The Best Diet for Lupus: What to Eat & Foods to Avoid
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation all over the body. Treatment options can help relieve many of the symptoms of lupus, and lifestyle choices like diet can have a big impact on how lupus affects your body.
Best Foods to Eat for Lupus
There is no magic diet for people with lupus; instead, leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce inflammation and flare-ups. Some foods, such as nuts, seeds, oily fish, and legumes, may provide additional benefits to people with lupus.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Patients with lupus are more likely to develop bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteopenia, and calcium-rich foods can help protect you against some of these conditions. Dairy products*TofuDark, leafy greensBeans *Dairy products, while high in calcium, also carry a cardiovascular risk due to their high cholesterol and saturated fat content.
Foods High in Antioxidants
While the exact benefits for patients with lupus are unknown, some patients find that eating foods high in antioxidants can help prevent flare-ups. These foods include: FruitsVegetablesNuts and legumesOats and granolaBlack and green teas
Foods to Avoid
While this may be beneficial for someone with a healthy immune system, it can exacerbate flare-ups and inflammation in people with lupus. Remember, lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system fights itself.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa and alfalfa sprouts contain L-canavanine, an amino acid that stimulates the immune system; therefore, foods containing alfalfa should be avoided.
Garlic
Garlic contains substances like allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates that can boost white blood cells, which normally help the body fight disease, but this charge to the immune system can cause flare-ups in lupus patients. Small amounts of garlic may not cause problems, but it should be avoided whenever possible.
Foods High in Cholesterol and Saturated Fats
Patients with lupus are 50 times more likely to have a heart attack, so they should avoid foods that have been linked to heart disease, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a common ingredient in supplements meant to boost your immune system against colds and other seasonal illnesses, but it’s unhealthy for people with autoimmune conditions, just like the other foods on this list. Consult your doctor and make sure any supplements you take are free of Echinacea.
Takeaways
To summarize the above information, the best diet for lupus is one that: Is balanced, providing the same healthy nutrition as someone without lupusProvides high levels of calcium, antioxidants, and Omega-3s in order to avoid commonly-diagnosed lupus complications u2014 such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseaseAvoids foods that boost immune system activity, which can cause folliculitis
If Your Doctor Has Recommended Infusion Therapy for Lupus, Let Infusion Associates Help You
Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients at Infusion Associates. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment.
Should lupus patients avoid dairy?
Foods High in Cholesterol and Saturated Fats Because lupus patients are 50 times more likely to have a heart attack, they should avoid foods known to cause heart disease, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy.
Is Wheat bad for lupus?
A group of proteins found in wheat may be responsible for triggering inflammation in chronic conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, as well as contributing to the development of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, according to research.
What foods cause lupus flare ups?
Alfalfa and garlic are two foods that should be avoided if you have lupus. Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine, and garlic contains allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, which can cause your immune system to go into overdrive and exacerbate your lupus symptoms.
Are whole grains good for lupus?
While the process is slow, eating foods containing ALA can still provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Whole grains: People with lupus should aim to eat whole grains rather than refined grains.
Are eggs bad for lupus?
Foods like fish, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and eggs may be beneficial, but you may face new food challenges as a result of the medication your doctor has prescribed. For example, a corticosteroid can cause weight gain and high blood sugar.
Is coffee good for lupus?
For people with lupus, coffee and other caffeine-containing foods are a mixed bag u2013 both good and bad. Fatigue is a common symptom of, and it can come along with brain fog and other neuropsychiatric symptoms like malaise and tiredness.
What is the best fruit for lupus?
Purple fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, and the acai berry, are high in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a no-brainer to eat fruits and vegetables to stay healthy.
Is pineapple good for lupus?
Read more: Lupus life hacks that help me thrive u00bb Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties, is found in fresh pineapple.
What vitamins help with lupus?
Vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins are all beneficial in a lupus diet, and vitamin C can help you absorb iron while also providing antioxidants.
How much sleep do lupus patients need?
3. Get Enough Sleep to Avoid Fatigue: Most people need at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to avoid fatigue.
Is exercise good for lupus?
Regular exercise improves one’s ability to function independently in people with lupus, according to studies. People who exercise report having a better self-image and are better able to cope with arising challenges. Exercise also helps reduce lupus fatigue and overall fatigue from life.
What is the life expectancy for someone with lupus?
Lupus prognosis is better than it has ever been, and 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span with close follow-up and treatment.
Can you eat bananas with lupus?
Bananas, oranges, dairy, cheese, legumes, and chocolate are high in potassium, which should be limited to 6 to 8 oz/day, sodium should be limited to 2-3 g/day, and potassium should be limited to 2000mg/day. Phosphorus in the diet should also be reduced.
Is oatmeal good for lupus?
OATMEAL WITH BERRIES Each ingredient contains insoluble fiber, which helps to feed the good bacteria in your gut, causing it to produce butyrate, a fatty acid that helps to reduce fat-causing inflammation throughout your body.
How do you feel when you have lupus?
Tiredness, pain, rash, stomachache, severe headache, and dizziness are all warning signs that a lupus flare is on the way.