Steroid Therapy and Nutrition

Calcium - 99% of this mineral is deposited in your bones and teeth. 1 % is in blood and tissues.

Impaired calcium absorption.

Bones may become thin and brittle.

Increase intake of dietary calcium. Take a calcium supplement if needed. Maintain good calcium intake when off steroids to build up bone mass.

Potassium - A mineral that regulates muscle contraction and heartbeat.

Impaired potassium absorption.

Low blood potassium causes irregular contractions in muscle and heart tissue and may cause fatigue.

Eat a varied diet including two potassium-rich sources daily, such as: orange juice, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, baked potatoes, and tomatoes. Take potassium supplements only when prescribed by your physician.

Sodium - A mineral used in fluid balance and nerve conduction.

Causes sodium retention.

Leads to fluid retention and possibly high blood pressure.

Limit use of salt, condiments, convenience foods, and salted snacks. Choose fresh, less processed foods.

Protein - Used to maintain muscles, blood, and immune system.

Breaks down muscle tissue and protein reserves.

Weak muscles, low resistance to infection, and poor wound healing.

Eat a well-balanced diet including a protein source at each meal plus dairy products.

Vitamin D- Helps the bones absorb calcium.

Inactivates vitamin D so the body cannot use it as well.

Bones cannot absorb as much calcium so they may become thin and brittle.

Drink milk at meals. A standard dose multivitamin-mineral supplement contains 400 IU's vitamin D. Short periods of sun exposure without sunscreen activates vitamin D synthesis in skin.

Vitamin C- Builds tissues and bones and is a strong antioxidant.

Depletes body stores of vitamin C.

Less resistance to infections. Poor wound healing.

Eat a well-balanced diet including citrus fruits, juices, potatoes, and broccoli. A multiple vitamin-mineral supplement also contains vitamin C.

Cholesterol - A basic component of many body hormones.

May increase amount of cholesterol in the blood.

High blood cholesterol.

Decrease the amount of cholesterol and saturated fats in your diet. Use mono-unsaturated oils (i.e. canola or olive). Limit egg yolks to 4 per week. Maintain healthy body weight.

Change in appetite.

Stimulates a feeling of hunger.

Increased appetite and weight gain.

Increase physical activity. Drink plenty of water. Eat low calorie foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Focus on lower calorie foods if you are eating a larger volume of food. Keep a food diary to track intake.

Increased blood sugar.

Body is less able to utilize insulin or regulate blood glucose.

High blood glucose levels.

Maintain healthy body weight. Eat consistent meals and snacks. Cut back on sweets. Increase physical activity.

Stomach (gastric)  irritation.

Increases stomach acid.

May cause frequent stomachaches, reflux, and ulcers.

Avoid overeating. Eat breakfast and do not skip meals. Take medication with a small amount of food. Limit caffeine. Limit dietary fat. Avoid late night eating.

Change in appearance.

Fluid and weight shifts to face, abdomen, and trunk of body.

Puffy, overweight appearance although arms and legs may be thin.

Not totally avoidable - a temporary fluid weight gain of 10 pounds is to be expected. Control weight gain by limiting sodium and calories Include high potassium foods (i.e.. fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).