Dr. Berg discusses the negative effects of prednisone and high cortisol levels. He provides strategies for managing side effects, reducing cortisol, and countering chronic stress through physical activity, hobbies, nutrition, and mindfulness techniques.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Prednisone, a commonly prescribed drug for inflammation and immune suppression, comes with side effects and can lead to high cortisol levels and health concerns.
To lower cortisol levels, prioritize stress reduction through activities like exercise and hobbies, take certain nutrients, practice breathing exercises, and use heart rate variability technology.
Deep dives
Effects of Prednisone and Cortisol
Prednisone is commonly prescribed as an anti-inflammatory or immune suppressant, but it comes with a range of side effects. Higher doses can lead to a moon face, and even subclinical levels of cortisol can cause similar effects. Cortisol, the hormone released by the adrenal glands, is involved in glucose metabolism and stress response. Long-term exposure to high cortisol levels can result in insulin resistance, diabetes, and other health issues.
Cushing Syndrome and Prednisone
Cushing syndrome is a condition characterized by high levels of cortisol. Prednisone, a synthetic version of cortisol, can also create Cushing syndrome-like symptoms. These symptoms include redistribution of fat to the face, belly, and shoulders, the loss of muscle mass and bone density, and various other health problems. Prednisone use is associated with increased risks of high blood glucose, heart problems, mental side effects, cravings for sugar and salt, and fluid retention.
Managing Prednisone and Cortisol Effects
When taking prednisone, it is important to gradually taper off the medication to avoid severe side effects since the body becomes dependent on it and stops producing its own cortisol. Prednisone also depletes important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. To reduce cortisol levels, it is essential to prioritize stress reduction through activities like exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques. Nutritional supplements like magnesium, potassium, B1, and vitamin D can also help lower cortisol. Breathing exercises and heart rate variability technology are additional tools for managing stress and cortisol levels.
Every year, a few times a year, I have a bad reaction to poison ivy. This time, it has affected my eye.
Each time I was exposed and had a bad reaction, I was given prednisone. It got to the point where, after I was exposed, the effects of the poison ivy wouldn’t go away after using prednisone.
People typically take prednisone for its anti-inflammatory or immune suppressant effects. But prednisone has side effects.
Prednisone is a synthetic version of cortisol. Cortisol has benefits. It’s a hormone that helps the immune system and prepares the body for stress. But high cortisol levels can lead to a lot of health concerns.
You don’t want to be on prednisone forever. The more you take it, the more it weakens the system. But if you stop taking it, your symptoms may come back. So, why don't we get to the root problem? Keep in mind that once you start taking prednisone, it’s important not to come off of it too fast. Prednisone and cortisol also deplete the body of numerous vitamins and minerals.
The best ways to lower cortisol:
1. Lower your stress (do physical work, exercise, spend more time on a hobby, and take certain nutrients)
2. Take ashwagandha
3. Try breathing exercises
4. Use an HRV device to better understand your stress