We are what we eat – Can diet cure lupus?

The old saying is still true for everyone. We are what we eat. Our diet choices have a direct effect on our bodies and the way we feel. Eating the right foods in the right amount is a prerequisite for optimal health. That’s a key consideration for everyone, but it’s particularly important for those who have conditions like lupus. Diet can play a big role in how lupus symptoms present, mainly because lupus is an autoimmune disease.

A lupus diet to reduce symptoms and flare-ups

Although a lupus diet is not a cure for lupus, choosing the right foods can be extremely helpful in reducing lupus symptoms. A lupus diet is known to have an impact on inflammation, pain, general mobility, and stamina levels. It is also believed that the correct diet or avoiding certain foods can also play an important factor in addressing the underlying cause of lupus, ie autoimmune disease.

Here are ten lupus diet suggestions that are known to make a difference. Although this is only a small list, it will help alleviate the symptoms of lupus:

10 Foods That People Suffering From Lupus Should Avoid

  • Avoid processed foods and foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG).
  • Don’t rely on red meat as a protein source. Eat fish or chicken instead.
  • Maintain a low-fat diet. You cannot completely eliminate fat intake, but you should strive to avoid excess fat.
  • Minimize exposure to spicy foods, which can trigger breakouts.
  • Drink water instead of alcohol, soda, energy drinks, and other unhealthy drinks.
  • Reduce your intake of sugar and salt.
  • Reduce or eliminate the consumption of refined carbohydrates and starches. Look for whole grains instead.
  • Eat more fresh, raw vegetables and fruits.
  • Focus on foods that are easy for your body to digest.
  • Supplement your Lupus diet with probiotics and other digestive aids.

Note: Before implementing any particular lupus diet, you should consider extensive food allergy testing, as food allergies, whether known or not, can lead to lupus flare-ups.

This can help patients with SLE and DLE

These ten lupus dietary guidelines serve as the foundation for a smart eating plan for those with SLE or LED, as the underlying cause is often very similar or related. Diet plans should always be consistent with those general principles, even if they are not a complete cure for lupus. Those who deviate from these recommendations may experience an increase in the number or severity of many lupus symptoms.

Avoiding Lupus Flares When You Eat Out

You’ll also notice that those recommendations are perfectly consistent with a variety of eating strategies for those who don’t have lupus. Diet plans of this type can provide people with lupus with a variety of menu ideas and guidance. Also, knowing which foods can trigger lupus flares can be very helpful when eating out.

Changing your diet can have a tremendous impact on how you experience lupus symptoms, but it would be unrealistic to believe that diet alone will provide a cure for lupus. A smart lupus diet helps on many fronts, but it’s not a panacea.

If you have been diagnosed with lupus, discuss developing an ideal lupus diet plan with your doctor or a nutritionist who is knowledgeable about lupus. You may find that some changes in the way you eat and prepare your meals can play a big role in the way you feel on a day-to-day basis.