Lupus is an autoimmune complication that forces the immune system to attack its healthy cells and triggers an inflammatory response. The inflammation affects major organs and bodily functions, disrupting one’s daily routine. It’s a chronic condition with no cure. But, some treatments and remedies can help improve one’s quality of life living with lupus. Below suggested changes in daily nutrition, with specific foods to eat and avoid, can also help prevent flareups from worsening.

Foods to eat with lupus

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nutritionists primarily recommend including more fruits and vegetables as part of one’s daily intake to promote healthy body and metabolic functions. The main purposes of incorporating natural foods are to lower inflammation, maintain strong bones, improve muscle strength, counter any side effects of prescriptions, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies are conclusive that plant-based compounds can help promote these benefits and ensure a better outlook living with lupus. Colorful fruits, dark greens, and leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, carrots, blueberries, and oranges, among other options, are rich in antioxidants that actively counter the inflammation causing lupus symptoms. It is recommended to include at least five servings of assorted fresh fruits and prepared vegetables a day to combat the more advanced symptoms of lupus that develop with disease progression.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are the good fats that the body needs to promote healthy immunity. Lupus is triggered by an inflammatory response, and omega-3 helps prevent any inflammation from flaring up and worsening chronic symptoms. Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel, feature the richest natural sources of omega-3s. Two essential compounds called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are also found in these fatty fish, which promote excellent anti-inflammatory markers with regular consumption. These markers simultaneously lower the risk of heart disease and inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Vegetarians can choose plant-based omega-3s from walnuts, flax seeds, kidney beans, and edamame. Even changing cooking oils to olive oil, canola oil, and soybean oil will help lower the risk of inflammation faring up with lupus symptoms.

Calcium-rich foods
Calcium is a critical nutrient to help maintain bone health. Since there is a significant link between lupus and osteoporosis, nutritionists recommend including more foods and beverages that are loaded with calcium. Vegetarians can source their daily dose from leafy greens like spinach and kale. Those who are also not lactose intolerant can get additional calcium from dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Dairy products also contain millions of healthy bacteria that can help restore the gut microbiome balance that is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and metabolism. Soy milk and almond milk are also great alternatives for people who cannot process dairy. Even whole grain cereals and snacks available in the supermarket are fortified with calcium. Additionally, it is also important to include healthy sources of vitamin D from fortified juices and snacks. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently and prevents any nutritional deficiencies from developing.

Whole grains
Whole grains have a ton of benefits when it comes to suppressing and managing the symptoms of chronic illnesses. Firstly, these grains are a naturally rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that the body’s metabolic and digestive functions require for survival. The grains collectively help lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and diabetes that one might struggle to manage along with lupus progression. Some of the best sources of whole grains to include in a lupus-friendly nutrition regime include brown rice, couscous, oats, quinoa, barley, bulgur, buckwheat, rye, and spelt. Even fortified cereals and snacks made out of whole grains, including whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, and whole grain cereals, can be added to the new food regime.

Foods to avoid with lupus
In cases where it becomes necessary to include healthy foods to promote better metabolic and immune responses, avoiding certain foods and beverages also helps prevent flareups from developing.

Salty foods
Cutting back on the sodium intake lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack, caused due to the increase in blood pressure. It’s better to moderate one’s consumption or limit the intake of processed foods bought exclusively off the shelves at stores since these are laced with excess salts, unhealthy fats, and added preservatives.

Sugary foods and beverages
When making nutritional changes, it is also better to avoid refined sugars added to simply enhance the flavor of foods and beverages. Sweets, candies, baked goods and confectioneries, flavored sodas, fruit juice, and condiments are all foods that add no nutritional value. Processed cuts of meat, allium vegetables like garlic, and nightshade vegetables are also types of foods for lupus to avoid and prevent flareups while managing the chronic condition.