Leena Watts
While there is no specific diet for lupus, some studies suggest that an anti-inflammatory diet may help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation. The Mediterranean diet, which is primarily plant-based and includes fish, poultry, and dairy products, is often recommended for people with lupus as it is thought to be anti-inflammatory and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein is generally recommended for people with lupus. Additionally, certain foods like turmeric, green tea, ginger, grapes, berries, and flaxseed may help with lupus-related problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | Anti-inflammatory diet, Mediterranean diet, whole foods diet |
| Foods to include | Fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins such as chicken and fish, nuts, grains, olive oil, eggs, mushrooms, legumes, walnuts, flaxseeds, canola oil, berries, grapes, ginger, curcumin, green tea |
| Foods to avoid | Foods high in added sugars, saturated fat, salt, refined grains, greasy, spicy and acidic foods |
| Other | Consult a doctor or dietitian before starting a new diet |
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What You'll Learn
The Mediterranean diet
While there is no specific diet for lupus, some research suggests that the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial. Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of thebody. An anti-inflammatory diet may help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation. The Mediterranean diet is primarily plant-based, with some fish, poultry, and dairy products. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, and it may help manage weight, protect the heart, and prevent diabetes.
Some specific foods commonly included in the Mediterranean diet are chard, broccoli, grapes, parsley, olives, olive oil, lentils, buckwheat, sunflower seeds, avocado, and fish. It is also recommended to drink a low to moderate amount of red wine in small servings with meals. Eggs can be consumed in moderation, such as 2 to 4 servings per week.
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Anti-inflammatory foods
Lupus is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin, tissues, joints, and organs. While there is no specific diet for lupus, eating anti-inflammatory foods may help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation.
Some anti-inflammatory foods that may be beneficial for people with lupus include:
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help decrease inflammation in the body.
- Nuts and seeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which aids in the healing process.
- Fresh fruits, especially those rich in antioxidants, can strengthen the immune system and help fight off harmful bacteria.
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products can help combat the side effects of steroids, a common treatment for lupus, which can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
- Whole grains and legumes provide complex carbohydrates and fibre, which can help with weight management and maintaining a healthy weight, an important aspect of lupus management.
- Green tea and turmeric contain anti-inflammatory compounds and have been found to be beneficial in controlling lupus symptoms.
- A traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, fish, poultry, dairy, and extra virgin olive oil, may be helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for chronic diseases related to oxidative stress and the immune system.
It is important to note that dietary changes should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, as individual needs may vary, and medication side effects should be considered when making dietary recommendations.
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Weight control
While there is no specific diet for lupus, some research suggests that certain dietary patterns may be beneficial. An anti-inflammatory diet may help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory diet is a healthful eating plan that may help to reduce chronic low levels of inflammation that might otherwise increase the risk of various chronic diseases. The diet does limit added sugars, refined grains, and ultra-processed foods. It is flexible in that it does not include rigid meal plans, but this requires people to plan their meals and find recipes incorporating foods on the plan. Calorie levels and portion sizes are not highlighted, so it is possible to gain weight if excessive portions are consumed.
Some general suggestions for weight control include eating a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meat and dairy products. Keeping a food diary can also be helpful for weight loss by making people more aware of their eating. Since steroids can increase appetite, having a schedule for eating can help prevent overeating.
The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for people with lupus. It is primarily plant-based, but it includes some fish, poultry, and dairy products. It emphasizes omega-3s, vitamin C, polyphenols, fiber-rich foods, and other known inflammation fighters. The Mediterranean diet is high in naturally occurring anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds.
Some foods that can help with weight control and bring down inflammation include fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, striped bass, and anchovies. Vegetarians and vegans can also benefit from omega-3s found in nuts and seeds and cooking with canola oil. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can be found in fruits and vegetables.
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Lifestyle factors
While there is no specific diet for lupus, certain lifestyle factors can help manage the symptoms. Here are some key lifestyle considerations:
Diet
A well-balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins, is generally recommended for people with lupus. Specifically, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet, which is plant-based and includes fish, poultry, and dairy products, is often suggested due to its potential anti-inflammatory benefits and positive impact on cardiovascular health. Additionally, foods with high polyphenol content, such as grapes, berries, ginger, and flaxseed, may be beneficial. Curcumin, found in turmeric, and green tea supplements have also been studied and found to be advantageous for controlling lupus symptoms.
It is important to note that some foods can trigger "lupus flares," so it is recommended to work with a dietitian to identify and eliminate these foods. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also crucial, as weight gain can put more stress on joints and cause pain.
Supplements
Medications used to treat lupus may cause vitamin D deficiency, so it is recommended to eat vitamin D-rich foods or take supplements if advised by a doctor. Folic acid supplements may also be necessary, especially if taking methotrexate, as this medication can interfere with the body's ability to process folic acid.
Exercise
Physical activity is an important component of maintaining a healthy weight and overall health. It is recommended to consult a physician before starting any new exercise program.
Smoking
Smoking is a lifestyle factor that can impact lupus. While there is limited research on the direct link between smoking and lupus, it is generally advised to avoid smoking due to its detrimental effects on overall health.
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Supplements
While there is no specific diet for lupus, some supplements may help with lupus-related problems. It is important to note that supplements are not regulated in the same way as medicines, so it is always best to consult a doctor before adding any supplements to your daily routine.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to play a role in controlling certain types of inflammation, including those that lead to autoimmune conditions. People with lupus often have low levels of vitamin D, which may be due to the use of medications that cause bone problems. Researchers are studying the possible benefits of adding a vitamin D supplement to one's daily routine.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which include heart-healthy fats called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These fats cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained from external sources. Several clinical trials suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils may benefit people with lupus.
Curcumin
Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. A 2012 study found that lupus patients with kidney disease who consumed curcumin in addition to their standard lupus medications experienced more improvement in their kidney inflammation than those who took standard lupus medications alone.
Green Tea
Green tea supplements have been studied in lupus patients and mouse models and were found to be beneficial in controlling lupus.
Folic Acid
Folic acid supplements may be prescribed by doctors for individuals with lupus who are taking methotrexate, as this medication may cause folic acid loss.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B12 levels may be lower than they should be in people with lupus, and supplementing one's diet with a vitamin B complex tablet may help counteract the fatigue that is often associated with both lupus and B12 deficiency.
Zinc
Zinc may be helpful for those who experience lupus rashes, as it is thought to promote healthy skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of the body, including the skin, tissues, joints, and organs.
Experts do not recommend a particular diet for people with lupus. However, some research suggests that the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet is primarily plant-based and includes fish, poultry, and dairy products.
Yes, certain foods are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help with lupus. These include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds, and canola oil. Additionally, colourful fruits and vegetables like spinach, blueberries, and oranges contain antioxidants and polyphenols that may help counter inflammation.
Yes, it is generally recommended to avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods if you have lupus. Additionally, a high-salt diet and foods high in added sugars and saturated fat may worsen inflammation and other lupus symptoms.
While there is limited research specifically on diet and lupus, an anti-inflammatory diet may help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation. Adopting a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding foods that trigger lupus flares can potentially improve symptoms and quality of life for people with lupus.
