Prednisone is a type of steroid drug prescribed by a doctor for allergic disorders, arthritis, etc. One study reports that corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of various autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases. If you are taking Prednisone, then you need to change what you drink and eat. The reason for considering diet is that Prednisone has various side effects, including increased appetite, weight gain, and high risk of developing diabetes and osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. This article will explain what you need to eat while taking Prednisone.
Fewer Sodium Foods
Prednisone causes sodium and fluid retention, which can contribute to swelling and raise blood pressure. It is acceptable to use a small amount of salt while cooking to control this retention. You should avoid excessive use of salt while taking Prednisone. Avoid salting your food because this can introduce unnecessary amounts of sodium in your diet. Some of the foods to avoid are pizza; French fried, canned, and frozen food. To flush sodium that is already in your body, try to increase your water intake. Taking a lot of water will stimulate your kidneys to release the extra sodium in your diet.
Eat Foods That Are Rich in Calcium and Vitamin D
Prednisone increases a person’s risk of developing osteoporosis. This is a condition whereby the bones become thin and have a higher chance of breaking. This steroid decreases the absorption of calcium in the body. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure that you get enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet to help strengthen your bones. Consume a lot of yogurts, soy beverage, and salmon. If you cannot obtain these dietary sources, you can use calcium supplements.
Eat Several Small Meals
When taking Prednisone, you may notice that you have frequent or heightened hunger cravings. As such, you may wish to consider several small meals throughout the day. Taking small meals can help the body to keep your sugar levels constant and reduce the level of food cravings. Ensure you incorporate protein and fiber to fill in the meal and reduce your likelihood of feeling hungry quickly.
While taking small meals, ensure that they are low in calories so that you do not gain weight. Prednisone will cause weight gain, so you have to control your calorie intake to avoid obesity and overweight problems. Eating foods that are low in calories can help to prevent cholesterol and high levels of sugar in the blood. Foods that are low in calories include low-fat dairy products, frozen or fresh fruits, and vegetables, high-fiber grains, and lean meats.
Consume Potassium-Containing Foods
The body tends to lose a lot of potassium than usual when you are taking Prednisone. Losing a lot of potassium can be harmful because we all need potassium to maintain a healthy diet and nervous system function. Foods that are rich in potassium tend to be low in sodium, which can help to reduce bloating brought about by Prednisone. Major sources of potassium are bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, acorn squash, avocados, spinach, and fish.
Final Thoughts
Diet is essential while taking Prednisone to help control the side effects of the medicine. Most people taking Prednisone will benefit from a high protein diet that includes sources of calcium, low sodium, and low cholesterol foods. However, while taking a healthy diet, it is also beneficial to be physically active. When buying steroids, make sure you get high-quality dianabol canada offers from trusted online stores.
