
Top 8 Foods That Worsen Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect any organ in the body. If it affects the joints, one may experience pain and stiffness. Rashes and redness are common if they affect the skin. Fatigue and reduced kidney function are common if lupus affects the kidney. Lupus symptoms are characterized by periods of flares and remissions. There is no cure yet for lupus, but it is not fatal. Doctors treat lupus to reduce symptoms’ intensity, manage comorbidities, and reduce pain.
Food and lupus
Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus have comorbidities like anemia, hypertension, or diabetes. Lupus puts patients at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. What they eat can help them manage lupus symptoms and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. A balanced meal plan with various food groups like vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, fats, and dairy is ideal for keeping lupus symptoms from flaring up. Since it is an autoimmune disease and an inflammatory condition, avoiding foods that can weaken immunity or trigger inflammation is essential.
Foods to avoid for lupus
While it is important to eat the right food, avoiding foods that can increase pain, cause mouth sores, increase kidney-related symptoms like swelling and high blood pressure, induce fatigue, or worsen anemia is equally important. One should avoid all foods that can cause blood to clot, cause rashes, or increase muscle or joint pain and stiffness. Here are some of the important foods that one has to avoid for lupus:
- Alfalfa
Once a patient is diagnosed with lupus, doctors advise them to avoid foods like alfalfa. Alfalfa is a known trigger for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts have L-canavanine, an amino acid that can trigger and stimulate inflammation. Avoid alfalfa sprouts if diagnosed with lupus or other autoimmune conditions. - Garlic
Garlic is considered a superfood that can build immunity and fight cancer.