Prednisone is a steroid prescription drug that may come as a liquid solution, an immediate or delayed-release tablet all of which can be taken orally. The delayed-release prednisone tablet can be bought in its generic form and brand name Rayos. But the immediate-release tablet can only be gotten in its generic form. Generic drugs are often cheaper than branded versions. But they may not have all the strengths and forms of the brand. There is also a natural alternative to prednisone drugs which will be discussed later.
Meanwhile here are some of the reasons why these drugs are used in the first place: for treating allergies, asthma, anemia, colitis, bursitis, dermatitis, eye ulcer, eye inflammation, lung diseases like aspiration pneumonia or sarcoidosis, and endocrine disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal insufficiency. The drug prednisone carries out its work by decreasing the strength of the immune system. An action that will block the chemicals responsible for inflammation as an immune response of the body. This can cause a decrease in inflammation in different body parts.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Oral tablet of prednisone does not lead to drowsiness but they can result in other side effects such as:
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Excitement
- Nausea
- Thinning skin
- Vomiting acne
- Weight gain
- Trouble sleeping
If these are mild effects they would go in a few days but if severe then see a doctor. Severe side effects require that you seek urgent medical attention especially if the symptom appears to be life-threatening. Severe symptoms and their side effect may include;
- Serious allergic reactions
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
- Mood or emotion changes like depression
- Infections may cause cough, chills or fever, sore throat, pain, or trouble urinating
- Elevated sugar levels may cause increased thirst, confused or sleepy feeling, feet or ankle swelling, frequent urination.
If you want to know how to counteract prednisone side effects then you need to find some good natural alternatives for it.
Natural Alternative to Prednisone
Prednisone is mostly prescribed because of its anti-inflammatory ability. Thus a good alternative will be one that offers the same benefits. And that is through your diet, you can reduce inflammation naturally by making adjustments in your diet.
1. Mint and Ginger
These two are herbal supplements that help in healing the natural immunity of the body and allow inflammation problems to take care of themselves. You can take these natural prednisone alternatives as tea. A cup of ginger or mint when you wake up will help fight inflammation, boost your day, and improve your mental health.
Ginger tea is especially good and naturally assists in preventing stomach problems or discomfort. Also, ginger has a scent that makes people feel happier and healthier. You can make yours with melon too. Lemon has a natural acid that will help replenish your stomach’s supply of natural acid.
If you are not okay with how mint tea or ginger tea tastes then you could consider using wildflower tea which has similar functions. Adding honey for sweetening will also help.
2. Bananas
Potassium is one nutrient your diet needs. Although there are good potassium supplements you can use you can get your prednisone alternative for asthma, allergies, and other of its side effects by eating a banana.
Banana can serve as a prednisone alternative because of its regenerative properties. They help repair cell damages caused by drugs like prednisone. Furthermore, bananas also help in reducing blood pressure.
3. Calcium
Prednisone may cause brittle bones. This drug can work quickly on your bones thus the need to find a better alternative that will replace any bone loss. This is where calcium steps in. There are lots of natural calcium sources like milk. Vegans can also use broccoli for its rich calcium supply. And if all these do not work then you can turn to calcium supplements.
4. Licorice Root
You can find this supplement In herbal shops and they serve as wonderful prednisone replacements. Licorice roots help In reducing wear and tear and replenishing adrenal hormones. Prednisone can damage these hormones.
Licorice roots help in settling digestive tract imbalance and other prednisone side effects. It possesses the Glycyrrhizic acid that functions as a great anxiety reliever and anti-depressant. Another side effect of prednisone is that it causes skin issues and may increase acne. Finding alternatives to prednisone for itching and other skin related diseases will help restore the skin imbalances.
5. Exercise
Another natural prednisone alternative is exercising. By engaging in active exercise you will shed off most weight gained from prednisone pills and also help your body produce natural hormones and chemicals that help prevent illness.
6. Fasting
You might not like this alternative but there is some evidence that shows its efficiency. A study showed that when some patients stayed off food periodically they managed to successfully beat the illnesses that had them take prednisones.
During your fast, you can still drink your tea and take your supplements to enhance your recovery process. Of course, you should consult your doctor before going on a fasting alternative.
7. Tai-chi
This martial art has some health benefits linked to it. For instance, it helps in reducing arthritis and muscle pains. Some doctors advise their patients to do it as a form of curing their symptoms without having to use prednisone.
Summary
Prednisone is a medication that does its work of anti-inflammation but along the line, it may interact with other drugs or cause some side effects. The best way to avoid this is to use alternatives to prednisone. We have mentioned seven of these alternatives here hoping that it will be of great help to you. Don’t forget to talk with your doctor concerning the decision you make. It is always safer to take professional health advice as your doctor knows you better than Google.