Nov 11 2009
How to Counter the Effects of Steroids
Every time we talk about steroids, some people would always associate it with undesirable effects. It was also given a bad reputation by professional athletes who use it to enhance performance. The types of steroids, anabolic and corticosteroid are both beneficial to us. There are so many medical uses of these drugs which were not known to many people. Some of its health benefits includes treatment of simple skin diseases to chronic ailments like cancer. Jane Brody of NYTimes wrote that steroids can keep a host of autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions from ravaging the body. She said that steroids are the cornerstone of treatment for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, temporal arteritis, psoriasis and even bad cases of poison ivy. Just like with other drugs available in the market, long term use of steroids can produce side effects. It is a must for the user to always consult and seek guidance from a medical specialist. People who are using steroids for years may suffer from complication if not properly supervised by a doctor.
In her article, “Steroids’ Miracle Comes With a Caveat“, Brody suggested some tips on how to mitigate the effects of steroids specially when used to treat an illness for a longer period. The different types of administration of steroids have their own advantages and disadvantages to the user. For example, injectable steroids used repeatedly into a muscle or joint can cause weakening and degenerative changes that limit their usefulness in treating chronic athletic or overuse injuries. The dosage also plays a major role in minimizing the effects of steroids. High doses of steroids can result to weight gain, heart diseases and muscle weakness, just to name a few.
Follow Dosing Instructions
Brody stressed that in order to avoid the side effects of steroids, following the dosing instruction is a must. A patient should not use more than what is prescribed by the doctor. It is not recommended to stop the use of steroids abruptly. Gradual reduction of the dosage should be done when the condition of the patient abates. A “stress dose” of steroids can also be given to boost immune response during extreme physical stress, after surgery, an accident or a new serious illness.
Take Immunizations Regularly
If you are using steroids for longer period, ask your doctor on what particular vaccine you should get. Injections for flu and pneumonia can help your body avoid infections. If you are suffering from high fever, productive cough, pain when urinating or large boils on the skin, consult your doctor immediately.
Taking Steroids After Meals
To minimize the side effects to the digestive tract, it is also recommended to take steroids after meals or together with an antacid. If the patient is suffering from steroid-induced insomnia, it is better to take it early in the day. Seek for medical advice if there is a persistent heartburn or black, tarry stools.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
People taking steroids should see to it that they are having a healthy diet. Supplementation of calcium and vitamin D is necessary to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Exercise regularly and avoid vices. Quit smoking and if possible limit your alcohol intake. To avoid an increase in the blood pressure and edema, stick to a low sodium diet. Processed foods and snacks usually contain high level of salt. A nutritionist can help you identify what food to take like low-fat and low-cholesterol foods. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure and blood sugar is also necessary.
[...] How to Counter the Effects of Steroids [...]
[...] Androgen Receptor Modulators can give the benefits provided by anabolic steroids but with minimal side effects. This is one of the reasons why the product is becoming popular in the sports [...]
[...] are already several professional wrestlers who died because of the possible direct or indirect effects of taking steroids. The WWE, on the other hand, belies that the deaths of most wrestlers were due to anabolic [...]
[...] hamsters, the researchers still believes that the results were significant. They found out that the effects of steroids were more eminent to adolescents rather than in adult hamsters. It causes some changes in their [...]
[...] time we talk about anabolic steroids, controversies in sports and its side effects always comes out. Anabolic steroids are used to treat some health conditions but it was given a bad [...]
[...] in the February 2010 issue of Renal and Urology News. The findings may help people understand the effects of steroids if used for longer period of time. The respondents in the study were bodybuilders using anabolic [...]
[...] The judge urge Arntz to do some speaking engagement in public schools or to groups about the dangers of steroids. “Maybe you can prevent some other person from going down the same path you did,” the [...]
[...] According to Roberts steroids are helpful in treating many diseases if taken at lower dosages as compared to dosages taken by athletes and bodybuilders. When taken in small dosages, steroids help improve the health of men who suffers from low testosterone levels. Taking at higher dosages may also speed up the treatment but it will usually provide unfavorable side effects. [...]
[...] others are concerned on the possible side effects of steroids to the body, there is a new research that also make this substance a promising aid in preventing [...]
[...] be used by younger people. Instead of getting the benefits from these supplements, they may suffer side effects and complications. According to some experts, steroids use in teens could affect their physical [...]
[...] to increase muscles and gain more weight. However, health experts warn them of the possible side effects of using steroids for longer periods and their tendency to abuse these drugs. “Having dealt with a number of [...]
[...] But when it is used properly and with the guidance of a health professional or a doctor, these side effects are minimized or avoided. Young cadet Matt Dear died of steroid complications due to [...]
[...] alternatives to this drug. They are hoping that a new version or breakthrough could eliminate the side effects of using steroids. Various clinical studies have been conducted to determine if steroids use in different medical [...]