What foods not to eat when you have lupus?

As a health and nutrition expert with a focus on autoimmune conditions like lupus, I understand the importance of a balanced diet that supports overall health and minimizes flare-ups. Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and internal organs. While there is no definitive lupus diet, certain dietary choices are known to exacerbate symptoms or trigger flare-ups. Here are some foods that individuals with lupus are often advised to limit or avoid: 1. Saturated Fats: These can contribute to inflammation, which is a hallmark of lupus. 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. 2. Salt: High sodium intake can lead to water retention, which may worsen swelling and joint pain associated with lupus. It's important to monitor the amount of salt in your diet, including the sodium found in processed and packaged foods. 3. Dairy: Some individuals with lupus may find that dairy products can trigger or worsen their symptoms. This could be due to lactose intolerance or a reaction to casein, a protein found in dairy. 4. Gluten: While not everyone with lupus has celiac disease, some may experience an improvement in their symptoms when they follow a gluten-free diet. Gluten can be found in wheat, barley, and rye. 5. Citrus Fruits: These can exacerbate photosensitivity, a common symptom in lupus where the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. 6. Alfalfa Sprouts: One food to avoid is alfalfa sprouts. They contain a compound called L-canavanine, which can trigger lupus symptoms in some individuals. 7. Artificial Sweeteners: Some research suggests that artificial sweeteners may be linked to autoimmune diseases, although more studies are needed to confirm this link. 8. Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with medications and worsen certain symptoms of lupus, such as fatigue and joint pain. 9. Caffeine: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to dehydration, which may exacerbate joint pain and fatigue. 10. Nightshade Vegetables: Some people with lupus may find that nightshades like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers can worsen their symptoms, although this is not a universal experience. 11. Foods High in Lectins: Foods with high lectin content, such as legumes and some grains, may contribute to inflammation for some individuals. 12. Foods with Additives: Preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives can trigger autoimmune reactions in some people. It's important to note that everyone's body is different, and what may trigger a flare-up in one person may not affect another. It's crucial to work with a healthcare provider to identify personal food triggers and to develop a diet plan that supports overall health and well-being.

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.Aug 9, 2017