The Top Foods to Avoid When Diagnosed with Lupus

There's a long-running myth that diseases have a prescribed diet to help "cure" them. But, the truth is, this isn't true. Lupus does not have a secret diet that will cure the disease, but there are certain changes patients can make to accommodate it better.

Like, for instance, foods that can exacerbate symptoms. With lupus, patients will benefit from a diet that is full of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Because unhealthy weight gain and loss is one of the most common symptoms, proper nutrition can play a role in the patient's overall health.

The following are foods that lupus patients absolutely need to avoid in order to prevent any flare in their symptoms.

Saturated fats' risk of high cholesterol can lead to inflammation

Generally, everyone should limit the amount of saturated fats and trans fats present in their diets. However, those who suffer from lupus need to watch their intake. This type of fat often raises cholesterol levels, which will lead to inflammation. Because people with lupus have a higher risk of contracting heart diseases, it is always a good idea to reduce the presence of saturated fats in their meals.

This can also, at least partially, be attributed to the steroids that usually come with the prescribed medication for lupus patients. Steroids often stimulate the appetite and lead to weight gain, so be sure to avoid dishes rich in saturated fats, like red meats.

It would probably be a good idea to switch to white meat and fish. Fatty fish has a high amount of Omega-3, which helps prevent strokes and heart diseases. Think salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. Also, make sure that vegetables and fruits have a solid place in meal plans. The items that belong to these groups will be able to meet your nutritional needs without filling you out.

Nightshade foods can worsen inflammation

Not all vegetables were created the same. It is believed that nightshade vegetables or members of the Solanaceae family are best excluded from a lupus patient’s nutrition plan. These include items like peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. The reason for this is that they are thought to exacerbate inflammation.

Note that the medical community believes that the reports are merely anecdotal. No scientific basis has been found that exists a correlation between the two at the moment. However, it is still better to be safe than sorry, and there is no harm in minimizing their presence in a diet. It might be useful to keep a log of food consumption so that it would be easier to monitor and track what causes flare-ups. Make sure to discard any food item that seem to make the symptoms worse.

Read on to learn more about the top foods lupus patients should avoid, and other lifestyle changes you can make to help your symptoms.