation practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or practicing mindfulness a regular part of your day. Participating in hobbies, interacting with loved ones, and spending time in natural settings are all proven methods for lowering stress levels. If you need further support and direction, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
Prioritize Bone Health
Particularly when used for an extended period, prednisone can reduce bone density and heighten the chance of developing osteoporosis. Make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet so that you can maintain healthy bones. Include in your diet foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and plant-based substitutes fortified with calcium. Vitamin D can be obtained naturally via sunlight, but if you don’t spend much time outside, you might want to discuss taking vitamin D supplements with your primary care provider. Walking and other weight-bearing exercises, such as lifting weights or squats, are two activities that can help build bone density and lower the risk of fractures.
Take Supplements Wisely
While taking prednisone, taking some nutrients may help mitigate the negative effects that are associated with the medicine. However, before beginning the use of any new supplements, you must speak with your healthcare professional that will guide you about supplements to take while taking prednisone. Calcium should be considered as a supplement option because, as was said previously, it is beneficial to bone health. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in flaxseed oil and fish oil, might help reduce inflammation. However, you should always see your healthcare professional to receive individualized recommendations and dosages based on your specific requirements.
Conclusion
Prednisone can be an effective treatment for several medical disorders, but it’s important to be proactive in maintaining your body’s overall health and reducing any potential adverse effects. You can support your body while taking prednisone by eating a balanced diet, watching your sodium consumption, working out frequently, regulating your stress levels, prioritizing bone health, and thinking about the right supplements. Always seek personalized assistance and advice from your healthcare professional as you progress through your therapy.
Author: Elizabeth Howard
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.
