When living with lupus, it is important for you to be careful of what you eat, as certain foods can cause your symptoms to flare up. On the other hand, there are several other foods that can help with controlling the symptoms associated with this condition. Including such foods in your lupus diet can be greatly helpful for you to keep your lupus symptoms in check. Therefore, we list some of the foods to eat and avoid when living with lupus so that you can effectively manage this condition.
Best Foods For Lupus
There is an impressive range of foods that can help to control the inflammation and other symptoms resulting from lupus. Some of them are listed below:
Foods Rich In Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are found to have the ability to control the inflammatory responses in the body. These healthy fats are also capable of boosting your mood and promoting cardiovascular health. Some of the best omega-3-rich foods to include in your lupus diet are:
- Fatty fish like mackerel, trout, salmon, shrimp, oysters, and sardines
- Algae and seaweed
- Nuts and legumes including walnuts, edamame, and kidney beans
- Seeds such as chia, hemp, and flaxseeds
Foods High In Calcium
People with lupus are at an increased risk of developing different bone disorders like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important for them to increase their intake of calcium to boost their bone health. Some of the best calcium-rich foods include:
- Dairy products
- Dark leafy green vegetables
- Tofu
- Beans
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants can be highly beneficial to control the inflammation triggered by lupus. Some foods that are high in these beneficial compounds are:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Black and green teas
- Oats and granola
- Nuts and legumes
Foods To Avoid
There are certain foods that are found to increase the intensity of lupus symptoms. Some of them are:
Alfalfa: Alfalfa contains an amino acid called L-canavanine that has the ability to stimulate the immune system. Even though this can be beneficial in normal circumstances, it can be harmful to people suffering from autoimmune disorders like lupus. So it is better to avoid foods with alfalfa completely if you have lupus.
Garlic: Some active compounds in garlic can boost the functioning of the immune system. This can trigger flare-ups in people suffering from lupus.
Foods High In Saturated Fats And Cholesterol: Lupus patients are at a greater risk of developing heart diseases. Therefore, taking foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with lupus.
Therefore, if you are suffering from lupus, it is better to avoid or limit the consumption of such foods.
