Foods to Eat for Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that produces inflammation in your blood vessels, joints, skin and tissues. Since lupus causes your immune system to attack itself, complications can also affect your lungs, kidneys and nervous system. Lupus can cause hair loss, joint pain, skin lesions, rash, fatigue, chest pain and other symptoms. Adjusting your diet to include lupus-friendly foods can improve your condition.

Whole Grains

According to Dr. Daniel Wallace in "Lupus: The Essential Clinician's Guide," whole grains are beneficial foods if you suffer from lupus. Whole grains are healthy sources of energy, fiber, folate, zinc, B-2, B-6, thiamin and selenium. They also contain low amounts in fat. Ideal whole grains include wild rice, whole wheat bread, wild rice, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, barley, oats, spelt and millet.

Vegetables and Fruits

As a lupus patient, you can add vegetables and fruits to your diet regimen. Fruits and vegetables contain wholesome amounts of vitamins and antioxidants, which may decrease lupus inflammation and strengthen your immune system, notes the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Ideal vegetables and fruits include oranges, apples, grapefruits, spinach, tangerines, collard greens, mustard greens, blueberries, strawberries, kale, romaine lettuce, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, cantaloupe and carrots. For best results, purchase fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.

Dairy

Dairy products provide your body with calcium, zinc, protein, selenium, vitamin D and B vitamins. High calcium foods help promote strong bones and teeth, which is important for you since lupus increases your risk of developing osteoporosis. Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy alternatives for milk, yogurt and cheese. If you cannot consume milk, choose almond milk, soy milk or lactose-free milk that are fortified with vitamin D or calcium. The Hospital for Special Surgery recommends you eat or drink at least three dairy servings daily.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in oily fish and nuts, appear to lower high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and irregular heartbeats. Since lupus patients are at higher risk for heart disease, consuming omega-3 fatty nutrients are important, reports the Lupus Foundation of America. Foods rich in these nutrients include mackerel, bluefish, sardines, salmon, tuna, lake trout, walnuts, Brazil nuts, halibut, herring, flaxseed oil, walnut oil, bluefish and walnut oil.