Therefore, for most people on this medication, a high protein diet is beneficial. As well, these protein losses may be compounded by the additional loss of protein during active Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Sources of high protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and cheese.
Prednisone can have a negative effect on metabolism. Cravings seem to be heightened so drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables can help. Sometimes fruit or vegetable smoothies can fill us up. Protein in the morning (eggs and cheese – flavored soy cheese is good) might help with cravings during the day.
Prednisone has a tendency to raise the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood, which can cause increased body fat or diabetes in some people. It is important to avoid "simple" carbohydrates and concentrated sweets, such as cakes, pies, cookies, jams, honey, chips, breads, candy and other highly processed foods.
It's best to limit or avoid alcohol if you're taking prednisone or other oral steroids. Oral steroids include tablets, pills, or liquid that you take by mouth. Alcohol can increase your chances of experiencing side effects from prednisone. It may also worsen the condition you're treating.
What should I avoid? Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid.
A gradual reduction in prednisone dosage gives your adrenal glands time to resume their usual function. The amount of time it takes to taper off prednisone depends on the disease being treated, the dose and duration of use, and other medical considerations. A full recovery can take a week to several months.
Also, increase your intake of low-fat foods that have high calcium levels. Some of these include corn, sardines, almonds, broccoli, milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, cooked soybeans, boiled white beans, and salmon.
A person taking prednisone may want to avoid alcohol until they finish the treatment. Alcohol can worsen some side effects of prednisone, such as immune system suppression, bone weakening, and weight gain.
Things to avoid (or cut back on) while taking prednisone include: Caffeine: Caffeine can add to the unwanted stimulant effects of prednisone. Combining caffeine with steroids can keep you awake at night or make you feel jittery and anxious.
Steroids may increase your risk of developing ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if you take these medications along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin. If at all possible, don't combine steroids with NSAIDs.
This depends on your health problem or condition. You may only need a short course of prednisolone for up to 1 week. You may need to take it for longer, even for many years or the rest of your life.
Prednisone generally works very quickly — usually within one to four days — if the prescribed dose is adequate to reduce your particular level of inflammation. Some people notice the effects of prednisone hours after taking the first dose.
Prednisone may cause sodium (salt) and fluid retention, which can raise blood pressure and contribute to swelling. A small amount of salt in cooking is usually acceptable in helping to control this retention, but excessive salt use should be avoided.
Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for unwanted effects. Take this medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation.
While it might seem counterintuitive, drinking more water helps maintain a proper fluid balance and reduce water retention. But if you notice ankle swelling, speak with your doctor. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Take your doses of prednisone with some food in your stomach.
Traditional Teas
Caffeine and tannins, two sometimes-problematic compounds of black, oolong and green teas, are not listed as being a problem when mixed with Prednisone.
Official answer
It takes approximately 16.5 to 22 hours for Prednisone to be out of your system. The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours.
Frequent urination isn't the most common side effect of prednisone, but it's also not unheard of. One member said, “When I take prednisone or budesonide, I urinate much more frequently, which is a known side effect of steroids.
Use strategies (such as meditation) to cope with and reduce stress. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheeses. Be active — shoot for exercise most days of the week. Get adequate rest (ideally seven to nine hours each night).
Prednisone should never be taken on an empty stomach. It is usually best to take it in the morning, after breakfast and before 9 a.m. If your child needs to take prednisone more than once a day, be sure he or she eats before taking the other doses.
Take this medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole.
Steroids won't cure your condition, but they're very good at reducing inflammation and will ease symptoms such as swelling, pain and stiffness. Usually inflammation is the body's natural reaction to infection or bacteria.
When a person stops taking prednisone or other steroids abruptly, they may notice symptoms similar to adrenal insufficiency. These include lethargy, low appetite, weight loss, and a general feeling of being unwell. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that doctors prescribe to treat swelling and inflammation.
Prednisone affects areas of the brain that manage the regulation of different neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine — the “feel-good” hormones. Feeling happy is a great side effect some people feel with prednisone.