As a rule, aim for a
nutritious and varied diet for lupus. Include plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and while
eating moderate amounts of meats.
The goal in developing a diet for lupus
is to rebuild and strengthen the immune system. Look for
foods rich in the following for an immune-boosting diet
for lupus;
-
Vitamin C
-
Vitamin E
-
Carotenoids
-
Bioflavenoids
-
Zinc
-
Garlic
-
Selenium
-
Omega-3 fatty
acids
A diet for lupus
should be as close to natural as possible. That means
keeping sugar, processed foods, while flour and
saturated fats to a minimum.
If there are known or suspected food allergens, these
should be avoided at all costs. Food allergens stimulate
the immune system and worsening symptoms in autoimmune
disease, like
lupus disease. Common
food allergens include wheat (gluten), dairy, soy,
chocolate, corn and preservatives.
People with lupus should always avoid alfalfa seeds,
alfalfa sprouts and alfalfa tablets. These have been
associated with reports of a lupus-like syndrome or
lupus flares, possibly due to the amino acid L-canavanine
which can activate the immune system and increase
inflammation.
Pmega-3 fatty acids are important when looking at
lupus
and diet. People with autoimmune diseases
often have low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty
acid deficiency contributes to inflammation. Cold water
fish, fish oil, linseed oil and flaxseed oil help reduce
inflammation.
Diets high in saturated fat and the amino acids
phenyalanine and tyrosine aggravate lupus. A low fat
diet that avoids beef and dairy products can be
extremely beneficial.
A modified fast consisting of eating only fruits,
vegetables, and fish or vegetable protein can be
helpful, especially during flare ups. Use the modified
fast five to seven days at two-week intervals.
Avoid coffee, alcohol, and smoking in a diet for lupus.
Make sure your pH is balanced. Most people are acidic
and this internal condition can lead to disease. Add
alkalizing foods while minimizing acidifying foods. This
is especially important for
lupus arthritis and other autoimmune or
degenerative disease.
Alkalizing foods include most fruits and vegetables,
free-range eggs, organic yogurt, nuts and seeds, lean
chicken breast, fat-free cottage cheese, green tea,
herbal tea, garlic, edible flowers, cinnamon, ginger,
miso, and sea salt.
Acidifying foods include most grains, fats and oils,
pasta, beef, pork, lamb, turkey, beans and legumes,
peanuts, and dairy products.
Diet for Lupus recap;
- Processed foods should be avoided, as
well foods that contain artificial colors, artificial flavorings and preservative.
- Decrease the amount of red meats in the
diet while increasing the amounts of white meat like chicken and fish.
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Follow a low-fat diet.
- Avoid
spicy foods, as these can spur flares.
- Alcohol, soft drinks and other unhealthy
beverages should be avoided. Opt instead for purified water.
- Decrease or completely eliminate white flours,
white sugars and other refined carbohydrates.
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