Diet for Lupus

A diet for lupus can help reduce lupus symptoms as well as control weight gain caused by corticosteriod medications. There isn't a specific diet plan for lupus, which is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its organs and tissues. However, even if there isn't proven scientific evidence to support a special diet, eating healthy foods and avoiding foods with little if any nutritional benefits can only improve your health whether you have lupus or not. Diets designed to reduce inflammation are particularly helpful.

Helpful Foods

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, certain foods provide benefits to people suffering with lupus. For example, a study conducted by the American College of Rheumatology showed that Omega-3 fish oils significantly improves the symptoms of lupus while also improving blood vessel function. This helps to keep the heart healthy in lupus patients, who are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease.

Because people with lupus tend to have weak bones from corticosteriod use, include calcium-rich foods in the diet. Some foods to include are milk, cheese or yogurt. Foods containing vitamin D, such as fish, eggs and sweet potatoes, help your body absorb the calcium.

Choose are organic produce and hormone-free animal products, such as meats and eggs. Many people with lupus are sensitive to chemicals in their environment and eliminating as many chemicals as possible can reduce the number of flares you experience.

It is especially important to eat a variety of fresh, natural foods to ensure that your body receives all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to function properly. Specific foods that offer benefits include leafy green vegetables and lean meats such as turkey, chicken and lamb, which provide iron to protect against anemia. Fish should also be part of your diet. Salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel are all excellent sources of omega fatty acids. They also contain vitamin D. Whole grains are also a healthy addition to any diet.

Supplements

Typically, people with auto-immune diseases such as lupus do not absorb nutrients properly. Supplements can supply additional nutrients, however, they should only be taken under your doctor's supervision. It is possible for some products to interfere with medications prescribed for lupus.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods may make symptoms worse. Alfalfa contains the amino acid L-canavanine, which triggers lupus symptoms according to a study cited by The New England Journal of Medicine in Ferbuary 2008. Other foods that could make symptoms worse include fried foods, processed foods and soy products, because may promote inflammation and lead to painful flare-ups.

Produce from nightshade plants contain solanine and may contribute to pain and inflammation. This is unproven, but many patients find relief by avoiding these foods, which include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. The best way to determine if you should eliminate foods is to stop eating them for two weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Slowly reintroduce the suspect foods to see if your symptoms flare.