Yogurt and dairy: Research shows a type of healthy bacteria found in yogurt and other dairy products might reduce disease symptoms in some people with lupus. 8 In addition, eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D is important for people with lupus because they have an increased risk for osteoporosis.
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.
When choosing dairy products, remember to go either low-fat or fat-free. Some examples include 1% and skim milk, low fat and low sodium yogurt, and low fat cheese. Foods to avoid are 2% and whole milk, which contain a large amount of fat and cholesterol.
Dairy. One major concern for those with lupus is developing osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D, most commonly found in dairy products, help to keep bones strong.
In particular, an anti-inflammatory plant-based diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains (such as wild rice, quinoa, or barley), beans, and nuts has been associated with better health (1, 2).
Whole grains: People with lupus should aim to eat whole grains instead of refined ones. 6 Whole-grain options to include in a lupus-friendly diet include rice, barley, bulgur (cracked wheat), oatmeal, quinoa, and whole-grain breads, pasta, and/or cereals.
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.
Eating cocoa-rich dark chocolate that contains flavanols may help reduce inflammation, which people with lupus experience. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that eating chocolate benefits people with this condition. Instead, experts advise people with lupus to eat a balanced diet.
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.
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.
Protein should be reduced to just 6 to 8 oz/day, sodium should be limited to 2-3 g/day, and potassium should be reduced to 2000mg/day. Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, oranges, dairy, cheese, legumes, and chocolate. Additionally, phosphorus in the diet should also be reduced.
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 to Avoid
and should be removed from your lupus diet. These foods include alfalfa sprouts, garlic, saturated and trans fats, nightshade veggies like potatoes and tomatoes, artificial sweeteners and large quantities of sugar and salt.
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.
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.
No form of treatment can cure lupus. However, there is some evidence that certain natural treatments may help reduce the symptoms and inflammation it causes. These include curcumin, omega-3s, vitamin D, and green tea. Natural treatments cannot replace medical treatment for lupus.
Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. This attack causes inflammation, and in some cases permanent tissue damage, which can be widespread – affecting the skin, joints, heart, lung, kidneys, circulating blood cells, and brain.
While there is no lupus-specific diet, being mindful of what you put in your body, eating healthy and staying hydrated is very important for lupus warriors to feel their best.
There are no foods that cause lupus or that can cure it. Still, good nutrition is an important part of an overall treatment plan for the disease. In general, people with lupus should aim for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Common symptoms that indicate a flare are: Ongoing fever not due to an infection. Painful, swollen joints. An increase in fatigue.