Massive proteinuria is commonly found among patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
and protein lost from blood can cause many problems, and some of those even may
threaten patient’s life. To prevent protein from slipping into the urine,
prednisone usually be used. However, patients who are on the treatment of
prednisone may find their weight gain although they keep a limitation on food.
Why?
What are prednisone and its side effects?
Prednisone is a member of the corticosteroid drugs, which is similar to the
hormone cortisol, produced by the human body. It is basically used as an
anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug. This medication can be taken
either orally or it can be administered through intravenous and intramuscular
injections. Prednisone can cause several side effects. According to the
prescribing information, the most common side effects of prednisone include
sleep problems, mood changes, acne, dry skin, increased sweating, nausea,
stomach pain and bloating, headache, dizziness and weight gain. Among these side
effects, weight gain may be the most concerned side effects.
What are the reasons for weight gain when taking prednisone?
Firstly, the medication induces the body to retain more sodium, and to lose
more potassium. When the level of sodium and potassium in the body is disturbed,
the body tends to retain more water or fluid. The result is fluid retention,
which can cause unwanted prednisone weight gain. In addition to weight gain,
fluid retention can result in bloating as well.
Secondly, prednisone is also known to increase appetite. Increase in appetite
can lead to increased consumption or increased calorie intake. This also can
manifest in undesirable weight gain in people taking prednisone for a prolonged
time period.
Thirdly, corticosteroid can also cause a redistribution of fat. This
fat-redistribution process often relocates fat to the face, neck, abdomen and
the back. That is the reason why many people experience weight gain or fat
accumulation on these special areas.
What should I do to reduce or avoid weight gain caused by prednisone?
Firstly, Prednisone stimulates appetites, due to which people tend to eat
more and gain weight. Such weight can be controlled by eating small, but
frequent meals. This step would help to control calorie intake and thereby,
prevent excessive weight gain.
Secondly, fluid retention caused by prednisone can be managed by reducing the
amount of sodium or salt intake, and increasing the amount of potassium in the
diet. Including more potassium containing foods like, bananas, grapefruit,
oranges, milk and baked potatoes can help to maintain the required balance
between sodium and potassium. However, you can eat such things only promised by
your doctor, since some patients with Nephrotic Syndrome have food taboos which
include potassium containing foods.
Thirdly, increase physical exercise. Increasing physical activity can help
compensate for increased caloric intake. It is recommended for most individuals
to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, swimming,
gardening and so on. However, it may not do a benefit to other patients, thereby
those patients should consult doctor before doing some exercise.
Fourthly, avoid alcohol. The use of alcohol is not better for your health as
it may lead to serious health problems including hypertension, high blood
pressure and stomach ulcer. So, if you want to avoid weight gain or even if you
want to control weight gain, it is necessary to avoid alcohol.
There are also some other ways to help decrease weight gain caused by
prednisone. However, have you thought another way to treat Nephrotic Syndrome
instead of prednisone. If there is a way that can not only treat Nephrotic
Syndrome effectively but also has no side effects, it would be happiness for
patients who are troubled by side effects of prednisone. Micro-Chinese Medicine,
extracted from plants and other natural minerals, has no side effect and also
has effective results in the treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome. If you have any
question, you can email to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.