Let’s face it, lupus flare-ups are the worse. When they happen, they happen suddenly and dramatically. Unexplained fevers arise, stark rashes appear on your skin, your stomach starts to rumble and your hands might swell to the point you can’t even move them. That’s what it’s like to have an episode with lupus. Yet, what’s worse, is that these very uncomfortable situations can happen at any time.
So, what causes them? How can you steer clear of having a flare-up of your own? There are many different causes to lead to an episode, however, most of them relate very closely to your diet.
Check out 6 foods to avoid your next lupus flare-up:
Red Meats
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Red meat includes beef, veal, boar, pork, lamb, mutton, goat, duck, and horse. These types of meat are full of saturated fat and can contribute to heart disease. Switching from red meat to fatty fish is best. Fish are high in omega-3s and are polyunsaturated fatty acids that help protect against heart disease and stroke, as well as help reduce inflammation in the body. Try incorporating more salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines into your diet.
Foods High in Saturated and Trans Fats
Saturated fats are known toraise cholesterol levels in the body which can increase your risk for a lupus flare. Hidden trans fats and steroids in foods like packaged sweets and goods can increase your appetite and cause you to gain weight, so it’s important to watch what you eat. Try incorporating natural foods such as raw vegetables, multi-grains, and fruit.
Alfalfa and Garlic
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Although it may contain a wealth of nutrition including iron, calcium, and vitamins, alfalfa and garlic are two foods that shouldn’t be consumed if you have lupus. The alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine, and garlic contains allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, which can send your immune system into overdrive and flare up your lupus symptoms severely. Lupus patients who’ve eaten alfalfa have reacted with muscle pain and fatigue, and their doctors have noted changes in their blood test results too.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, watch out especially for these two staples that are quite often used in veggie patties, meatless substitutes, and vegetable salads.
Nightshade Vegetables
It’s been noted that some people with lupus find that they’re sensitive to nightshade vegetables as well. Popular veggies include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, goji berries, garden huckleberries, ground cherries, and cap gooseberries.
Helpful Tip! Try writing down what you eat in a day. Pay attention and write how you feel 20 minutes after every meal. Then, start to eliminate foods that cause your flare-ups and report them to your doctor to find out more information.
Alcohol
Many like to enjoy a glass of red wine or beer every now and then, butexcessive consumption isn’t so helpful to people with lupus. We all know that medication and alcohol is a bad mixture, however drinking while taking NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn), for example, could increase your risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers. Alcohol can also reduce the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) and methotrexate.
Salt and Sodium
Too much salt can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease, while also inducing an onset lupus flare-up.
Love to dine out? Try ordering those tasty yet sodium-filled sauces on the side. If requested, the cook can certainly prepare your meal without added salt, lastly order an extra side of vegetables, which are rich in potassium that can help combat high blood pressure.
Try substituting salt with other spices to pump up the flavor. Lemon, herbs, pepper, curry powder, and turmeric, all are great alternatives. In fact, a number of herbs and spices have been promoted as lupus symptom relievers, but have very little evidence that they actually work. It is recommended not to take any herbal remedy or supplement without first talking to your doctor.
It may be a struggle to change your diet immediately, however, taking small steps toward a better and healthier life is all that is needed. It’s fascinating and very hopeful to know how so many symptoms and ailments can be subsided and even cured with food and lifestyle changes.
Make sure to consult with a doctor to find which diet and treatments are right for you.
SOURCES:
HopskinsLupus.org, Things To Avoid, Feb. 26, 2018
HealthLine.com, Diet Tips For Lupus, Oct. 11, 2016
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
