Milly Gaines
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, tissues, joints, and organs. While there is no specific lupus diet, healthy eating and good nutritional habits can help manage symptoms and improve overall health. Doctors recommend a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein, alongside exercise, to maintain a healthy weight and manage lupus symptoms. People with lupus are also at a higher risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, so a heart-healthy diet with omega-3 fatty acids and calcium is important. Certain foods like alfalfa sprouts and garlic may trigger lupus flares and should be avoided. Consulting a doctor or dietitian is essential to determine individual nutritional needs and plan meals accordingly.
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What You'll Learn
- Lupus patients are at a higher risk of heart disease, so a heart-healthy diet is recommended
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish may help lower the risk of coronary artery disease
- A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is suggested
- Weight loss and gain are common in lupus patients, so maintaining a healthy weight is important
- There is no specific lupus diet, but anti-inflammatory foods may help regulate the immune system
Lupus patients are at a higher risk of heart disease, so a heart-healthy diet is recommended
Lupus is a systemic, long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation throughout the body. While there is no cure for lupus, and no specific lupus diet, healthy eating can make a big difference in managing lupus symptoms and overall health.
Lupus patients are at a higher risk of heart disease, with a 50 times greater chance of experiencing a heart attack for women with lupus between the ages of 35 and 44, compared to the general population. Therefore, it is important to follow a heart-healthy diet. Doctors recommend a diet composed of about 50% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30% fat. However, it is important to note that saturated fats, especially those from animal sources, can increase the risk of heart disease. These include butter, lard, fatty meats, and whole-milk dairy products. Instead, opt for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fish.
To reduce the risk of heart disease, it is also important to limit sugary foods and simple carbohydrates, as these can contribute to diabetes and weight gain, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Alcohol consumption should be minimised, especially when taking lupus medications, as this can be harmful to the liver and stomach.
In addition to a heart-healthy diet, it is recommended to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking to further reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health.
Some evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial for lupus patients. This diet is primarily plant-based, with some fish, poultry, and dairy, and is associated with reduced disease activity and improved cardiovascular health.
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Omega-3 fatty acids from fish may help lower the risk of coronary artery disease
Omega-3 fatty acids are obtained from two dietary sources: seafood and certain nut and plant oils. Fish and fish oils contain the two main omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended omega-3s from fish and fish oil for the past 20 years to reduce cardiovascular events, like heart attacks or strokes, in people who already have cardiovascular disease (CVD). The AHA's 2000 dietary guidelines recommend including at least two servings of fish (especially fatty fish) per week.
Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources. Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that intakes of EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduce the number of deaths from heart disease and all causes.
In randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that enrolled patients with coronary heart disease, omega-3 fatty acid supplements significantly reduced CV events (death, nonfatal heart attacks, nonfatal strokes) and decreased the progression of atherosclerosis in these patients. In one study, participants who received 2 grams of Vascepa (a brand of omega-3 supplement) twice a day experienced reduced blood triglyceride levels, heart attacks, strokes, the need for heart stenting procedures, and death compared to those on a placebo.
While the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are promising, it is important to note that some types of fish may contain significant levels of methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and other environmental contaminants. Levels of these substances are generally highest in older, larger, predatory fish and marine mammals. Further studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, especially for high-risk patients and those on drug therapy.
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A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is suggested
While there is no specific "lupus diet", eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage lupus symptoms and improve overall health.
People with lupus often experience weight loss or gain due to loss of appetite, unhealthy dietary habits, or decreased energy and mobility. Eating a balanced diet can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It is recommended to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, with fruits and veggies making up about half of an individual's plate. A variety of colourful fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and support overall health.
Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, and brown rice, are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates and fibre. They help promote a healthy digestive system and can assist in managing weight by providing a feeling of fullness for a more extended period.
Lean proteins are an important part of a balanced diet for lupus. Low-fat proteins, such as fish, chicken, beans, nuts, and eggs, provide essential amino acids without the excess saturated fat found in processed or high-fat meats. These healthier sources of protein can help reduce inflammation in the body and support weight management.
In addition to the above, it is beneficial to include healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fish, which provide essential fatty acids and support overall health. It is also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing lupus through diet, adopting these nutritional habits can help improve overall health and support the management of lupus symptoms. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to tailor a diet plan to individual needs and consider any specific nutritional concerns related to lupus.
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Weight loss and gain are common in lupus patients, so maintaining a healthy weight is important
Weight loss and weight gain are common in lupus patients, so maintaining a healthy weight is important. Lupus can cause weight fluctuations that may come as a surprise, and these changes can also affect lupus symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what constitutes a healthy weight and to address any weight changes with a healthcare practitioner.
There are several reasons why lupus patients may experience weight gain or loss. One possible reason is hypothyroidism, an autoimmune thyroid disease that can occur alongside lupus. Hypothyroidism causes a slowdown in metabolism, leading to weight gain. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, can cause unexplained weight loss. Gastrointestinal problems associated with lupus, such as diarrhea, acid reflux, and heartburn, may also contribute to weight loss as they can lead to a decrease in food intake to avoid discomfort.
Additionally, the medications used to treat lupus can impact weight. Corticosteroids, commonly used in SLE treatment, have been linked to weight gain, with some patients experiencing overweight or obesity after treatment. The cumulative medication dose of corticosteroids has been associated with the extent of weight gain. This weight gain can further impact the disease activity, creating a cycle where the continued use of these medications is required.
While there is no specific diet for lupus patients, adopting a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is recommended. Exercise is also an important component of weight management for lupus patients. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can be beneficial. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to develop a personalized diet and exercise plan that considers individual needs and circumstances.
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There is no specific lupus diet, but anti-inflammatory foods may help regulate the immune system
While there is no specific lupus diet, eating healthily can make a big difference in lupus symptoms and overall health. Healthy eating can also help prevent or manage other health conditions that people with lupus may have, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and atherosclerosis.
Doctors recommend a balanced diet composed of about 50% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30% fat. People with lupus should try to eat a variety of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meat and dairy products. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, nuts, and flax seeds, can decrease the risk of coronary artery disease, protect against irregular heartbeats, and lower blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain.
People with lupus should avoid foods that are known to cause "lupus flares," such as alfalfa sprouts, and limit high-fat and high-sugar foods, as saturated fats may promote endotoxins that trigger an inflammatory response. A low-sodium diet is also essential for people with lupus who have high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Some people with lupus may benefit from following the Mediterranean diet, which is anti-inflammatory and may help regulate the immune response. This diet is characterised by lower levels of animal protein and higher amounts of plant-based foods. However, research into the benefits of this diet is still ongoing, and healthcare professionals do not currently recommend any particular diet for people with lupus.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific lupus diet, but eating healthily can make a big difference in your lupus symptoms and your overall health. It can also help prevent or manage other health conditions you may have, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Doctors recommend a diet composed of about 50% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30% fat. Aim for a well-balanced diet, complete with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and protein, and healthy fats.
Yes, certain foods are known for causing "lupus flares", and should be removed from your diet. These include alfalfa sprouts, garlic, processed meats, and meat with a high saturated fat content.
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