When your body is experiencing inflammation or other conditions that require cortisone medication, it’s important to consider what you eat.

Cortisone treatment can affect your digestion and appetite, so it’s important to choose foods that will give your body the nutrition it needs. Here’s a guide to help you eat optimally while taking cortisone medication.

1. Focus on Whole Foods

Whole foods provide the nutrients that your body needs, and are easier on your digestive system. This means you should focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu.

Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt and sugar, and can spike your blood sugar levels.

2. Eat Regularly and in Small Portions

Cortisone can affect your appetite, causing you to eat more or less than normal. It’s important to eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Try to eat small, frequent meals every three to four hours to keep your energy levels up and prevent hunger pangs.

3. Keep Hydrated

Cortisone can cause fluid retention, which can lead to swelling and bloating. To combat this, drink plenty of water to flush out excess fluids.

You should aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, and avoid sugary drinks such as soda or fruit juice. Tea and coffee are okay in moderation, but limit your intake as they are diuretics and can dehydrate you.

4. Watch Your Sodium Intake

Cortisone can cause your body to retain sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention. To avoid this, limit your salt intake by not adding salt to your meals, and avoiding processed foods that are high in sodium.

Instead, use herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals.

5. Include Calcium-Rich Foods

Cortisone medication can cause bone loss, so it’s important to include calcium-rich foods in your diet. These include dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as leafy greens, nuts and seeds.

You may also need to take calcium supplements, so speak to your doctor about your options.

6. Add Probiotics to Your Diet

Cortisone can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.

To promote a healthy gut, add probiotics to your diet in the form of fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. You can also take probiotics in supplement form, but speak to your doctor first.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Cortisone can interfere with your liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol, leading to a buildup of toxins in your body. Alcohol can also worsen digestive problems and cause dehydration.

Similarly, caffeine can cause dehydration and interfere with your body’s absorption of calcium. Avoid or limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, and drink water to stay hydrated.

8. Choose Foods that Promote Healing

Cortisone acts as an anti-inflammatory, but you can also speed up the healing process by eating foods that promote healing.

These include foods that are high in vitamins A, C, E and zinc, such as citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and lean proteins. You can also add supplements such as omega-3 and Vitamin D to promote healing.

9. Speak to a Registered Dietitian

If you’re unsure about what to eat while taking cortisone medication, speak to a registered dietitian. They can help you develop a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs, and works with your cortisone treatment.

They can also advise you on any supplements you may need to take, and help you manage any digestive problems you may be experiencing.

10. Stay Positive

Finally, stay positive and focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet. Cortisone medication can be difficult to manage, but with the right mindset and a healthy diet, you can help your body heal and recover.