Foods and how they affect inflammation in Lupus

With Lupus, there is a key enemy called “inflammation.” When you have inflammation, you can fight it by eating foods that help reduce inflammation. 

Foods that help fight inflammation are:

1. Avocados
2. Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
3. Fish (Salmon)
4. Green tea
5. Eggs
6. Yogurt
7. Lentils
8. Bone broth
9. Sunflower seeds
10. Turmeric
11. Sweet potatoes

You should also avoid certain foods that cause inflammation in the first place.

Foods that cause inflammation that you want to avoid are:

1. Alfalfa sprouts

Foods that cause inflammation in Lupus are mainly alfalfa sprouts.  Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L Canavanine and it activates the immune response.  My Rheumatologist told me to avoid sprouts when I first got diagnosed with Lupus.  I was disappointed because I had to give up this good and tasty cucumber, cream cheese and alfalfa sprouts sandwich that a deli near my work used to make and I was sad I could no longer eat the sprouts on it.  But when I told my husband he said, “Who cares about alfalfa sprouts!” I guess it could be worse – – not many people like alfalfa sprouts anyway. 

When having an immune related disease like Lupus, it is also best to avoid certain things.  Here is a list I found with my research on what to avoid if you have Lupus.

Some other things to avoid are:

1. Alcohol
2. Tobacco
3. Salt
4. Caffeine

There are also many books that give guidance on eating certain foods to stop inflammation.  I have listed some of them below.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet In 21: 100 Recipes, 5 Ingredients, and 3 Weeks to Fight Inflammation; by Sondi Bruner

The Lupus Diet Plan: Meal Plans & Recipes to soothe

Anti inflammatory Diet for Beginners by Michael J. Sanders

Anti Inflammatory Diet by Jason Michaels

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners & Cookbook by Margaret Stewart

Autoimmune Disease Anti-Inflammatory Diet by Alexander Great

The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: A No-Stress Meal Plan with Easy Recipes to Heal the Immune System: Dorthy Calimeris, Lulu Cook

If you would like to know more, please consult a medical professional about your Lupus and information on inflammation.

Sources:

www.healthline.com/health/lupus/diet-tips

www.lupusresearch.org

12 Foods That Fight Lupus & Relieve Pain – David Avocado Wolfe (davidwolfe.com)

10 Foods to Avoid if you have Lupus (findatopdoc.com)

www.oprah.com