A diet for lupus that includes fatty fish and excludes foods rich in saturated fats is recommended, especially in order to manage and control the symptoms of this disease.
About the diet for lupus patients
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many body systems such as the heart, blood vessels, and bones, however some foods may not only help reduce inflammation, but also become important when dealing with the many side effects that lupus sufferers suffer from. A healthy diet can have a major impact on people with this chronic disease, its symptoms and outcomes.
How does diet affect lupus patients?
A balanced, healthy diet can positively benefit those living with lupus in the following ways:
Reducing inflammation (redness and swelling) and other symptoms.
Prevent nutrient deficiency.
Reducing the risk of heart disease.
Maintains bone and muscle strength.
Fight the side effects of medications.
Achieving or maintaining a desired weight.
Diet tips for lupus patients
Diet for patients with lupus and fatty fish
You should stay away from red meat that is rich in saturated fats, and go to fish rich in omega-3, as omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, which protects against heart disease and stroke, and can reduce inflammation in the body as well.
From Fatty Fish:
Salmon.
Tuna.
Mackerel.
Sardines.
Calcium-rich foods
One of the side effects of steroid drugs that people with lupus take is to reduce bone strength, as it may sometimes produce fractures, so the body must be supplied with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D, whether diet or nutritional supplements.
From foods rich in calcium:
Low-fat milk.
Cheese.
Yogurt.
Tofu
Beans.
Calcium-fortified vegetable milk.
Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
Saturated and trans fats
Limit saturated and trans fats and keep weight off. This is because the stimulants that lupus patients eat work to increase appetite, so the appetite can be satiated with vegetables and fruits.
Lupus and garlic diet
Garlic contains allicin, aegene, and thiosulfates, which stimulate immunity against lupus and severe lupus symptoms appear. So it should be avoided from meals.
Lupus food and salt
Staying away from salt, and eating meals with a small amount of sodium is necessary for lupus patients, as salt raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease, however potassium can fight high blood pressure, so potassium can be replaced with salt.
For this, the following can be done:
Request for lupus sauces, as they are often high in sodium.
Cook appetizers without adding salt.
Resorting to foods rich in potassium (for example, potatoes, spinach, beans, potatoes, avocados, bananas, beans, watermelon).
Replace it with other spices to improve the flavor of the food, such as:
Lemon.
Herbs.
Pepper.
Curry powder.
Turmeric.
Nightshade vegetables
Some people with lupus are sensitive to nightshade vegetables, so it should be avoided. Nightshade vegetables include:
White potatoes.
tomatoes.
Sweet and hot pepper.
Eggplant.
Lupus diet and alcohol
Alcohol may interact with medications taken by lupus patients, for example. Alcohol may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - such as naproxen and ibuprofen - and increase the risk of stomach ulcers to the point of bleeding, and a reaction can also reduce the effectiveness of the drug such as a Alcohol with warfarin. Additionally, the interaction of alcohol with methotrexate increases the severity of the medication's side effects on the liver.
Advice for Medication Effects for Lupus Patients
Corticosteroids inhibit inflammation
For example prednisone, hydrocortisone, methylpredzolone, dexamethasone.
It is important to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D, avoid salt while limiting sugary foods and drinks, and choose carbohydrates wisely when taking these types of medications.
Eat low-calorie foods: Therefore, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can be added to the diet for lupus patients.
Methotrexate causes sun sensitivity and liver damage
For example Mexate, Folex, Rheumatre.
It is important to avoid alcohol and NSAIDs (such as aspirin and Motrin) when taking these types of medications. In addition, it is also beneficial to include folic acid supplements in a lupus diet.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
For example, aspirin and NSAIDs.
Some foods can interact with prescribed blood thinners (such as some vitamins and fish oils), and as a result these medications may cause stomach irritation and post-ulcer bleeding, so be sure to take them with food.
Recommended nutrients for lupus patients
Saturated fat: less than 7% of total calories.
Polyunsaturated fats: up to 10% of total calories.
Fiber: 20-30 grams.
Monounsaturated fats: up to 20% of total calories.
Trans fats (trans fats): Stay away from them as much as possible.
Fruits and vegetables: 5 servings.
Vegetable sterols and stanols: 2-3 mg / day of them work on cholesterol 9-20%.
Sodium: 2000-3000 mg.
Pay attention to the effects of medications. In addition, it is necessary to adhere to the diet for patients with lupus to fully master the disease.