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Managing lupus requires some lifestyle adjustments, including adapting your diet. While there is not one set diet specifically for people with lupus, there are certain foods that are better to eat and others that should be avoided.
Experts recommend that individuals with lupus eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. If you have lupus, you should focus on eating nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Avoid eating foods that can increase inflammation, such as highly processed foods, sugary foods and fried foods.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks itself. Different areas of the body can be affected by lupus including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Lupus most often affects women. (They are nine times more likely to get it when compared with men.) Lupus is most often diagnosed in people who are between the ages of 15 to 45.
Symptoms of lupus can often be confused with those of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. One distinguishing symptom of lupus is a “butterfly rash” or a rash that spreads across both cheeks and the bridge of the nose, resembling a butterfly. Other symptoms of lupus include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Skin lesions that worsen with sun exposure
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue from cold or stress
- Shortness of breath
- Dry eyes
- Headache
- Chest pain
Role of Diet in Lupus Treatment
Although there is no cure for lupus, making changes to your diet and lifestyle may help with managing and reducing symptoms. Because lupus involves inflammation in the body, taking steps to reduce inflammation will also help with keeping symptoms at bay. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones may reduce inflammation and prevent complications of lupus, like heart disease.
5 Best Types of Foods to Eat in a Lupus Diet
When it comes to eating right with lupus, you want to try for a heart-healthy diet that is low in inflammatory foods and high in nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Below, we are listing the five best foods to eat for a lupus diet.
Omega-3 Rich Foods
Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and may lower your risk of heart disease, something that is common in people with Lupus. Omega-3 rich foods include:
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
A lupus diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables since they are high in antioxidants and other nutrients. Eating fruits and vegetables helps to support overall health and helps you feel your best. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber which can help to lower inflammation and support a healthy immune system.
Whole Grains
Lupus can lead to digestive issues like constipation. Eating high-fiber foods like whole grains can help encourage healthy digestion and prevent other gut-related symptoms associated with lupus.
Whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa are also rich in vitamins and minerals that help to support overall health.
Lean Proteins
Incorporating lean proteins into your diet helps to support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is more common in people who have lupus. Lean proteins can also help maintain muscle, which is another important goal for individuals with lupus since the disease can cause muscle weakness and wasting. Lean proteins include:
- Eggs
- Fish
- White meat chicken
- Greek yogurt
Vitamin D Rich Foods
Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can help support a healthy immune system. Not many foods are naturally high in vitamin D, so you may have to supplement vitamin D to keep levels where they should be. The natural occurrence of vitamin D is found in:
- Pasture-raised eggs
- Oily fish like salmon and sardines
- Liver
- Fortified dairy products
4 Foods to Avoid with Lupus and Why
Healthy eating goes beyond just eating the right foods—you have to avoid certain foods as well. This is because certain foods can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms of lupus. Foods to avoid when you have lupus are listed below.
Processed and Sugary Foods
Foods that are high in sugar can increase levels of inflammatory markers in the body. High inflammatory markers can worsen symptoms of lupus and cause flare-ups. Processed foods are usually made with artificial ingredients that are not good for your overall health.
Red Meat
Reducing your consumption of red meat helps to support heart health. Because people with lupus are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, it is best to avoid red meat such as steak and ground beef.
High-Sodium Foods
Sometimes, lupus can lead to a kidney issue called lupus nephritis. This can cause swelling and high blood pressure. It is best to avoid high-sodium foods when you have lupus to help prevent high blood pressure, especially if you have lupus nephritis.
Nightshade Vegetables
Some people with lupus choose to avoid nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in order to reduce inflammation. The Lupus Foundation of America points out that there is no scientific evidence supporting that people with lupus should avoid nightshades.
Our Lupus Diagnosis and Treatment Services
The Rheumatologists at the UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice are skilled in treating conditions like lupus. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed, do not hesitate to visit one of our trained providers who can help you manage your disease with science-backed treatment and a personalized approach to patient care.
Conclusion
Learning to live with a chronic disease like lupus can be challenging. Although there is not one set diet for people with lupus, adjusting your diet will help you feel your best. Tailor your diet towards nutrient-rich whole foods and avoid things that increase inflammation, like processed snacks and sugary treats. Taking steps to modify your lifestyle will help manage symptoms so that you can feel your best.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257651
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/05/28/lupus-can-pose-hidden-risks-to-the-heart