How much do 5 mg really help?

I'm currently tapering down on predisolone and I'm on a 5 mg dose. It seems really small compared to the dosages which I come from, how much does 5 mg really influence the body? doesn't the adrenal glands produce way more than that?

Alright! The first time I was on predisolone I had to take it for 4 years straight so I figure my adrenal gland is abit on the down side. Another thing which I've though of is, if your constantly under inflammation then your body has to produce more cortisol, then won't the production of cortisol go down if the inflammation always is making the adrenal gland to produce cortisol on a very high level? A sort of fatigue of production from producing to much, thus making the inflammation worse in the long run?

Cortisol levels are variable within the body. You have more when you wake up (helps you wake up) and less when you go to bed (perhaps why prednisone causes such awful insomnia). Your body can produce more cortisol to respond to fight or flight, stress, and injury situations. So, I'd say small levels of cortisol and corticosteroids make a big difference.

simooon19 said...
Alright! The first time I was on predisolone I had to take it for 4 years straight so I figure my adrenal gland is abit on the down side. Another thing which I've though of is, if your constantly under inflammation then your body has to produce more cortisol, then won't the production of cortisol go down if the inflammation always is making the adrenal gland to produce cortisol on a very high level? A sort of fatigue of production from producing to much, thus making the inflammation worse in the long run?

Not sure I follow you but yes you must find a way to prevent the inflammation to require less of the adrenals.

Dr Weil's The Anti-Inflammatory diet is a good start.

MSM
DHEA
Curcumin
Sulfasalazine...