Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress an overactive immune system. It’s commonly prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Asthma flare-ups
• Autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus
• Certain skin conditions
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Some blood disorders and cancer

Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress an overactive immune system. It’s commonly prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Asthma flare-ups
• Autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus
• Certain skin conditions
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Some blood disorders and cancer

What about “nightshades” and arthritis?

Eggplant belongs to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Some people believe nightshades worsen arthritis inflammation, but there is not strong clinical evidence that they generally increase arthritis symptoms. There’s no need to avoid eggplant unless you personally notice a reproducible reaction.

For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, eggplant is best viewed as one component of an overall nutritious eating pattern rather than as an arthritis treatment.

Eggplant and arthritis

Eggplant (aubergine) can be part of a healthy, arthritis-friendly diet. It doesn’t cure arthritis or directly repair joint damage, but it provides nutrients and plant compounds that may support overall health.

• Antioxidants: Eggplant contains anthocyanins, especially in its purple skin. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies.

• Fiber: Its fiber supports digestive health and can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, which can reduce mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints in osteoarthritis.

• Vitamins and minerals: Eggplant provides smaller amounts of potassium, folate, vitamin B6, and other micronutrients.

• Low in calories: It can be useful in meals designed to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.

• Heart-health support: A diet rich in vegetables such as eggplant can contribute to cardiovascular health, which is particularly relevant for people with inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Foods to emphasize

• Protein: Fish, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, Greek yogurt, and other lean protein sources help maintain muscle.

• Calcium-rich foods: Milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified plant milks, tofu made with calcium, and leafy greens support bone health.

• Vitamin D: Fatty fish, fortified dairy/plant milks, eggs, and appropriate sunlight exposure help support calcium absorption and bone health.

• Vegetables and fruit: Tomatoes, bell peppers, beets, eggplant, berries, leafy greens, and other colorful produce provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

• Whole grains and legumes: Oats, brown rice, barley, beans, and lentils provide fiber and can help with blood-sugar control.

• Healthy fats: Olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish are preferable to foods high in saturated and trans fats.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune-system activity. It is sometimes used for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, particularly for short-term control of significant inflammation or flares.

Important points

• It can work quickly, often providing relief faster than disease-modifying medicines such as leflunomide.

• It generally does not replace a DMARD such as leflunomide because it doesn’t provide the same long-term disease-modifying effect.

• Doctors often use the lowest effective dose for the shortest practical duration because prolonged use can cause significant side effects.

• Possible side effects include increased blood sugar and blood pressure, fluid retention, increased appetite, insomnia, mood changes, increased infection risk, osteoporosis, cataracts, and weight gain.

• Do not stop prednisone suddenly after taking it regularly for a significant period. The dose may need to be gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Important precautions

Long-term prednisone can weaken bones and muscles. If you’ve been taking it for an extended period, particularly at higher doses, discuss your exercise program with your healthcare professional. Avoid suddenly increasing exercise intensity.

Also, if you develop unusual muscle weakness, severe pain, dizziness, chest pain, or significant shortness of breath, stop exercising and seek medical advice.

Good types of exercise

• Walking, cycling, swimming: Good cardiovascular activities that can help maintain fitness and manage weight.

• Strength training: Particularly useful for maintaining muscle and helping protect bones. Start with light resistance and increase gradually.

• Weight-bearing exercise: Walking, stair climbing, and resistance exercises can support bone health.

• Flexibility and balance exercises: Stretching, yoga, and balance work can help maintain mobility and reduce fall risk.

If you have arthritis

If you’re taking prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory condition, exercise should be adjusted to your symptoms. During a significant flare, lower-impact activities and gentle range-of-motion exercises may be more appropriate than strenuous workouts.

Longer-term effects

With prolonged use, prednisone can increase the risk of:

• Osteoporosis and fractures

• Muscle weakness

• Cataracts or glaucoma

• Diabetes or worsening blood-sugar control

• Increased susceptibility to infections

• Thinner skin and easier bruising

• Slower wound healing

• Changes in body-fat distribution