The Lupus Diet - What You Eat Can Effect Your Symptoms

If you suffer from lupus, you might be interested in creating your own "lupus diet." Why? Because there's no denying that the foods we eat can affect our bodies in different ways. And the foods you eat can also have an effect on your lupus symptoms. Some foods can relieve your symptoms, while others will make them worse. And creating a "lupus diet" comes down to eating more of the former, and avoiding the latter.

Avoid Saturated Fats

Lupus can increase your chances of developing heart disease. And eating saturated fats makes you even more susceptible. Saturated fats can also cause inflammation, which is a major contributor to lupus pain. So those who are suffering from lupus should stick to foods that are low in fat.

Eat More Fish

Fish can be beneficial to people suffering from many different autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's disease, and lupus. The fish oil found in really fatty fish can help alleviate symptoms like pain and swelling of the joints, and inflammation around the heart and lungs. So try to work more mackerel, albacore tuna, anchovies, herring, and Pacific salmon into your diet.

Other Foods to Avoid

There are many other foods that can worsen lupus symptoms and cause lupus flares. Alfalfa can stimulate the immune system. While this is usually a good thing, it isn't in those whose immune systems are attacking their own bodies. Eating eggs can cause your body to produce biochemicals that can potentially cause or worsen inflammation. And eating hot dogs, cured meats, beans and mushrooms can also aggravate lupus symptoms.

Keep a Food Diary

But not everyone with lupus is affected in the same ways by the same foods. So consider keeping a food diary. Write down any foods you eat, and also make a note any time your symptoms seem worse than usual. If you symptoms get worse every time you eat a certain food, this is probably a food you should avoid.

By learning how different foods can affect lupus, you can create a "lupus diet" that will help keep your symptoms under control.