Natural Prednisone Alternatives

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat inflammation-related health issues. It works by blocking inflammatory pathways in the body, which helps manage symptoms such as pain, rashes, swelling, and redness.

However, this prescription drug has serious side effects, and long-term prednisone users are at risk of a weakened immune function, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and significant weight gain.

Discover the downsides of prednisone and find out about natural prednisone alternatives that help lower inflammation without the risk of severe side effects. 

What is prednisone?

Prednisone belongs to a class of prescription anti-inflammatory medications called corticosteroids, widely known as steroid drugs. 

Although inflammation is the body’s response to injury and foreign invaders, chronic inflammation can lead to cellular damage and long-term health issues.

The human body relies on cortisol, a steroid hormone, to regulate inflammation. However, natural cortisol production may not be sufficient to control excessive inflammation. 

Steroids help reduce symptoms related to persistent and unresolved inflammation, such as pain, redness, and swelling. They also suppress immune system functions, which is why they’re often prescribed to individuals with autoimmune diseases. 

Prednisone essentially replaces the body’s natural cortisol, providing a stronger anti-inflammatory effect to help manage persistent inflammation. 

Prednisone is used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, including:

• Asthma

• Allergic reactions

• Autoimmune conditions

• Blood and bone marrow disorders

• Crohn's disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Eczema 

• Lupus

• Psoriasis

• Ulcerative colitis

• Rheumatoid arthritis 

Watch the video below to learn about some of the best prednisone alternatives.

Downsides of using prednisone

Although prednisone is effective in treating chronic pain, inflammation, and related symptoms, it can also cause adverse effects ranging from mild discomfort to serious health complications.

Common side effects include:

• Weight gain

• High blood pressure

• Headaches

• Stomach pain

• Restlessness

• Acne

• Sweating

• Mood swings

“The overuse of prednisone can lead to muscle wasting, inactive adrenal glands, and increase the risk of diabetes,” explains Dr. Berg. “Prednisone can also suppress immune system functions, damage liver cells, and contribute to cataracts.”

Long-term use of prednisone to manage chronic inflammatory conditions can result in the need for higher doses to manage symptoms, increasing the risk of severe side effects.

Here are more serious side effects linked to prednisone use:

• Allergic reactions

• Breathing difficulties

• Cushing’s syndrome

• High body temperature

• Swelling in arms and legs

• Abnormal bruising or bleeding

• Stomach ulcers

• Increased infection risk

• Depression and severe mood swings 

If you are taking prednisone and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a medical doctor for a thorough evaluation of your health status.

Natural prednisone alternatives 

Prednisone can cause a range of side effects and may become ineffective with prolonged use.

Fortunately, various natural anti-inflammatory supplements and remedies can help support balanced inflammatory responses and promote healing.

Here are five natural alternatives to manage inflammation. 

1. Vitamin D3 

Vitamin D has profound anti-inflammatory effects, and vitamin D deficiency has been linked to excessive release of cytokines, a group of inflammatory mediators.

Vitamin D directly helps reduce the production of cytokines, including C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein synthesized in the liver that can perpetuate inflammatory pathways. 

A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that six months of vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased CRP levels in the blood, indicating its potential to lower inflammation without the need for steroid drugs. 

It’s recommended to always combine vitamin D3 with vitamin K2. Vitamin D enhances intestinal calcium absorption, which can increase the risk of soft tissue calcification and atherosclerosis. 

Vitamin K2 facilitates the movement of calcium from the bloodstream into bone, thereby promoting calcium balance and reducing the risk of calcium deposits in the vascular system.

2. Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, widely known as pantothenic acid, helps promote adrenal function and is needed for the production of coenzyme A, which is essential for the synthesis of cortisol.

By promoting balanced cortisol levels, vitamin B5 helps support the body’s natural ability to resolve inflammation, thereby potentially decreasing the need for anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone.

Taking vitamin B5 supplementation to help lower inflammation may be especially beneficial for people who regularly consume alcohol and high-carb foods, individuals with gastrointestinal issues, and those experiencing chronic stress. 

These factors can deplete vitamin B5 levels and disrupt its effectiveness, making supplementation an important consideration for supporting overall health.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals, which are unstable by-products of energy metabolism and detoxification pathways.

Free radicals can interfere with cellular function, which can trigger the activation of immune cells and contribute to tissue damage and chronic inflammation.

A study published in Drug Design, Development, and Therapy found that daily supplementation with 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C for eight weeks significantly reduced inflammation markers in patients with hypertension and obesity-related diabetes.

In addition to neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation by strengthening the immune system and moderating overactive immune responses.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats essential for various bodily functions, including brain, heart, eye, and joint function. 

However, an imbalanced intake of these fatty acids, especially the excessive intake of omega-6 fats in combination with low omega-3 fat consumption, can perpetuate inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects by reducing inflammatory cytokines and producing metabolites that naturally resolve inflammation and support healing.

A study published in Nutrients found that cell membranes rich in omega-6 fatty acids are more prone to produce and release proinflammatory cytokines compared to those rich in omega-3s.

Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, while limiting sources of omega-6s, including seed oils and processed foods, can be an effective strategy to mitigate chronic inflammation.

5. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral crucial for the development, function, and regeneration of immune cells.

A zinc deficiency can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to resolve inflammation and increasing susceptibility to infection and illness, which can trigger or exacerbate inflammatory pathways. 

This highlights the potential of zinc as a natural alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs, offering a holistic approach to managing inflammation with fewer side effects.

Tips to lower inflammation 

If left untreated, chronic inflammation can develop into serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Beneficial lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, can help promote cortisol balance, which helps lower inflammation and promotes effective immune system function. 

Stress increases the body’s demand for cortisol, which can lead to inflammation by overactivating the immune system. At the same time, stress suppresses lymphocytes, which are immune cells crucial for defending against disease and infection.

A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience concluded, ”…through disturbing the balance of the immune system, stress induces inflammation peripherally and centrally. This imbalance leads to diversified stress-related diseases.”

Activities that relieve stress, such as regular exercise, hobbies, or spending time in nature, can help restore cortisol balance and naturally lower the risk of inflammation. 

Following an anti-inflammatory diet by focusing on a whole-foods-based ketogenic eating plan can also help lower body-wide inflammation. 

A nutritious ketogenic diet, such as Healthy Keto®, involves eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including cruciferous vegetables, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught fatty fish, and berries.

This dietary pattern supports overall health by reducing inflammation, enhancing cellular function, and providing essential nutrients while promoting ketosis for optimal metabolic benefits.

In addition, various herbal remedies, such as stinging nettle root, turmeric, and wheatgrass juice powder, may also help combat inflammation. 

These botanical agents offer potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, therefore helping to reduce the risk of inflammation and protect the body against disease.

When to talk to your doctor 

Long-term use of prednisone can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects, which can worsen various chronic conditions. 

If the medication is no longer effective or you're experiencing side effects, consider consulting your healthcare provider.

Your doctor can assist you in adjusting dosages, switching to different anti-inflammatory drugs, or creating an effective natural protocol.

It’s vital to consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any medication or incorporating supplements into your routine, as certain natural remedies may interact with prescription drugs.

Key takeaways

Natural prednisone alternatives include vitamins C, D3, B5, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support a balanced immune response and reduce inflammation markers. 

Herbal remedies rich in antioxidants, such as stinging nettle root and turmeric, have also shown potential in preventing or managing symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Additionally, lifestyle changes, including stress reduction, regular exercise, and following a low-carb anti-inflammatory diet, can further enhance the body’s natural ability to resolve inflammation and prompt healing.

FAQ

1. What are the best prednisone alternatives?

Vitamins C, B5, D3, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support the body’s ability to resolve inflammation naturally. 

In addition, herbs, such as stinging nettle root and turmeric, also contain anti-inflammatory properties that may further aid in reducing inflammation and promoting overall health.

2. What is prednisone used for? 

Prednisone belongs to a class of prescription drugs called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications typically used for pain relief and managing health issues such as skin conditions, allergies, asthma, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and lupus.

3. Does prednisone have side effects?

Yes, prednisone can cause side effects, such as mood changes, dizziness, headaches, trouble breathing, fatigue, and allergic reactions. 

Elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, acne, weight gain, poor cognition, and trouble sleeping are also symptoms associated with long-term prednisone use.

4. What is the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory?

Vitamin D3 is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatory agents, as it helps inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and promotes overall immune system balance.

5. How can I get rid of inflammation naturally?

Reducing stress, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and getting regular exercise and sleep can help manage chronic inflammation by promoting a more balanced inflammatory response. 

Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can support overall inflammation management and improve health outcomes.

Sources

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4492638/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5476783/