Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to damage healthy tissues and vital organs in the human body. While no specific diet can cure lupus, adopting a healthy eating plan can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Good nutrition is vital to an overall treatment plan for managing this autoimmune disease. Individuals with lupus should aim for a wholesome and healthy diet that includes a host of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It should contain only moderate amounts of meats, poultry and oily fish.
Here's a guide to the lupus diet, including its components, benefits, and foods to add or avoid.
A person with lupus should follow a balanced and varied diet that may help them with:
- Mitigate inflammation and other symptoms
- Keep bones and muscles healthy
- Fight the side effects of medications
- Attain or maintain a healthy weight
- Lower the risk of heart disease
What Is The Lupus Diet?
The lupus diet focuses on nourishing the body with foods that support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. It emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats.
Also Read: Autoimmune Protocol Diet: Discover The Benefits And How It Can Boost The Immune Response
Components Of The Lupus Diet
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants are known to safeguard healthy cells from oxidative damage. These molecules contribute to inflammation in the system. Add a colourful array of fruits and vegetables such as berries, spinach, kale, and bell peppers.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation. Add fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts into your meal regimen for uplifting overall health.
Healthy Fats
To maintain a healthy lipid profile substitute saturated and trans fats with more nutritious options. Try incorporating olive oil, avocado, and nuts, which can help ease inflammation and promote heart function and health.
Lean Protein
Prefer lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans, and legumes to support muscle health and repair.
Whole Grains
Incorporate whole grain cereals like brown rice, quinoa, millets and oats, which are packed with dietary fibre and vital nutrients. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Also Read: Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Benefits, Foods To Eat And Avoid
Limit Processed Foods
Processed foods, including those high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, can contribute to inflammation and should be limited.
Benefits of the Lupus Diet
Reduces Inflammation
The diet's focus on adding plenty of anti-inflammatory foods can help ease inflammation, which is a major factor in managing lupus symptoms.
Improves Immune Function
Nutrient-dense foods support immune function, which is important for managing autoimmune conditions like lupus.
Better Heart Health
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can support heart health, which is essential for people with lupus who may be at higher risk of heart disease.
Weight Management
Eating a balanced and varied diet can help manage weight, which is important for overall health and can help reduce strain on the joints, which may be affected by lupus.
A recent study looked at the optimal diet pattern for controlling the immune system in SLE patients and revealed that the following dietary properties may modulate inflammation:
Low protein
Rich in fibre
Packed with vitamins and minerals
High in polyunsaturated fatty acids
Heaped with polyphenols
These diet traits reflect the Mediterranean diet, which comprises mineral levels of animal protein and higher amounts of plant-based products than most other forms of diets.
Foods To Include And Avoid
Foods to Add
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fatty fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Beans and legumes
Foods to Avoid
- Processed foods
- Sugary beverages
- Excessive salt
- Saturated and trans fats
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can interact with medications that you have to control the condition.
Conclusion:
Though there is no one-size-fits-all diet for lupus, adopting a healthy eating pattern can help regulate symptoms, lower inflammation, and uplift overall health and well-being It is important to get proper advice from a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to create a personalized lupus diet plan that meets your individual needs and preferences.
References:
Immunomodulatory Effects of Diet and Nutrients in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Systematic Review
Md Asiful Islam,1,* Shahad Saif Khandker,2 Przemysław J. Kotyla,3 and Rosline Hassan1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7387408/
Diet and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): From Supplementation to Intervention
by Hanxiao Jiao 1,†,Gizem Acar 1,†ORCID,George A. Robinson 2,3ORCID,Coziana Ciurtin 3ORCID,Elizabeth C. Jury 2ORCID andAnastasia Z. Kalea 1,4,
