Why Cortisone is Just a Quick Fix – And How the Carnivore Diet Offers Real Relief

Let’s face it – when you’re in pain, you want relief. But what if that “relief” you’re getting is actually doing more harm than good? Enter cortisone and other anti-inflammatory drugs. They’re a quick fix for inflammation, but that’s all they are: a temporary mask for a much bigger issue. And while they might take the edge off in the short term, they’re not exactly your body’s best friend in the long run.

Why Anti-Inflammatories Like Cortisone Do More Harm Than Good (And Why the Carnivore Diet Could Be the Real Solution)

Cortisone is a corticosteroid, a synthetic version of the cortisol hormone, which is produced by your adrenal glands. In theory, it helps control inflammation, which is why it’s often prescribed for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. But here’s the problem: while cortisone can suppress the symptoms of inflammation, it’s not addressing the root cause. It’s a classic case of treating the effect, not the cause.

“Cortisone might quiet the storm, but it doesn’t stop the hurricane from brewing. True healing comes from addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms.”

Inflammation, contrary to popular belief, isn’t inherently bad. It’s your body’s natural response to injury or infection – it’s how your immune system fights back. The trouble comes when inflammation becomes chronic or systemic, hanging around far longer than it should. This is where things like the standard Western diet come in. Full of processed foods, sugars, and vegetable oils, it feeds your body all the wrong stuff, setting the stage for long-term inflammation.

Now, cortisone doesn’t fix this. It simply puts a shiny, temporary band-aid over the problem, making you feel better while the underlying issue is still brewing.

The Problem with Masking the Symptoms

By suppressing inflammation, cortisone essentially stops your body from signalling that something’s wrong. You feel better, but you’re not healing – you’re just pushing your body’s natural processes into overdrive, making things worse down the line.

It’s a bit like ignoring the engine light on your car. You can turn it off, but the problem still exists under the hood. And if you keep ignoring it? Well, things start to break down more dramatically.

This is why long-term use of anti-inflammatories like cortisone can lead to more serious issues over time. You may be temporarily reducing the discomfort, but you’re also setting yourself up for future health problems that could have been avoided if you had addressed the root cause of the inflammation.

“Healing isn’t about masking symptoms with pills, like turning off your car’s engine light. True healing comes from listening to your body, nourishing it, and letting it heal naturally.“

The Side Effects of Cortisone You Don’t Want to Ignore

If you’re thinking cortisone sounds like a magic fix, it’s time to think again. The side effects of these drugs can be downright ugly. Here’s a list of the most common ones that could have you second-guessing your choice to reach for that prescription bottle:

1. Weight gain – Cortisone messes with your metabolism, often leading to that lovely “moon face” and unwanted extra kilos around your midsection.
2. Bone thinning (Osteoporosis) – Long-term use can make your bones brittle, which is definitely not what you want.
3. Mood swings and mental health issues – Cortisone can mess with your mood and cognition, causing anxiety, depression, and even mania.
4. Weakened immune system – You’re essentially putting your immune system in a straitjacket. Long-term use can make you more susceptible to infections.
5. Digestive issues – Stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and other digestive problems are common side effects.
6. Skin problems – Thin skin, bruising, and delayed wound healing are a few of the skin-related issues you could experience.
7. Blood sugar spikes – Cortisone can increase your blood sugar levels, which can be especially problematic for those with diabetes or those at risk.
8. High blood pressure – It can lead to hypertension, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

These aren’t minor issues – these are serious side effects that can have a profound impact on your quality of life. And the scary part? Some of these can happen even with short-term use.

“We’ve been conditioned to trust what’s in a bottle, but when it’s filled with chemicals, we’re not just putting products on our skin—we’re poisoning ourselves from the outside in.”

The Real Solution: The Carnivore Diet

So, if anti-inflammatories like cortisone aren’t the answer, what is? Let me hit you with something I’m all about: the carnivore diet. It may sound extreme to some, but when you strip away all the inflammatory, gut-busting junk from your diet – things like sugars, grains, and vegetable oils – your body can finally get a chance to heal.

The carnivore diet is simple: you eat meat, fish, eggs, and a bit of dairy (if that’s your thing). That’s it. No carbs, no processed foods, no inflammatory plant-based foods. Just nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory goodness.

Here’s how going carnivore can help tackle chronic inflammation:

1. It removes inflammatory foods – Grains, processed carbs, and seed oils are known to cause inflammation. The carnivore diet eliminates these from your diet, giving your body the chance to reset and reduce inflammation naturally.
2. It supports gut health – The carnivore diet promotes a healthy gut by removing foods that disrupt digestion and irritate the lining of your intestines. A healthy gut is crucial for managing systemic inflammation.
3. It balances omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – The Western diet is often out of balance, with too much omega-6 fatty acids (found in vegetable oils) and not enough omega-3s. The carnivore diet, on the other hand, offers a healthier ratio that supports anti-inflammatory processes.
4. It gives your body the right nutrients – Animal products are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs to heal and function optimally. You’re getting a full spectrum of nutrients without any of the junk that hinders your body’s healing processes.
5. It works with your body, not against it – The carnivore diet eliminates the need for quick fixes like cortisone. It gets to the heart of the issue: chronic inflammation caused by food choices, and it does so in a sustainable way that encourages long-term health.

Final Thoughts

While cortisone and other anti-inflammatory drugs may provide temporary relief, they come with a hefty price tag in terms of side effects and long-term health risks. The real solution to chronic inflammation isn’t a pill – it’s a diet that heals, nourishes, and supports your body’s natural processes.

If you’re tired of masking the problem and are ready to do something that works with your body, the carnivore diet could be the game-changer you need. It’s not just about losing weight or getting ripped – it’s about restoring your health from the inside out and putting an end to inflammation, the natural way.

So, are you ready to ditch the cortisone and give your body the tools it needs to heal? The carnivore diet is waiting.

Sources for Further Reading

■  Is the Carnivore Diet the Road to Reducing Chronic Inflammation Naturally? – Dr. Sam Camarata, 2024 Read Article  ■  Carnivore Diet For Inflammation: Does it Help or Hinder Inflammatory Response? – Carnivore Snax, 2023 Read Article  ■  What is the Most Important Food for Managing Inflammation – Dr Tsoukalas, 2025 Read Article