Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in various organ systems in the body. There is no cure for lupus, but treatments are available that can help relieve symptoms of the condition. Maintaining a healthy diet and overall good health can help minimize symptoms and provide necessary nutrients. While there is no one diet for lupus and lupus recovery, some foods can promote health in individuals with lupus, and some foods should be avoided by those with the condition.
Step 1
Avoid alfalfa and any alfalfa-related foods. The Lupus Foundation of America states that alfalfa has been associated with lupus flares or lupus-like symptoms, including muscle pain, immune system abnormalities, fatigue and kidney problems. This is thought to be from L-canavanine, an amino acid found in alfalfa that increases inflammation.
Step 2
Eat foods high in calcium, since corticosteroid treatment for lupus can cause osteoporosis. Foods to incorporate into your diet include leafy green vegetables, milk and other dairy products, or calcium supplements that also have vitamin D.
Step 3
Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. According to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, the corticosteroids that are part of treatment for lupus can cause cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels to increase, making a healthy diet that much more important. Steroids can also cause weight gain, which is another reason a low-fat diet should be followed.
Step 4
Consume fish high in omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of coronary heart disease, which is important for women with lupus, who are at a five- to tenfold higher risk of heart disease than the general population, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Johns Hopkins adds that omega-3 fatty acids may also help decrease inflammation in lupus, but more research is needed in this area.
Step 5
Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. The Lupus Foundation of American notes that although some alcohol use is typically fine for most people with lupus, alcohol may lower the effectiveness of some lupus drugs and can cause health problems when mixed with anti-inflammatory drugs.
