HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Diet To Control Lupus

default
Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Question: I have Lupus. What are the best foods that I can eat to try to stabilize the disease?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed explanation,

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking!
Lupus is a systemic disease involving multi organs depending on its severity.So foods are least likely to help unless the organs precautions are needed for example plenty of fluids and balanced proteinaceous diet and salt intake restriction to prevent lupus nephritis. Fibrous diet and soft easily digestible if involving gut symptoms. avoid ultraviolet light and sun exposure to minimize worsening of symptoms from photosensitivity.If lipid profile is deranged low fat diets are advised to prevent flare ups. less sun exposure leads to vitamin D levels to vitamin d supplements and other vitamin supplements and antioxidants are advised.exercise is important to avoid rapid muscle loss, bone demineralization, and fatigue. Smoking should also be avoided.
There are no foods that cause lupus or that can cure it. Still, good nutrition is an important part of an overall treatment plan for the disease.

In general, people with lupus should aim for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It should also include moderate amounts of meats, poultry, and oily fish.
Foods with possible anti-inflammatory properties include fruits and vegetables, which are rich in substances called antioxidants. In addition, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, ground flaxseed, canola oil, and olive oil may also help fight inflammation.

Saturated fats, on the other hand, can raise cholesterol levels and may contribute to inflammation. So they should be limited. Sources of saturated fats include fried foods, commercial baked goods, creamed soups and sauces, red meat, animal fat, processed meat products, and high-fat dairy foods. That includes whole milk, half and half, cheeses, butter, and ice cream.

One food to avoid is alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa tablets have been associated with lupus flares or a lupus-like syndrome that includes muscle pain, fatigue, abnormal blood test results, and kidney problems. These problems may be due to a reaction to an amino acid found in alfalfa sprouts and seeds. This amino acid can activate the immune system and increase inflammation in people with lupus. Garlic may also stimulate the immune system.

Eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D is important for bone health. When buying dairy products, choose ones that are either low-fat or fat-free. Good choices include:

1% or 1/2% skim milk
low-fat, low-sodium yogurt
low-fat cheese
If you cannot drink milk, good alternatives include:

lactose-free milk
soy milk
almond milk
juices that are fortified with calcium and Vitamin D
Dark green vegetables are another source of calcium.

If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, your doctor will probably recommend a calcium supplement.
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help counteract the bone-damaging effects of corticosteroids.

Diet can also be helpful in combatting other drug side effects. For example, a low-sodium diet can help reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure, which can be elevated with corticosteroid use.

A diet high in folic acid, such as found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fortified breads and cereals, or a folic acid supplement is important if you are taking methotrexate (Rheumatrex). For nausea caused by medications, eat small frequent meals and foods that are easy to digest. Try dry cereals, breads, and crackers. Also avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods.

If corticosteroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Alleve) cause stomach upset and irritation, taking them with meals may help. But let your doctor know that you are having some stomach upset from the drugs.

Lupus may be associated with unhealthy weight loss or weight gain. So eating to achieve a healthy weight is important.


Weight loss and poor appetite, common among people recently diagnosed with lupus, can result from the illness itself. It can also result from medications that cause stomach upset or mouth sores. Weight gain can be the result of inactivity. It can also be caused by the corticosteroids used to control the disease.

If weight loss or gain is a problem, it is important to speak with your doctor or nurse. The doctor or nurse can assess your diet and suggest a program to help control your weight. The program will probably include a low-fat diet and exercise. A registered dietitian can help you design a diet specifically for your needs and lifestyle.
People with lupus have higher risk of heart disease compared to the general population. That makes a heart-healthy diet an important part of a lupus treatment plan.

If your doctor finds you have risk factors for heart disease -- including high blood pressure or high cholesterol-- a low-fat diet and exercise may help. Your doctor may prescribe a low-sodium diet for high blood pressure.

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oils may improve some risk factors for heart disease like high triglycerides and blood pressure. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

salmon
sardines
mackerel
bluefish
herring
mullet
tuna
halibut
lake trout
rainbow trout
ground flaxseed
walnuts
pecans
canola oil, walnut oil, and flaxseed oil
These foods should be a part of a heart-healthy meal plan.
Avoid drugs that affect renal function, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially in patients with elevated creatinine levels. Nonacetylated salicylates can be used to safely treat inflammatory symptoms

Antimalarial therapy (hydroxychloroquine) has been shown to prevent disease flares and to decrease mortality in low dosages. Avoid any medicine containing sulfur even if no allergies as they lead to flare ups.
Now the fertility life , Contraception and family planning are important considerations given the risks of disease flare with exogenous estrogens and pregnancy and with the teratogenic risks of some SLE drugs. Estrogen therapies have typically been avoided to prevent disease flares; progesterone-only contraception is more often considered.Measures to minimize the risks of steroid-induced osteoporosis and accelerated atherosclerotic disease and use of traditional measures (eg, calcium, vitamin D) and the consideration of prophylactic bisphosphonate therapy should be considered.
Use ace inhibitors as they are renal friendly in case you have blood pressure issues.
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) vaccination recommendations for rheumatic diseases, including lupus, advocate baseline assessment and delivery of nonlive vaccines during stable disease. Particularly important is immunization against encapsulated organisms, such as meningococcal vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and routine Haemophilus influenzae childhood vaccination. Annual influenza vaccine is also encouraged. In one study, vaccination against pandemic H1N1 influenza was found to be safe and effective in patients with SLE. and you should definitely consider it.
use statin therapies and other natural measures to keep the lipid profile in check.
Discuss the following medications options with your rheumatologist for your lupus.
Biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs): Belimumab, rituximab, IV immune globulin
Nonbiologic DMARDS: Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclosporine
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS; eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac)
Corticosteroids (eg, methylprednisolone, prednisone)
Antimalarials (eg, hydroxychloroquine)
I hope it helps.Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
S Khan
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Diet To Control Lupus

Brief Answer: Detailed explanation, Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking! Lupus is a systemic disease involving multi organs depending on its severity.So foods are least likely to help unless the organs precautions are needed for example plenty of fluids and balanced proteinaceous diet and salt intake restriction to prevent lupus nephritis. Fibrous diet and soft easily digestible if involving gut symptoms. avoid ultraviolet light and sun exposure to minimize worsening of symptoms from photosensitivity.If lipid profile is deranged low fat diets are advised to prevent flare ups. less sun exposure leads to vitamin D levels to vitamin d supplements and other vitamin supplements and antioxidants are advised.exercise is important to avoid rapid muscle loss, bone demineralization, and fatigue. Smoking should also be avoided. There are no foods that cause lupus or that can cure it. Still, good nutrition is an important part of an overall treatment plan for the disease. In general, people with lupus should aim for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It should also include moderate amounts of meats, poultry, and oily fish. Foods with possible anti-inflammatory properties include fruits and vegetables, which are rich in substances called antioxidants. In addition, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, ground flaxseed, canola oil, and olive oil may also help fight inflammation. Saturated fats, on the other hand, can raise cholesterol levels and may contribute to inflammation. So they should be limited. Sources of saturated fats include fried foods, commercial baked goods, creamed soups and sauces, red meat, animal fat, processed meat products, and high-fat dairy foods. That includes whole milk, half and half, cheeses, butter, and ice cream. One food to avoid is alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa tablets have been associated with lupus flares or a lupus-like syndrome that includes muscle pain, fatigue, abnormal blood test results, and kidney problems. These problems may be due to a reaction to an amino acid found in alfalfa sprouts and seeds. This amino acid can activate the immune system and increase inflammation in people with lupus. Garlic may also stimulate the immune system. Eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D is important for bone health. When buying dairy products, choose ones that are either low-fat or fat-free. Good choices include: 1% or 1/2% skim milk low-fat, low-sodium yogurt low-fat cheese If you cannot drink milk, good alternatives include: lactose-free milk soy milk almond milk juices that are fortified with calcium and Vitamin D Dark green vegetables are another source of calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, your doctor will probably recommend a calcium supplement. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help counteract the bone-damaging effects of corticosteroids. Diet can also be helpful in combatting other drug side effects. For example, a low-sodium diet can help reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure, which can be elevated with corticosteroid use. A diet high in folic acid, such as found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fortified breads and cereals, or a folic acid supplement is important if you are taking methotrexate (Rheumatrex). For nausea caused by medications, eat small frequent meals and foods that are easy to digest. Try dry cereals, breads, and crackers. Also avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods. If corticosteroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Alleve) cause stomach upset and irritation, taking them with meals may help. But let your doctor know that you are having some stomach upset from the drugs. Lupus may be associated with unhealthy weight loss or weight gain. So eating to achieve a healthy weight is important. Weight loss and poor appetite, common among people recently diagnosed with lupus, can result from the illness itself. It can also result from medications that cause stomach upset or mouth sores. Weight gain can be the result of inactivity. It can also be caused by the corticosteroids used to control the disease. If weight loss or gain is a problem, it is important to speak with your doctor or nurse. The doctor or nurse can assess your diet and suggest a program to help control your weight. The program will probably include a low-fat diet and exercise. A registered dietitian can help you design a diet specifically for your needs and lifestyle. People with lupus have higher risk of heart disease compared to the general population. That makes a heart-healthy diet an important part of a lupus treatment plan. If your doctor finds you have risk factors for heart disease -- including high blood pressure or high cholesterol-- a low-fat diet and exercise may help. Your doctor may prescribe a low-sodium diet for high blood pressure. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oils may improve some risk factors for heart disease like high triglycerides and blood pressure. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include: salmon sardines mackerel bluefish herring mullet tuna halibut lake trout rainbow trout ground flaxseed walnuts pecans canola oil, walnut oil, and flaxseed oil These foods should be a part of a heart-healthy meal plan. Avoid drugs that affect renal function, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially in patients with elevated creatinine levels. Nonacetylated salicylates can be used to safely treat inflammatory symptoms Antimalarial therapy (hydroxychloroquine) has been shown to prevent disease flares and to decrease mortality in low dosages. Avoid any medicine containing sulfur even if no allergies as they lead to flare ups. Now the fertility life , Contraception and family planning are important considerations given the risks of disease flare with exogenous estrogens and pregnancy and with the teratogenic risks of some SLE drugs. Estrogen therapies have typically been avoided to prevent disease flares; progesterone-only contraception is more often considered.Measures to minimize the risks of steroid-induced osteoporosis and accelerated atherosclerotic disease and use of traditional measures (eg, calcium, vitamin D) and the consideration of prophylactic bisphosphonate therapy should be considered. Use ace inhibitors as they are renal friendly in case you have blood pressure issues. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) vaccination recommendations for rheumatic diseases, including lupus, advocate baseline assessment and delivery of nonlive vaccines during stable disease. Particularly important is immunization against encapsulated organisms, such as meningococcal vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and routine Haemophilus influenzae childhood vaccination. Annual influenza vaccine is also encouraged. In one study, vaccination against pandemic H1N1 influenza was found to be safe and effective in patients with SLE. and you should definitely consider it. use statin therapies and other natural measures to keep the lipid profile in check. Discuss the following medications options with your rheumatologist for your lupus. Biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs): Belimumab, rituximab, IV immune globulin Nonbiologic DMARDS: Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclosporine Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS; eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) Corticosteroids (eg, methylprednisolone, prednisone) Antimalarials (eg, hydroxychloroquine) I hope it helps.Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards S Khan