Steroids, are they really from the devil?

Are steroids of the devil?

YES YES and YES lol

Steroids are prescribed to fight inflammation, and honestly I could not live without them. Though, they also have really crappy side effects!


Prednisone Side Effects

~ Elevated blood glucose

~Glaucoma

~ Type II diabetes

~Osteoporosis

~Weight gain

~Irritability

~Depression

~Loss of sex drive

It is hard to believe that something that can help you so much, could cause all those problems! Weight gain, irritability, depression are some of the symptoms I experienced. My doc didn't really explain the possible side effects to me. Especially the fact that I should probably increase my calcium intake or be more aware.

Calcium: A mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is added to bones by cells called osteoblasts and is removed from bones by cells called osteoclasts. Calcium is essential for healthy bones. It is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, nervous system maintenance, and normal blood clotting.

So, if you are on Prednisone, it would be best to consume low calorie, low fat, calcium rich foods.

Calcium rich foods

~Low calorie dairy foods

~Broccoli

~Collard Greens

~Spinach

~Tofu

~Canned Salmon

More detailed examples

~ 40grams of Cheddar Cheese has 296mg of calcium

~3 Tablespoons of Red Kidney Beans has 75mg of calcium

~100grams of Tofu has 500mg of calcium

1,000 milligrams a day of calcium for adults 19 through 50

At the moment I am not taking Pred regularly but when I have flares, I am right back on it! I am at a point now where I am trying to take off the weight I gained taking it regularly.

I hope this info helped or encouraged you with your Fight with Lupus! Have a great Tuesday!!