Foods like onions, asparagus, seeds, lentils, and apples help maintain adequate fiber in your diet. However, in lupus patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), these foods containing high FODMAPs may cause digestive discomfort.
Saturated Fat and Trans Fat
Foods that contain saturated fat or trans fat also contain steroids that can contribute to weight gain because they increase your appetite. It is best to limit both as much as possible since being overweight or obese could worsen your lupus symptoms.
Are there any specific foods I need to avoid? According to Johns Hopkins Lupus Center experts, they believe that a chemical found in alfalfa may trigger lupus symptoms. So you may want to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts or taking supplements with alfalfa.
Foods to consider avoiding
Evidence suggests that eating a whole foods diet that limits added sugar and saturated fat can reduce inflammation. A 2020 review also indicates that consuming sugar may negatively affect SLE. Therefore, limiting high fat and high sugar foods may be beneficial for lupus symptoms.
Some say that nightshade vegetables like eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes can be detrimental, however, there is no research to suggest avoiding them unless you find they impact you personally. An elimination diet can help you uncover the foods that may be your individual lupus triggers.
Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine that can increase inflammation in people with lupus by stimulating the immune system. As a result, people with lupus and similar autoimmune conditions should avoid alfalfa sprouts completely.
Can any foods make lupus worse? You may have heard to avoid “nightshade vegetables,” which include white potatoes, tomatoes, peppers (sweet and hot), and eggplant. While there isn't any scientific evidence that directly links them to inflammation, you may find they trigger symptoms for you.
Foods High in Cholesterol and Saturated Fats
Heart attack risk is 50 times higher in people with lupus, so patients with lupus should be extra vigilant against foods with known links to heart disease, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy.
There is no specific lupus diet, however, two foods that are not recommended are alfalfa sprouts and garlic. These foods can stimulate the immune system and increase inflammation.
Chocolate and cocoa products may help reduce inflammation, which may benefit people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are autoantibodies to the nuclei of your cells. 98% of all people with systemic lupus have a positive ANA test, making it the most sensitive diagnostic test for confirming diagnosis of the disease.
The sun is the main source of ultraviolet light and is enemy no. 1 for patients with lupus, because it can trigger the disease or trigger flares at any time in its development.
Foods that contain unsaturated fats include; nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, avocado oil, peanut oil and vegetable oil. It is important to understand that these fats are still high in calories - therefore, portions should be monitored. These fats, however, are preferred over saturated fats.
Steroids and Vitamin D
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories often used to treat lupus. They can thin your bones and raise your osteoporosis risk. Daily vitamin D and calcium supplements may help prevent this.
Hydroxychloroquine: an antimalarial drug that is effective for treating lupus-related arthritis and rashes. It reduces flares by 50 percent and may also help prevent blood clots.
Medications used to treat lupus can cause low vitamin D and bone problems, so this is another reason to focus on eating high vitamin D foods or taking a supplement if recommended by your doctor. Foods that are naturally rich in vitamin D include salmon (and many other fish), eggs, and mushrooms.
Recommended food choices for a healthy diet include low-fat milk, low-fat / low-sodium cheese, lean beef, turkey, chicken, fish, fresh or frozen vegetables, fresh fruit and high-fiber / low-sugar cereals.
If you have lupus, here are some things to keep in mind: First, it is a good idea to reduce your consumption of refined sugars as much as possible. Sugar is inflammatory and contributes to a number of health problems that can add to your lupus symptoms.
The Lupus Foundation of America recommends dark leafy greens (spinach, broccoli), reduced-fat dairy products, or calcium supplements with vitamin D.
To this end, these studies have found that coffee intake can reduce the risk of Rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroid disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, autoimmune liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
People with lupus tend to suffer from recurring infections, so it's important to add lots of fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, cherries, oranges and pineapples into your lupus diet. Fruits that are rich in antioxidants can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off the harmful ...
Research links a high intake of refined grain foods with higher levels of inflammatory markers in the body. Instead, focus on foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain bread that are good sources of fiber and antioxidants.
Foods high in antioxidants – pomegranate juice, sweet potatoes, and berries. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids – salmon or tuna, flaxseed, and olive oil. Foods high in flavonoids – watermelon, kiwi, apples, lentils, celery, broccoli, and asparagus.
Avoid salt substitutes — these often replace sodium with potassium. Choose healthy fresh foods that are lower in potassium — check out this list of high- and low-potassium foods. Limit processed meats like deli meat, bacon, sausage or hot dogs, these meats often are packed with extra potassium.