spark adrenal function

[Celebrant]

Have you heard of or tried any ways to spark your adrenal function?

[SheffieldJane]

I have heard that you could alternate your taper down dose with your current dose each day. I think however, that it’s a case of patience, like everything else with this disease. Allowing a full year of being off steroids for them to function normally. Not the best news I know.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This was discussed yesterday in another post - but probably easier to have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There aren't any - except to very slowly reduce the dose of pred below the level your body requires to function and hope the very complex feedback system works as it should. There are no short-cuts.

[fren]

Since my last visit to the Rheumy I have been taking both prednisone and short acting hydrocortisone. I was at 5.5mg daily when I started by replacing 1.5mg of Pred. with 5mg of hydrocortisone (which is equal to 1.25mm of Pred.) dropping my dose by 1/4 mg. I have since continued to reduce the Prednisone very slowly and now take 2mg of Pred and 5mg of Hydrocortisone, which counts as 3.25mg daily.

I take the total dose at about 3am and am reasonably comfortable when I get up and can be pretty active in the mornings.

I do feel the drop in pred level mid to late afternoon as the hydrocortisone has worn off, particularly after a reduction in my dose but if I continue to be very gently active I can feel myself starting to feel ok again, presumably as my adrenals contribute.

I have full permission, if I have been overactive or stressed causing pain, deadly fatigue etc., to take extra hydrocortisone stat. I have only done this four times in 6 months.

[Blurry62]

Here in the States, nutritionists on healthline.org recommend lean meat, avocados,nuts, dairy,green leafy vegetables, fish,and dairy. I've read that prednisone also turns our muscles to mush ! With the addition of eggs, these foods are good for that situation too.

[HeronNS]

I've heard that liquorice can promote adrenal function, but whether it has any effect on adrenals that have been artificially suppressed, as through pred treatment, I don't know. Liquorice is also contraindicated for some conditions, not a completely harmless substance.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to HeronNS]

See attached from nhs -

“Taking steroid tablets with other medicines, food or alcohol -

Some medicines interfere with the way steroid tablets work. Tell your doctor if you take any other medicines, including herbal remedies and supplements, before starting steroid tablets.

If you're already taking steroid tablets, ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice before taking any other medicines, remedies or supplements.

You can usually drink alcohol while taking steroid tablets, but don't drink too much as this may irritate your stomach.

You can also eat most foods while taking steroid tablets. Don't eat liquorice while taking prednisolone, however, as this can increase the amount of the medicine in your body.”

[CT-5012 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for sorting that out for us, much appreciated. 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes - but would it therefore act as a steroid sparer??????????????????

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

That’s a novel concept!

[bunnymom in reply to PMRpro]

Best sparer I've read about!

[Rose54 in reply to PMRpro]

I love liquorice

But would never be able to stop at one bit the whole bag would disappear

[HeronNS in reply to DorsetLady]

I knew I shouldn't take it because of a family history of brain haemorrhage, it has some effects on the vascular system which under other circumstances could be beneficial, but had forgotten about the specific contraindication with pred! Thanks.

[PMRCanada in reply to DorsetLady]

Interesting. Learned something new this morning. I love black licorice but haven’t eaten any for awhile, except a few candies at Christmas.

[Rose54]

Hi

I understood its not a good idea to use with Steroids as it effects the way thay work

I may have misunderstood this

[CT-5012 in reply to Rose54]

I too have been told this but can’t remember who by or in what context . Pred Head .

[Rose54 in reply to CT-5012]

I am sure I read it on here its something to do with effecting the way Steroids work .

But like you Pred Head

[Hidden in reply to Rose54]

Me too, definitely read it here!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rose54]

It will increase the amount of pred remaining in the body as it interferes with the excretion in some way - so it may increase the adverse effects. OTOH - as I asked above would it also act as a steroid sparer????

[CT-5012]

Yes but again can’t remember 😨😱

[Rosbud in reply to CT-5012]

Grapefruit and statins don't match !

[PMRCanada]

Yes, I have heard that grapefruit also interferes with some medication. I found this;

Drinking grapefruit juice while taking pitavastatin (Pravachol) or other "statins" might increase the effects and side effects of these medications. Grapefruit might interact with some "statins" including lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), and atorvastatin (Lipitor).

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - loads! Statins are just one group. And it can increase or decrease the amount of drug in the blood, depending on what it is. It isn't a constant effect either, it varies from person to person.

fda.gov/ForConsumers/Consum...

If you read down, it explains how as well.

[Hidden]

Methotrexate!

[karools16]

Grapefruit, Cranberry don't work with Warfarin.