How does prednisone affect weight gain. What dietary changes can help manage weight while on prednisone. How to maintain physical activity with lung disease while taking prednisone. What are the best strategies for controlling fluid retention caused by prednisone.

Understanding Prednisone-Induced Weight Gain

Prednisone, a commonly prescribed corticosteroid, is known for its effectiveness in treating various inflammatory conditions. However, it often comes with a challenging side effect: weight gain. This weight increase is typically attributed to two main factors: fluid retention and increased calorie intake due to heightened appetite.

The extent of weight gain can vary from person to person, but it’s generally correlated with the dosage and duration of treatment. Higher doses and longer treatment periods tend to result in more significant changes in body composition and weight.

Fluid Retention: A Key Component of Prednisone-Related Weight Gain

Fluid retention is a common issue for those taking prednisone. How can patients manage this side effect? One effective strategy is adopting a low-sodium diet, limiting intake to no more than 2,000 mg per day. Simultaneously, increasing potassium consumption can help balance fluid levels in the body.

• Apricots
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe and honeydew melons
• Oranges and orange juice
• Spinach
• Tomato juice
• Yogurt

These potassium-rich foods can be incorporated into a balanced diet to help counteract fluid retention.

Navigating Increased Appetite and Calorie Intake

Prednisone is known to stimulate appetite, often leading to increased calorie consumption. This can be particularly challenging for patients who are already struggling with weight management. What strategies can help control calorie intake while ensuring proper nutrition?

1. Opt for small, frequent meals that are nutrient-dense.
2. Focus on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
3. Choose complex carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables.
4. Limit simple carbohydrates and processed foods.
5. Avoid saturated fats and high-cholesterol foods.

A high-protein diet may be particularly beneficial, as it can help suppress appetite and support weight loss efforts. This approach, combined with portion control and mindful eating, can help mitigate the impact of increased appetite on overall calorie intake.

Balancing Blood Sugar Levels While on Prednisone

Prednisone has a tendency to elevate blood glucose levels, which can contribute to increased body fat and, in some cases, lead to the development of diabetes. How can patients manage their blood sugar while on this medication?

The key lies in careful carbohydrate selection. Focusing on complex carbohydrates found in fresh fruits and vegetables can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. It’s crucial to avoid simple carbohydrates and concentrated sweets, such as:

• Cakes and pies
• Cookies and candy
• Jams and honey
• Chips and highly processed breads

By prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and limiting refined carbohydrates, patients can better manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of unwanted weight gain.

Maintaining Bone Health: Calcium-Rich Diet and Prednisone

Prednisone can affect the body’s ability to utilize calcium effectively, potentially leading to bone loss over time. How can patients protect their bone health while on this medication? Incorporating calcium-rich foods into the daily diet is crucial. Aim for at least four servings of calcium-rich foods per day to help prevent osteoporosis.

Some excellent sources of calcium include:

• Calcium-fortified orange juice
• Various cheeses (American, Swiss, Colby, Cheddar, Jack)
• Milk and non-fat dry milk powder
• Sardines (canned, with bones)
• Yogurt

In some cases, calcium supplements may be recommended. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if supplementation is necessary and, if so, at what dosage.

Overcoming Physical Activity Challenges with Lung Disease

For patients with lung disease, maintaining an active lifestyle can be particularly challenging. However, regular physical activity is crucial for managing weight, preserving muscle mass, and promoting overall well-being. How can patients with lung disease incorporate exercise into their daily routine?

Starting with a simple walking program can be an effective first step. Gradually increasing duration and intensity as tolerated can help build endurance and strength. Other low-impact activities to consider include:

• Swimming or water aerobics
• Stationary cycling
• Tai chi or gentle yoga
• Light resistance training

It’s important to listen to your body and adjust activity levels as needed. On days when fatigue is overwhelming, it’s okay to take a break and try again the next day. Wearing oxygen during exercise, if prescribed, can help improve endurance and reduce shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach to Lung Health and Fitness

For many patients with lung disease, a structured pulmonary rehabilitation program can be invaluable. These programs offer a multifaceted approach to improving lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life. What benefits can patients expect from pulmonary rehabilitation?

1. Personalized exercise plans tailored to individual capabilities
2. Education on lung disease management and breathing techniques
3. Nutritional guidance to support overall health
4. Emotional support and coping strategies
5. Opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges

Pulmonary rehabilitation can provide the tools and support needed to maintain an active lifestyle despite the challenges of lung disease. This comprehensive approach can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with the side effects of prednisone, including weight gain and decreased physical activity.

Nutritional Strategies for Managing Prednisone Side Effects

While prednisone can be a crucial component of treatment for many conditions, its side effects can be challenging to manage. How can patients use nutrition to mitigate these effects and maintain overall health?

Focusing on Nutrient-Dense Foods

Choosing foods that are rich in nutrients but relatively low in calories can help manage weight while ensuring the body receives essential vitamins and minerals. Some excellent options include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Lean proteins (chicken breast, fish, tofu)
• Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Balancing Macronutrients

Creating meals that balance proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote satiety. A general guideline for meal composition might include:

• 50% non-starchy vegetables
• 25% lean protein
• 25% complex carbohydrates
• Small amounts of healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)

Hydration and Prednisone

Proper hydration is crucial for managing fluid retention and supporting overall health. While limiting sodium intake, patients should focus on consuming adequate fluids throughout the day. Water is the best choice, but other options can include:

• Herbal teas
• Infused water (with cucumber, lemon, or berries)
• Low-sodium broths
• Moderate amounts of coffee (be mindful of added sugars and creamers)

Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of fluid per day, adjusting based on individual needs and activity levels.

Long-Term Strategies for Weight Management on Prednisone

Managing weight while on long-term prednisone therapy requires a multifaceted approach. What strategies can patients employ to maintain a healthy weight over time?

Regular Monitoring and Adjustment

Keeping track of weight, body measurements, and overall health markers can help patients and healthcare providers identify trends and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans. This may include:

• Weekly weigh-ins
• Monthly body measurements
• Regular blood tests to monitor glucose, lipid levels, and other health markers
• Periodic bone density scans

Mindful Eating Practices

Developing a mindful approach to eating can help manage increased appetite and prevent overconsumption. Some techniques to consider include:

1. Eating slowly and savoring each bite
2. Using smaller plates to control portion sizes
3. Practicing mindfulness meditation before meals
4. Keeping a food diary to increase awareness of eating patterns

Stress Management and Sleep Hygiene

Stress and poor sleep can exacerbate weight gain and other prednisone side effects. Implementing stress reduction techniques and prioritizing good sleep habits can support overall health and weight management efforts. Consider incorporating:

• Regular meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Yoga or gentle stretching routines
• Consistent sleep schedule with 7-9 hours of sleep per night
• Relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality

Building a Support Network

Managing the challenges of prednisone therapy can be emotionally and physically taxing. Building a strong support network can provide encouragement, accountability, and practical assistance. This network might include:

• Family members and close friends
• Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, dietitians)
• Support groups for individuals with similar health conditions
• Mental health professionals for emotional support

By leveraging these resources and implementing a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, patients can better navigate the challenges of long-term prednisone use and maintain a healthy weight.

Alternative Therapies and Complementary Approaches

While prednisone remains a crucial treatment for many conditions, some patients may benefit from exploring complementary approaches to manage side effects and support overall health. What alternative therapies might be worth considering?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Some patients find relief from prednisone side effects through acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine practices. These approaches may help with:

• Reducing inflammation
• Managing pain
• Improving energy levels
• Enhancing overall well-being

It’s important to work with a qualified practitioner and inform your healthcare provider before starting any new treatments.

Herbal Supplements and Natural Remedies

Certain herbs and natural supplements may offer support for managing prednisone side effects. However, it’s crucial to approach these options with caution and under professional guidance. Some potentially beneficial options include:

• Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Ginger to aid digestion and reduce inflammation
• Milk thistle for liver support
• Probiotics to promote gut health

Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen, as they may interact with medications or have contraindications for certain health conditions.

Mind-Body Techniques

Incorporating mind-body practices can help manage stress, improve sleep quality, and promote overall well-being. These techniques can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with the emotional and physical challenges of prednisone therapy. Consider exploring:

• Guided imagery and visualization
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

Many of these practices can be learned through classes, workshops, or with the guidance of a trained professional.

Massage and Bodywork

Regular massage or other forms of bodywork can help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing muscle weakness or discomfort as a side effect of prednisone. Options to consider include:

• Swedish massage
• Lymphatic drainage massage
• Reflexology
• Gentle osteopathic manipulation

As with any new treatment, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider and choose a qualified practitioner experienced in working with individuals with your specific health condition.

By integrating these alternative and complementary approaches with conventional medical treatment, patients may find additional tools for managing prednisone side effects and improving their overall quality of life. Remember that these therapies should complement, not replace, prescribed medical treatments, and should always be pursued under the guidance of your healthcare team.

ILD Nutrition Manual: Prednisone and Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone. Prednisone can also cause a redistribution of fat to the face, back of the neck and the abdomen, although these changes vary from person to person. Generally speaking, the higher the dose and the longer the treatment, the greater the changes.

Weight gain while taking prednisone is typically due to fluid retention and increased calorie intake because of increased appetite. In addition, those with lung disease have more difficulty maintaining physical activity.

Fluid Retention

Fluid retention can be controlled by eating a diet low in sodium – no more than 2,000 mg a day – and higher in potassium. You can find a list of high-sodium foods to avoid in the General Guidelines for Healthy Eating.

You can increase your potassium intake by eating potassium-rich foods such as:

• Apricots
• Baked potatoes
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe, honeydew
• Dates
• Dried prunes
• Grapefruit
• Lima beans
• Milk
• Orange juice, grapefruit juice
• Oranges
• Raisins
• Spinach, cooked
• Stewed tomatoes
• Tomato juice
• Winter squash
• Yogurt

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Increased Calorie Intake

Prednisone increases appetite, resulting in increased calorie intake. This increased appetite can be difficult to control. Below are a few tips for controlling the amount of calories and the quality of nutrients you eat:

Eat small, frequent meals of high nutritional value.

Eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. There is evidence that a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is at least as effective for losing weight as a traditional low-calorie diet that’s low in fat and portion-controlled. A high-protein diet may also help suppress appetite.

Eat carbohydrates in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables. 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. This helps keep blood sugar low.

Limit saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose lean meats, poultry and fish. Avoid fried foods and foods with extra oil, butter, margarine, mayonnaise and the like.

Eat foods rich in calcium. Prednisone may alter your body’s ability to use calcium. Try to get four servings of calcium-rich foods per day to help prevent osteoporosis. Check with your doctor to see if you would benefit from calcium supplements.

Foods rich in calcium include:

• Calcium-fortified orange juice
• Cheese (American, Swiss, Colby, Cheddar and Jack)
• Cottage cheese
• Milk
• Non-fat dry milk powder
• Oranges
• Sardines (canned, with bones)
• Shrimp
• Yoghurt

Decreased Physical Activity

Having a lung disease makes physical activity more difficult. A daily exercise program such as walking, working out at a gym or at home or practicing tai chi will burn calories, help prevent muscle and bone loss and improve your sense of well-being.

Your exercise program should include aerobic exercises, which burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness, and moderate weight training, which strengthens muscles and slows bone loss. Start with a simple walking program. If you’re ever too fatigued to exercise, try harder tomorrow. Eat your main meal early in the day so you’ll have more energy throughout the day and if you need it, be sure to wear your oxygen.

The key is to have a program of regular exercise. A pulmonary rehabilitation program is an excellent way to learn how to exercise despite shortness of breath and fatigue — plus you’ll learn about lung disease and get lots of encouragement.

For more information on eating healthy with chronic lung disease, please see our General Guidelines.

ILD Nutrition Manual Index:

• ILD Nutrition Manual: General Guidelines for Eating Healthy
• ILD Nutrition Manual: Body Mass Index
• ILD Nutrition Manual: Increasing Protein in Your Diet
• ILD Nutrition Manual: Tips for Gaining Weight
• ILD Nutrition Manual: High-Calorie, High-Protein Sample Menu
• ILD Nutrition Manual: High-Calorie Shakes and Smoothies
• ILD Nutrition Manual: Tips for Losing Weight
• ILD Nutrition Manual: Plate Method for Healthy Meal Planning
• ILD Nutrition Manual: Prednisone and Weight Gain

Prednisone and Weight Loss — Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research

Sleep problems, increased appetite, headaches, dizziness, nausea, bloating, and weight gain; all of these are symptoms that many sarc warriors have experienced while on prednisone. Since prednisone, a corticosteroid, is able to suppress inflammation leading to improved symptoms and possible prevention of permanent organ damage, despite side-effects, it remains a first line treatment for sarcoidosis. For many patients, the one side effects that causes the most discomfort is weight gain. Weight gain from prednisone is usually caused by water retention and an increased appetite. Some people also experience body fat redistribution, a symptom that is characterized by fat deposits collecting in unusual areas like the base of the neck or back. Trying to figure out how to deal with rapid weight gain can seem overwhelming at times, but there are a few things you can do limit weight gain from prednisone and slowly reverse the process.

FSR understand that not all diets and exercise routines are right for everyone. The following recommendations were not reviewed or approved by FSR’s Scientific Advisory Board. Any changes to your diet or exercise routine should be discussed and reviewed with your physician in advance.

Prednisone Friendly Diet

Gaining weight while on prednisone is commonly caused by fluid retention. One way to limit the amount of water you retain, is to eat a low sodium diet. Sodium binds to water inside of the body and helps maintain the balance of fluid inside and outside of cells. When you have a diet high in sodium, your using the extra salt to also hold on to extra water causing fluid retention. The University of San Francisco Medical Center recommends keeping your daily intake below 2,000 milligrams. Another way to control fluid retention is to make sure you eat enough potassium rich foods, about 4,700 milligrams daily. Potassium helps to decrease sodium levels and also increases urine production which helps flush out extra fluids.

Tips for a Low Sodium Diet

High Potassium Foods

• Ways to Avoid Sodium
  • Do not eat processed, canned and prepacked foods
  • Don’t add extra salt at the table
  • Do not use high sodium seasoning mixes
• Low Sodium Foods to Look For
  • Fresh or frozen produce
  • Low or non-fat dairy products
  • Whole grains
  • Fresh, lean meat, seafood and poultry

• High Potassium Foods
  • Dried plums
  • Spinach
  • Raisins
  • Bananas
  • Winter squash
  • Yogurt
  • Milk

Lean protein can also help promote weigh loss for patients on prednisone. Following a diet where approximately 34% of the calories come protein resulted in people feeling less hungry and promoted weight loss when compared to people on a high-carbohydrate diet.

Last, it is always important to make sure you are drinking the recommended about of water every day, about 15.5 cups for men, and 11.5 cups for women. Drinking water is a great way to help you feel full and can help prevent over eating. Drinking water also can help flush unwanted toxins from your body.

Exercise Tips

While you are making your diet more prednisone-friendly, you can slowly begin to exercise. To begin, pick an easy activity that does not put too much stress on your body. Check out some sarc-inspired yoga tips if you need a starting point!  Don’t forget to include some cardiovascular exercise in your routine- this could be swimming, taking a walk, joining a class at a local gym, or making up your own personal routine at home. It might seem intimidating, but don’t give up!

Sarcoidosis, like many chronic diseases, wears down your psyche. You fall into the rut of “I can’t do that.” If people can be motivated to just walk to the end of the driveway, then the end of the block, then around the block, they are on their way.

Walking is an exercise that nearly anyone can do. Don’t make any excuses. Start with 100 feet the first day. It’s still 100 feet more than you would have gotten. Your body will quickly get used to it, and soon you’ll go farther and farther. The key is movement instead of sitting.

Bob Owens

sarcoidosis warrior

Read the rest of Bob’s story, Step by Step >

Finding a workout buddy can also help keep you motivated- sarc warrior Gretchen found that by teaming up with her friend to start working out, she had more confidence and accountability. Not to mention, it also makes exercising more fun!

Once you have decided on an exercise, follow the chart below, remembering to only increase the level when you feel comfortable. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

Getting Off Prednisone

If you want to explore alternative medications other than prednisone, try sharing our FSR Treatment Guide with your physician. Created by our Scientific Advisory Board, this protocol details numerous medications that can be prescribed for sarc, including off-label therapies. A lot of doctors find resource this useful for choosing a treatment method other than long-term use of steroids like prednisone.

Read more about treatment options.

Interested in using your skills to help the sarcoidosis community in your area? Consider applying to become an FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance Volunteer!

Learn more.

How To Lose Weight Taking Prednisolone – Telegraph

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How To Lose Weight Taking Prednisolone
MedCircle / Health A…Z / Rheumatology / Systemic lupus erythematosus / Discussions / How to lose weight with SLE and the simultaneous use of Prednisolone and Plaquenil
How to lose weight with SLE and the simultaneous use of Prednisolone and Plaquenil
0003 I was diagnosed with subacute SLE (discoid lupus) in March 2011 in Kazan. After treatment with Prednisolone, I gained 35 kg in 6 months! A nightmare! She weighed 65, and became 100. From October 2011 she took 2 tablets per day of prednisolone – 10 mg (started from 8 in March) and 2 tablets of Plaquenil. They said to keep this dose for 2 years, what then I don’t know …. The doctors also said that by reducing the dose of hormones, I would start to lose weight and advised me not to eat bread and not to eat after 18.00.
After another examination by a rheumatologist in 2012, they decided to change Prednisolone to Metipred (8 mg) – 2 tabs .. and leave Plaquenil 2 tabs – 400 mg, thereby reducing the amount of the hormone ….. And during this time I managed to gain more 5 kg. I tried to lose weight – nothing works! Lord, what to do, how to get rid of this nightmarish excess weight? And is it real or not? Please, who knows, help!!!!!
Post edited by MiliiSvetik 06/11/2012 – 04:44 PM
Do not worry, you will gradually lose weight on 2 tablets. I bounced back after about a year. And Plaquenil does not give weight.
Same problem. I was on 6 tablets, reduced to 2 in six months. But the weight continues to grow. She also weighed 65 a year ago. Now I weigh 82 and it seems that this is not the limit. The weight does not go away on 2 tablets, at least for me, it has been increasing and continues to increase, I myself don’t know what to do. Homeopathic injections and pills may possibly be concomitant treatment, but not the main one.
———————————————-
Post edited by Nadezhda-K 10.04.2015 – 11:38
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Proper nutrition + daily sports if possible! There was a time when I couldn’t walk. So I worked out on the couch. The main thing is to have fun, without forcing yourself! But still, not completely relaxed! And when there is that very dose, from which the weight will stop growing, everything quickly goes away! How you are blown away! This is what happens to me. The main thing is not to despair and keep practicing!
And the Doctor doesn’t know for sure, it seems. ..
Sit down on cottage cheese with sour cream with a lower fat content, at least twice a day. Apples. Eliminate pastries, limit salt and sweets. The rest are smaller portions. Tea with lemon. Food until six, seven in the evening. Put a taboo.More walking. And everything will return to normal.
I had an exacerbation, I took 10 tablets of prednisone, now 1.5 tablets of metipred. Talk to your doctor to switch to metipred, it is more expensive, but it has fewer side effects, incl. and by weight. Your excess weight is not fat, it is liquid and it will definitely begin to come off. I had an exacerbation in May 2009of the year, since January of this year I have been drinking 1.5 tabs, and only in August I began to lose weight, without any diets and sports myself. I lost 18 kg in 5 months. Slowly but surely. With age, this period increases. I lost weight in a year before. Don’t worry, you will definitely lose weight. And eat normal food, do not starve, we definitely need protein. I wish you health and good luck))
In September, when I started taking prednisolone 12 tablets, I weighed 73 kg, now I drink 5 tablets and continue to reduce the dose by 1/4 every week, now I weigh 85 kg. I’m wondering when will I start losing weight. When will I lower my dose? I practically do not eat carbohydrates, I exclude everything fatty, baked, and the weight as it is, does not go away a single gram, my cheeks are just awful.
natasha17, you are not overweight because you eat carbohydrates and fats. And due to the fact that prednisolone retains fluid in the cells, it is not excreted, the cells are stretched. When you are on about 2 tablets, the weight will begin to go away and the cheeks too. It also depends on age, the older the person, the slower the process of losing weight. And so that the skin does not sag later, do light exercises, walk on foot and swim.
I have had SLE for 6 years. For the first year, I was on prednezalone and gained 10 kg from it, then I switched to Medrol and the weight stabilized. In general, you should always be on a diet.
I took 10 tab. prednisolone, gained an extra 6 or 7 kg (“started” with 52 kg, which is already too much for me with my height and constitution). BUT! Every day, in addition to the main meals, I ate 1-2 more rolls, cottage cheese with jam, and in general, my mouth did not close, bulimia was terrible! I constantly wanted something kusnenko, and I could not refuse myself … When the doctor saw me during a planned hospitalization, she gasped and ordered her mouth to be sewn up. As best I could, I gradually switched to a different diet, for more than six months I managed to lose only 4 kg. Now (for more than 2 months) I try to stick to two meals a day (breakfast and lunch as late as possible), the rest of the time – only fruits (1 banana, apple, manarine, orange each), I try to exclude sweet, salty, etc. .d., and generally do not eat after 16 pm. Then he manages to lose a few hundred grams from himself. Which immediately return, it is worth eating a candy or my favorite grape. And if he eats for dinner, then by the morning he gains as much as 1.5 kg! I got tired. I’m afraid to starve completely – it’s quite extreme for the body, and I’m afraid that it can cause an exacerbation.
At the moment I’m taking 2 and 1/4 tablets, reducing the dose from the summer to 1/4 per week.
Probably, physical education should also be added, but here the replacement of fat with muscles can happen (the body strives to preserve what it has, including maintaining weight))))) )
Probably, after all, eating less and moving more is the only way to lose weight. And you need to be patient
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How To Take Prednisolone And Stay In The Same Physical Form.

A true story from our reader:

In the life of every person there are certain difficulties. Maybe some trials are sent to us from above? And they just need to be adequately experienced, accepted and understood?

Everyone should decide for himself: to fight for himself, or give up, “go with the flow” and whine that everything is bad.

So not so long ago I had a test in the form of a serious illness. Accordingly, I had to take a lot of pills, of which one of the strongest hormonal drugs was “prednisolone”. In order not to beat around the bush, I will be more specific, the doctors diagnosed me – “subacute thyroiditis” . Of course, there was a shock! Of course, upset. After looking at the list of medicines prescribed by the doctor, I decided to look into the omniscient Internet. I read the forums, and everything that directly or indirectly relates to my disease. This is where I got a double shock! What I read did not inspire optimism, even a little bit. To say that I was discouraged is to say nothing! She cried, drank sedative pills, cried again. And at some point I decided – that’s it, stop whining and become limp, you need to do something.

The first thing I did in this situation was to accept and understand that I still need to be treated. That other, alternative, sparing methods of treatment have not yet been invented. In any case, you will have to drink this whole set of drugs, And tears and stress can only aggravate the situation.

Secondly, I pulled myself together and decided to take the disease and treatment under control and not let everything take its course.

The treatment regimen, specifically in my case, was as follows:

• Prednisolone (5 mg tablets) 2 tablets 3 times a day.
• “Panangin” 1 tablet 3 times a day.
• “Omez” – 1 tablet in the evening.

Total 10 tablets per day and almost everything (except omez) after meals. The question arose, how to eat so as not to harm the figure? I will say more: “prednisolone” slows down metabolic processes, inhibits the breakdown of simple (sweet) carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is not for nothing that many, taking hormones, complain about a significant increase in weight. Another “prednisolone” removes potassium from the body. And potassium supports the heart, in particular its rhythm. And throughout the course of treatment with this drug, severe insomnia torments. It also retains fluid in the body, from which the whole body swells, and there are “bags” under the eyes. This is not a very large part of the side effects from this hormonal drug, but, in my opinion, quite significant.

Considering the side effects of prednisolone and the treatment regimen, I decided;

• for the duration of treatment, avoid sugary carbohydrates (sweets and all confectionery)
• eat every 2 hours, but portions should not exceed the volume of a glass.
• in each serving try to combine the correct proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates (30:20:50)
• include in the diet, foods containing the maximum amount of potassium – baked potatoes, raisins, millet.
• temporarily give up coffee (it caused severe tachycardia in me). I replaced it with chicory with milk.
• fight insomnia with non-drug means.
• Avoid salt as much as possible and try not to drink liquids 3 hours before bedtime.

Upon the successful completion of my treatment, I decided to write a positive article to support those who faced a similar problem and want to help themselves.

As a result: since the evening I have been thinking over my menu for tomorrow, so as not to panic and eat whatever comes to hand. I ate every 2 hours (set the alarm).

And since the medication regimen was as follows:

• from 6 to 7 o’clock the first time I took 2 tablets of “prednisolone” (I got up on an alarm clock, ate oatmeal with water, drank “prednisolone” and, if I didn’t have to get up early, went to bed again)
• from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – taking “panangin”,
• from 12:00 to 13:00 again 2 prednisolone tablets,
• from 14 to 15 hours – “panangin”,
• from 4 to 5 pm, the last dose of “prednisolone”,
• 18-19 last reception of Panangin
• 21. 00 “omez” reception.

then so, respectively, and ate, taking into account the time.
Tablets of “prednisolone” washed down with milk.

Sweet confectionery, replaced with a mixture of dried apricots, raisins, walnuts, prunes, lemon and honey (all one to one), twisted in a meat grinder. I took this mixture in the morning 1 dessert spoon. Moreover, this mixture is “rich” in potassium.

I cooked millet milk porridge without butter in milk and without sugar.

The potatoes were baked in the oven with the skin on for 1 hour, at a temperature of 200 degrees, having washed them cleanly in advance and pierced them through with a knife in several places.

In order to somehow fall asleep, I bought essential relaxing oils with hypnotic and anti-inflammatory effects (clary sage, jasmine, lemongrass) and washed the floor in the bedroom before going to bed with the addition (10-12 drops per basin, having previously dissolved the oil in 50 gr. milk), laid out napkins moistened with these oils around the room, lit an aromatic lamp, wiped her body with olive oil before going to bed with the addition of a few drops of one of these oils. True, the fight against insomnia went on with periodic success.

A week after the start of treatment, I not only gained weight, I lost 1 kg! After 2 weeks, another 2 kg. In the future, the weight was maintained throughout the course of treatment.

Before the illness, I was regularly engaged in shaping, but during the illness, the doctor forbade me to exercise and everything that increased metabolic processes, so as not to aggravate the course of the disease. But I decided to tighten my muscles and relax them 100 times a day. For example: I strained the press on the exhale and relaxed on the inhale. Buttocks, back, legs also – strained on exhalation, relaxed on inhalation.

As a result, after the end of the treatment (only 4 months), I with dignity endured the trials given to me, lost weight, pumped up muscles in problem areas, recovered, gained experience, wrote an article.

Of the minuses:

• these are grown cheeks, like a hamster’s, which disappeared only 2 months after the last intake of “prednisolone”
• I still slept very badly,
• I love the bath, but it is impossible, in no case.