Lupus is an immune system disorder in which your body's immune cells attack healthy muscle and organ cells. About 50 percent of people with lupus have lung or kidney disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition is also characterized by inflammation and damage of the tissues of your heart, brain, joints and skin. Although nutrition cannot cure lupus, it may help reduce symptoms of this disorder.
Talk to your doctor if you plan to change your eating habits to address lupus symptoms.
Sulfur-Rich Foods
Sulfur is a mineral necessary for the absorption of calcium that helps your body rebuild bone cells. It may also improve your body's ability to repair connective tissue and cartilage, reversing damage caused by immune cells. Boost your intake of sulfur by consuming foods such as onions, eggs, asparagus, garlic, lentils, cabbage, fish and soybeans.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Foods rich in antioxidants may prevent damage to your muscles, bones and organs. Antioxidants are nutrients that starve free-radical molecules of the oxygen they need to attack and destroy healthy cells. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A may also help regulate immune-system function. Antioxidants are found in citrus fruits, kale, spinach, avocados, pomegranates, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and blackberries.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids may serve several functions that help relieve symptoms of lupus. Fatty acids may prevent damage to the muscles of your heart, reducing your risk of lupus-related heart disease, and help reduce inflammation in your muscles and joints, relieving pain and stiffness. Essential fatty acids may also reduce your risk of kidney disease, a common complication of lupus. Flaxseeds, fish, walnuts and black currant seed oil contain abundant sources of essential fatty acids.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Limit your intake of sodium, as well as meats high in saturated fats such as beef, pork, chicken legs and lamb. Sodium and saturated fats increase the workload on your kidneys that may increase your risk of developing lupus-related kidney disease.
Avoid nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. These foods contain a chemical compound called solanine, which may increase joint inflammation and pain. Also, avoid alfalfa sprouts -- these sprouts contain canavanine, a chemical that may be toxic to muscle and connective tissue cells.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
