What are the best foods to eat while taking steroids?

Prednisone is a powerful steroid used to treat conditions like lung disease by reducing swelling in the airways. However, it can affect how your body absorbs nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, sodium, protein, and vitamins C and D. This medicine may also cause an increase in appetite, which can lead to weight gain, so it’s important to choose low-calorie foods. Steroids can irritate the stomach, so they should not be taken on an empty stomach. Eating a balanced diet is essential when taking steroids. It’s a good idea to discuss your diet with a doctor or dietitian to avoid any negative effects.

 What is a steroid?

The artificial form of hormones, known as steroids, are created by the adrenal glands, two tiny glands located above the kidneys. Steroids lessen inflammation, or redness and swelling. This is beneficial for inflammatory diseases, including eczema and asthma.

Side effects of steroids

Some of the side effects of steroids include:

• Extreme mood swings
• Headaches
• Acne
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Swelling in the arms, legs, and face
• Slower healing of wounds and cuts
• Irregular appetite
• Unusual gain of fat in certain parts of the body
• Irregular or absent menstruation
• Difficulty getting sleep or staying asleep

Best food to eat while taking steroids

Foods that are rich in calcium

Cortisol may worsen the body’s ability to absorb calcium, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. It’s critical to consume adequate calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones. Consuming calcium-rich foods such as salmon, broccoli, almonds, cheese, yogurt, and milk can be beneficial. Because it improves the way your body gets calcium, vitamin D is also important for the body. However, eating food by itself might not provide you with enough vitamin D, which is why taking a supplement is advised. Consult your physician for guidance on whether you require additional calcium or vitamin D.

Here are some foods that are rich in calcium:

• Milk
• Orange juice
• Yogurt
• Broccoli
• Cheese
• Fatty fish

Protein-rich foods

Protein loss from steroids may result in an increased requirement for protein intake. The loss of protein may be much higher if you suffer from illnesses like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In this situation, it’s critical to modify your diet to take the effects of the illness and the prednisone’s effects into consideration.

Here are some protein-rich foods:

1. Chicken breast
2. Salmon
3. Eggs
4. Greek yogurt
5. Tofu
6. Almonds
7. Peanuts
8. Black beans

Foods that are low in Sodium

Limiting sodium consumption is important when using prednisone to prevent edema and elevated blood pressure. Although many foods naturally contain sodium, it is mainly added during cooking or as a means of preservation. Eliminate excess salt from meals, use less salt while cooking, and rinse canned goods to cut down on sodium. Avoid processed foods and high-sodium sauces such as salad dressings, ketchup, and soy sauce. Instead, go for low-sodium options and add vinegar, citrus, herbal remedies, and spices to your food.

Here are some high-sodium foods to avoid:

• Hot dogs
• Luncheon meats
• Bacon and sausages
• Canned foods
• Instant noodles and soups

Some Food recommendations 

When on prednisone, it’s important to choose foods that support your health and help manage potential side effects. Here’s a guide on which foods to eat more often and which to avoid.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Eat More Fresh, raw, steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables. Choose homemade soups and baked or mashed potatoes. Opt for canned fruits packed in water and green salads without added salt or sugar.
• Avoid: Fried or battered vegetables like French fries, pickles, pickled vegetables, instant soups, instant noodles, and canned fruits in syrup.

Grain Products

• Eat More: Whole grain bread, unsalted crackers, rice cakes, air-popped popcorn, oatmeal, low-sugar cereals dish), pasta with low-sodium tomato sauce, and grains that are whole like barley, quinoa, and buckwheat.
• Avoid Sugary cereals, pasta with cream sauce, fried rice, cheese or nut bread, salted crackers, microwave popcorn, and sugary baked goods like donuts, cakes, and cookies.

Milk and Alternatives

• Eat More: Plain milk, unsweetened milk alternatives, plain or real fruit yogurt, low-sugar yogurt drinks, and small portions of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, and paneer.
• Avoid Chocolate milk, sweetened milk or milk alternatives, pudding, ice cream, and processed cheese products like cream cheese and cheese slices.

Meats and Alternatives

• Eat More: Fresh meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, and tofu. Choose fish canned in water.
• Avoid Fatty or battered meats, fried chicken or fish, salted or smoked meats and fish, deli meats like ham and corned beef, and hot dogs.

Other Foods

• Eat More: Unsalted nuts, low-sugar granola bars, unsalted trail mix, and dried unsweetened fruits.
• Avoid Sugary drinks like Kool-Aid and soda, chocolate bars, energy bars, candies, potato chips, cheeses, and flavored popcorn.

Choosing the right foods can help manage the side effects of prednisone and support overall health.

Conclusion

Eating the proper ingredients while taking steroids like prednisone is critical for your health. By deciding on meals high in calcium, and protein, and low in sodium, you can assist in manipulating the facet effects of the medication. This will aid your standard well-being and help you keep away from complications like weight gain, swelling, or weakened bones. Always consult with your medical doctor or dietitian to make sure you’re following the pleasant food regimen to your desires. A balanced diet, tailored for your remedy and fitness situation, could make a massive difference in the way you sense.