Lupus and Dieting

Lupus erythematosus, which is also referred to as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies are created against the patient’s histone proteins, which are a part of DNA. Histones are important because they are the man proteins of chromin. They play in role in gene regulation.

There are many symptoms that can be detected in those who have lupus, which affect the skin, kidney, joints, blood, as well as the immune system. The meaning of the disease is derived from the Latin word meaning “wolf.” The facial rash that is associated with lupus has been described to resemble that of a wolf’s face.

Because one of the treatments for lupus is to take steroids, many patients will develop diabetes, osteoporosis, as well as suffer from obesity. This leads patients to seek out ways to diet, as well as avoid certain foods that may produce flare-ups of the condition.

There are a variety of diets that could produce flare-ups within individuals. Since there is no real diet to follow when it comes to lupus, there are many suggestions that patients have found comfort with. If you find a particular food that creates a flare-up, you should definietly avoid eating it or cooking with it. These can be found below:

Lupus and Dieting Suggestions for Lupus Patients

1) Some have said that following the Atkins diet worked well at first, but soon produced reactions due to the lupus.

2) Some lupus patients have followed a vegetarian diet, while others suggest increasing fiber, but not excessively.

3) A variety of patients have sung the priase of following a Weight Watchers diet. They claim that it is one of the healthiest ways to diet, while not picking up unhealthy practices.

4) A diet such as the ones recommended by the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society is helpful. These selections are low in fat, low in sodium, high in fiber, as well as low in refined sugars. They also provide balanced meal choices, as well as incorporate foods from all of the different food groups.

5) Some say that a diet high in fish is good because of the eicosopentanioc acid in fish oil, which might possess modest anti-inflammatory capabilities.

6) Patients with lupus should eat a balanced diet limited in calories and fat, especially saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The diet should be high in vitamin E, vitamin A (beta carotene), selenium and calcium.

Tips for Lupus Patients When Dieting

1) Avoid eating sweets if you have lupus and are dieting and try to exchange them for other food items, such as carrots.

2) When you are thirsty, replace soda and tea with water.

3) Avoid alfalfa sprouts, which are in the legume family. They contain an amino acid called L-canavanine that can stimulate the immune system in people with lupus and increase inflammation. Other legumes are safe to eat because they have a much lower concentration of L-canavanine compared to alfalfa sprouts.

4) Avoid excessive consumption of vitamins because they can be prove to be potentially dangerous.

5) If you are a lupus patient who is taking corticosteroids, you should limit your sugar and salt intake.

5) Beneficial fish oils to consider include: evening primrose oil and flaxseed.

6) Avoid safflower oil, sunflower oil, poppy seed oil and corn oil. They promote flare-ups.

7) Omega-3 fatty acid-containing fish varieties to look into include: mackerel, tuna, whitefish and herring. These choices may slow the disease and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

8) Some like to stay away from barbequed foods, fried foods, as well as pork.

9) Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and selenium are antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties that are good for people with lupus.

For more information on Lupus and Dieting click here.