Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in joints, organs and tissues. The condition causes the body to mistakenly attack its own systems and disproportionately affects more women than men. While the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) reports that there's no one special diet for people with lupus, considering that patients are at higher risk for other illnesses, including cardiovascular and kidney disease, there are foods you can eat or avoid to prevent health complications.
General Diet
The LFA suggests that people with lupus consume a nutritious, balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats -- a diet not so different from that recommended for most people. Unique to lupus patients, however, is the suggestion to consume plenty of oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Certain types of seafood contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been found to decrease inflammation. In a 2005 issue of "The Journal of Experimental Medicine" researchers found that a diet high in oily fish improves inflammatory conditions common to this autoimmune disease.
Sodium
It is important to limit sodium intake if you have lupus. The LFA reports that 40 percent of lupus patients will develop kidney problems, causing sodium and excess fluid to accumulate, ankles to swell, high blood pressure, shortness of breath and increasing their risk of fluid developing around the heart and lungs. The LFA warns against eating fast food and eating at restaurants in general since they can add sodium to food. To reduce your risk of kidney complications, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease -- roughly 40 percent of lupus patients develop premature hardened arteries -- stick with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Snack on healthy foods such as yogurt and baby carrots rather than chips and cookies. Make your own low-fat, low-sodium salad dressings, sauces and soups, avoid cured and deli meats and season your food with fresh herbs rather than sodium-rich ketchup and soy sauce.
Snacking
Increased appetite and weight gain is a well-recognized side effect of the medications used in the treatment of lupus. According to the LFA, just being aware of food cravings can help you manage weight gain, but sticking to a low-fat diet and resisting the urge to overeat are other tools you can use to combat weight gain. When you have the munchies, the LFA suggests snacking on low-sodium, low-fat foods such as air-popped popcorn, raw veggies with fat-free sour cream dip and drinking low-sodium vegetable juice or coffee with low-fat milk. These snacks and beverages can reduce your overall calorie intake.
Foods to Avoid
For lupus patients, foods to avoid are nearly as important as those you should eat. Certain items can interfere with the absorption of medications or worsen symptoms. The Johns Hopkins Lupus Center warms against eating garlic and alfalfa sprouts. Garlic contains substances that enhance immune system response, which in lupus patients is already overactive. Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid that increases inflammation and stimulates the immune system.
