Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by the body's immune system attacking its own tissues and organs. This can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
While living with lupus requires management of symptoms and understanding of the condition, it's also important to note there isn't a one-size-fits-all "lupus diet." However, some people find that certain foods can impact their symptoms either positively or negatively. Identifying and incorporating foods that can help manage your symptoms, along with those to avoid, can be a beneficial part of your overall lupus management strategy.
Ahead, PS spoke to dietitians and a rheumatologist about creating a lupus diet that is most beneficial for symptom management, as well as what foods to eat with lupus and what foods to avoid.
Like many conditions, dietary choices may impact symptoms associated with lupus, with some caveats to keep in mind.
"Lupus is an autoimmune condition, so it can't be cured by just changing your diet," Chrissy Arsenault, registered dietitian at Trainer Academy, told PS. "However, consuming a nutrient-dense diet is an essential part of a holistic approach to treatment."
"Periods of increased lupus disease activity or lupus flares are a result of inflammation," adds rheumatologist, Micaela Bayard, MD, assistant Professor of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai and advisory board member for POPSUGAR's Condition Center. Because of this, Dr. Bayard says anything that leads to decreased inflammation may prevent or limit flare symptoms — including eating or avoiding certain foods.
Consulting with a healthcare provider or a dietitian can help in tailoring a dietary plan that suits an individual's specific needs and conditions.
People living with lupus should consider avoiding certain types of foods that may exacerbate their symptoms or trigger flare-ups. While trigger foods can vary from person to person, there are some general foods and beverages our experts recommend limiting when you have lupus, including:
For those managing a lupus diagnosis, a balanced and nutritious diet can play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and managing symptoms. "Overall, there is no one best lupus diet, and the best balance of food and supplements is specific to the needs of each individual living with lupus depending on their most active symptoms," Dr. Bayard tells PS. That said, there are also some foods experts believe can be particularly useful for those who have lupus, including:
Outside of food, Dr. Bayard also considers supplements as a potentially beneficial component of the "lupus diet". As more research becomes available, "we may find more about the benefits of many of the supplements that have been suggested to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: curcumin,/turmeric, selenium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E," Dr. Bayard says.
That said, all of our experts agree that every body is different and when it comes to eating a "lupus diet," there is no one plan. For this reason, consulting with your healthcare provider can help you navigate your diet in the safest and most beneficial way.
Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian and freelance writer who is passionate about providing evidence-based nutrition information in a fun and interesting way