Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects different organs and is caused when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Lifestyle tips for lupus include following a healthy diet and adding fresh fruits, whole grains, plants, lean meat, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to understand the symptoms and triggers as some of these foods could also be allergens.
To manage lupus symptoms, the following dietary tips can help:
1. Replacing red meat with fatty fish
Fatty fish are rich in omega-3, while red meat has saturated fats, which are harmful to health. A helpful lifestyle tip for people affected by lupus is to include salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines in their diet as these fish have poly- and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease, stroke, and seizures. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Include calcium in the diet
Lupus needs medication, mostly steroids and antibiotics. Of these, steroids lead to blood thinning, and vitamin D and calcium are required to compensate for this. A lack of calcium leads to lower bone density and increases the risk of fractures. In order to strengthen the bones, low-fat milk, yogurt, tofu, cottage cheese, spinach, beans, and broccoli can be added to a patient’s diet. Since sunlight is not a suitable option for vitamin D, patients can take vitamin D supplements.
3. Avoid garlic in the food
Garlic is a harmful ingredient for lupus patients as it has allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, which flare up the symptoms of lupus. People eating garlic with their food tend to experience muscle pain, fatigue, and compromised immunity.
4. Limit saturated and trans fats
Steroids are medications for lupus, and they are known to cause weight gain, so another lifestyle tip is to watch what is eaten to avoid further weight gain. Fillers like raw vegetables are better options, and so are steamed vegetables, air-popped corn, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Avoid certain vegetables
White potatoes, tomatoes, yellow and red bell peppers, and eggplants are called nightshade vegetables and can trigger the symptoms of lupus. Patients should keep a record of what they eat and eliminate any kind of food with these vegetables as they can trigger or aggravate the condition.
6. Reduce alcohol intake
Alcohol, when combined with lupus medication, can cause stomach bleeding or ulcers, so an important lifestyle tip to manage lupus is to avoid its consumption. In addition, painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can react with alcohol and lead to liver issues. Additionally, lupus is an autoimmune disease that can harm your internal organs, and alcohol quickens this process.
7. Reduce the intake of salt
Salt or sodium is present in everything from sauces to cheese, stir-fries, or any kind of cooked food, and it can worsen the symptoms of lupus. Patients should choose to have vegetables rich in calcium and potassium as they can help manage lupus. On the other hand, salt raises blood pressure and can also lead to heart issues and increase the risk of organ failure. Instead, salt can be substituted with apple cider vinegar, lemon, herbs, pepper, powders, or turmeric.