Lupus Diet and Lifestyle Tips
Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting the body's immune system, causing this system to become hyperactive, attacking normal, healthy tissue. The symptoms can become tiring, which is why we talk about tips to achieve the best lifestyle with lupus.
Lupus, if left untreated, can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, skin and joints. The symptoms of this chronic disorder usually start out as inflammation and swelling of the joints, and the patient will experience fatigue, rashes and irritability.
Diet and Lupus
If you have lupus, it is a good idea to eat a well-balanced diet, which consists of vegetables, fruits and whole grains in good amounts. Moderate amounts of meats, fish and poultry are also better for people with lupus.
Studies show that even if you eat these foods, they will not cure lupus, and there are no known foods to eliminate this chronic disease. However, a good healthy eating plan is vital to good health and for treating lupus.
How a Healthy Lupus Diet Helps
A healthy eating or diet plan will help lupus in these ways, and then some:
- Will help reduce the risk of heart disease
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps to keep a healthy weight
- Keeps bones and muscles strong
- Reduces medication side effects
Heart Disease, Lupus and Omega 3s
A healthy eating plan is essential for people with lupus because they have a higher risk for heart disease than people who do not suffer from this condition.
Your doctor may check for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If either condition is found to occur along with lupus, they may recommend a diet plan that calls for low-fat foods and a low-salt diet, along with exercise.
Studies show that eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids will help reduce heart disease, which involves high blood pressure and high triglycerides. Omega 3 fatty acids can be obtained from fish or fish oils. A few foods high in omega 3 fatty acids include:
- Lake trout
- Rainbow trout
- Ground flaxseed
- Walnuts
- Canola oil
- Walnut oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Tuna
- Pecans
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Bluefish
- Sardines
- Halibut
- Mullet
- Tuna
- Herring
Inflammation Reduction
Lupus symptoms could be reduced by eating the right foods. Even though studies have not proven this yet, many doctors feel that inflammation-fighting foods may be able to ward off lupus symptoms, since lupus is an inflammatory disease. The same applies to foods that cause inflammation, as they may worsen lupus.
Fruits and vegetables contain anti-inflammatory properties, and these foods contain antioxidants. Other foods that will fight inflammation are the omega 3 fatty acids such as nuts, canola oil, olive oil, fish, ground flaxseed and more.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Add foods high in calcium and vitamin D to your diet, especially if you are on corticosteroids (which can cause bone thinning) or if you experience lupus photosensitivity (which can limit your vitamin D).
Good calcium sources include:
- Dark leafy vegetables
- Dairy products
- Soybeans
- White beans
- Calcium-fortified foods or drinks
Vitamin D is found in:
- Fatty fish
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
- Vitamin D fortified foods
Low Fat and Low Sodium Foods
Choose low-fat options for the foods you eat regularly. Low-fat foods may prevent heart disease, and they are critical for people taking steroids, which typically cause cholesterol and blood sugar levels to increase.
If you have high blood pressure or kidney disease, known as lupus nephritis, eating a low-sodium diet will be beneficial. Check the sodium levels in your food and aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily.
