Steroids for RA resulted in increased weight. Please suggest diet for weight loss.

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to lose 50 pounds. I have RA and steroids have caused me to gain a lot in the last six to eight months. I started the keto diet two weeks ago but blood works is showing elevated liver enzymes which are causing issues with a medication I have to take for RA. What diet is best for people who have elevated liver enzymes due to Methotrexate? What can I do? I really need and want to lose excess weight.

I am currently taking Levothyroxine, Methotrexate, Multivitamin and Hydroxychloroquine.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Intermittent fasting will give rest to the stomach and hence enhance metabolism and use stored fat to energy in the absence of food for physical and psychological activity. A balanced diet with increase of fruits and vegetables is considered to be best or you can try Mediterranean diet.

I still need many details for proper medical intervention so that I can provide a customized diet plan.

Till then follow these tips:

1. Increase the high protein diet and include six almonds, six walnuts, and two dates per day.

2. Fish, green leafy vegetables, egg whites, and poultry.

3. Do muscle strengthening exercises.

4. Increase fluid intake.

5. Do take eight to nine hours of sleep.

6. Manage stress with meditation.

7. Do breathing exercises.

8. Manage to follow small high calorie frequent meals.

9. Do take 1700 kcal diet. If required need to add a supplement.

I hope this helps.