Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, while prednisone suppresses body`s immune system to stop inflammation. In other words, prednisone stops the immune system from responding to foreign invaders. Simply put, no response from the immune system means there`s no inflammation.
Prednisone is used for various conditions, including eczema, muscle sprains, and autoimmune disorders. It is worth mentioning that it`s accompanied with serious adverse effects.
How Prednisone Affects Your Body
This anti-inflammatory drug affects the whole body, causing different side effects. Among them are:
- Eye damage like cataracts
- Infections that your immune system is unable to fight off
- Weak bones
- Inhibited hormone production
- High blood sugar
- Confessions of a Former Prednisone Taker
The side effects that this former prednisone taker experienced were terrible. He experienced elevated sugar levels, acne, inhibited bladder function, mood swings, and sleep issues.
Given that you`re starving all the time, prednisone also causes a weight gain.
Top 6 Ways to Reduce Inflammation without Prednisone
1. Stop Eating Grains
It turns out that the autoimmune disorder that had this man on prednisone and chemotherapy for five years was only gluten intolerance. Once he stopped eating grains, his condition improved and the dermatomyositis symptoms disappeared.
Grains, especially gluten, cause inflammation which anyone can be sensitive to. It is recommended to do an elimination diet and remove gluten to see your body`s response.
2. Get Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory properties, promoting healthy nerve function and supporting healthy skin and brain. One of the best sources of omega-3s include fish, coconut oil, grass-fed meats, seeds, and nuts.
3. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which is extremely beneficial in case of any chronic ailment. According to the experts, you should take doses of 500 milligrams daily, but always consult your doctor before supplementation with such doses. Vitamin C is naturally found in citrus fruits, watermelon, and peppers.
4. Season Your Meals with Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents you can find. It is highly versatile and it can be used in the preparation of golden milk, various recipes, or you can simply season your meals with it. For optimal anti-inflammatory activity, experts suggest about ½ teaspoon of turmeric daily. You can combine it with ginger too, which is yet another potent anti-inflammatory herb.
5. Stop Eating Processed Foods
Sugar and processed foods are already known as contributors to inflammation. Although eliminating them from your diet seems difficult, following an anti-inflammatory diet is critical when getting off prednisone. The anti-inflammatory diet excludes processed foods and sugar and is based on healthy fats, grass-fed meats, and a lot of veggies.
6. Eat Pineapple
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, helps with inflammatory response and allergies, kills off bacteria, and heals wounds. However, consult your doctor about the amounts which are safe for you to eat.
Additional Anti-Inflammatory Foods
- Tomatoes
- Beets
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Blueberries
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
