Top 8 Foods That Worsen Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect any organ in the body. If it affects the joints, one may experience pain and stiffness. Rashes and redness are common if they affect the skin. Fatigue and reduced kidney function are common if lupus affects the kidney. Lupus symptoms are characterized by periods of flares and remissions. There is no cure yet for lupus, but it is not fatal. Doctors treat lupus to reduce symptoms’ intensity, manage comorbidities, and reduce pain.
Food and lupus
Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus have comorbidities like anemia, hypertension, or diabetes. Lupus puts patients at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. What they eat can help them manage lupus symptoms and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. A balanced meal plan with various food groups like vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, fats, and dairy is ideal for keeping lupus symptoms from flaring up. Since it is an autoimmune disease and an inflammatory condition, avoiding foods that can weaken immunity or trigger inflammation is essential.
Foods to avoid for lupus
While it is important to eat the right food, avoiding foods that can increase pain, cause mouth sores, increase kidney-related symptoms like swelling and high blood pressure, induce fatigue, or worsen anemia is equally important. One should avoid all foods that can cause blood to clot, cause rashes, or increase muscle or joint pain and stiffness. Here are some of the important foods that one has to avoid for lupus:
- Alfalfa
Once a patient is diagnosed with lupus, doctors advise them to avoid foods like alfalfa. Alfalfa is a known trigger for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts have L-canavanine, an amino acid that can trigger and stimulate inflammation. Avoid alfalfa sprouts if diagnosed with lupus or other autoimmune conditions. - Garlic
Garlic is considered a superfood that can build immunity and fight cancer. But people with lupus should avoid garlic, as the immune system is already overworked, and eating garlic could be counterproductive. A moderate amount of garlic occasionally may not harm them, but they should avoid using it daily in meals. - Sodium
Salt is one of the basic contributors to high blood pressure, and it can also influence autoimmunity. Since the immune system is already overactive in lupus, salt can further activate it, causing a drastic impact on the affected organ. Too much salt causes the increased production of TH17 cells, which are pro-inflammatory, increasing the risk of infections. One must abstain from salt if they have lupus, kidney issues, hypertension, or fluid retention. The recommended dose of salt for an adult is about one teaspoon per day. The salt one uses in their daily cooking, and the salt from other condiments, processed foods, and snacks could far exceed one teaspoon. Though it may be difficult, develop the habit of eating meals with minimal salt. Add herbs to flavor meals to increase their palatability. - Sugar
Sugar may not be the cause of lupus, but it can surely play a role in causing a flare-up of symptoms. Excessive sugar can trigger inflammation and increase pain if lupus has affected the joints. Type 2 diabetes is a common and leading comorbidity for lupus; sugar can further increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes can also worsen lupus symptoms. Both diabetes and lupus can lead to organ damage. Hence, reducing sugar can help ease the link between diabetes and lupus. - Saturated fats
Saturated fats are those fats that are solid even when they are at room temperature. It could remain that way even after one eats them. There is a high risk of solid fat clogging the arteries and increasing blood pressure. Since people with lupus are at high risk of heart disease, they should avoid saturated fat. Saturated fat is commonly found in foods like c akes and cookies, fatty meat, p rocessed meat like sausage and bacon, c ured meat like salami and pancetta, i ce cream, milkshakes, c hocolates, n ut butters, p astries, and c ream. - Processed food
Food processed and packed in factories contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, refined carbs, trans fats, artificial colors, and flavors. Each of these ingredients on their own and, as a combination, can trigger inflammation, weaken immunity, and cause allergies and respiratory problems. Processed food is a definite no for people with lupus. Avoid them even during periods of remission, as one may never know how, when, and what could trigger lupus flare-ups. - Nightshade vegetables
Nightshade vegetables include tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and eggplants. They can trigger inflammation in some people and cause a flare-up of symptoms. Though it may not apply to everyone with lupus, it is recommended to avoid these vegetables. - Carbonated beverages
Unexplained fatigue is both a symptom and an impact of lupus, and one must look for foods that can boost their energy. Patients may be tempted to have an energy drink or soda that can give them a sudden rush of energy. They have an abundance of caffeine, and sugar can give one a sudden energy boost. It is equally true that the energy rush can be gone quickly, too. Sodas have zero value, and the added sugar can cause multiple issues and put one at risk for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Read ingredient labels and buy foods with very low levels of saturated fat. Avoid deep-frying foods and steam or bake them to avoid using saturated fat. Patients must talk to their dieticians and understand how much nutrition they need daily. They must make a note of it and save it on their mobile phone or print it out and keep it in the kitchen so they can plan their menu based on their daily nutritional requirements. Lupus patients must look for healthy alternatives if they love some of the must-avoid food items. They can replace salt with herbs, saturated fats with unsaturated fats, sugar with fruits, and processed food with freshly cooked food. These changes can help one manage their lupus symptoms during flare-ups and prevent new symptoms in remission.
