Lupus diet: what to eat and what to avoid (with menu)

In the lupus diet, it is important to prioritize the intake of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish and whole grains, which are rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D and omega 3, nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action that they help reduce inflammation and prevent possible complications of the disease, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and diabetes.

Furthermore, during the lupus diet it is important to also consume probiotic foods, such as natural yogurt and kefir, which help maintain healthy intestinal flora, controlling inflammation and alleviating some symptoms of the disease, such as excessive tiredness, muscle and joint pain, for example. See other foods that control inflammation.

During the lupus diet, you should reduce the consumption of foods rich in sugar, such as soft drinks, cakes, and ice cream, and foods rich in fat, such as fried foods, cookies and pizzas, because these foods favor inflammation in the body, promoting the appearance of situations such as high blood pressure, weight gain and osteoporosis.

See the following video for the main nutrition tips for lupus:

Foods that should be prioritized

The main foods that should be prioritized during the diet are:

• Whole grains, such as brown rice, corn, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta and oats;
• Fresh fruit, such as strawberry, watermelon, cherry, blackberry, grape, orange and pomegranate;
• Vegetables and vegetables, such as onion, tomato, arugula, zucchini and ginger;
• healthy fats, such as linseed, olive oil, Brazil nuts and walnuts;
• Lean proteinssuch as chicken, eggs, turkey, tofu and fish, such as salmon, sardines;
• Natural herbssuch as basil, mint, parsley, coriander, thyme and rosemary;
• Condimentssuch as turmeric, pepper, cumin, cinnamon and curry;
• Low-fat dairy productssuch as skimmed milk and yogurt, ricotta and cottage cheese;
• Natural and sugar-free teassuch as green tea, mint, ginger and lemon balm.

Furthermore, consuming probiotic foods, such as natural yogurt, kefir and kombucha, helps maintain healthy intestinal flora, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation. See other probiotic foods that help reduce inflammation.

Foods that should be avoided

In the lupus diet, you should avoid foods rich in sugar and refined flours, such as sweets, white bread, white pasta, jellies, ice cream, cakes and puddings, because these foods favor situations such as weight gain, obesity and diabetes.

During the diet, it is also important to avoid foods rich in fat, such as fried foods, fast food-type meals, packaged snacks and red meat, as the consumption of these foods can greatly stimulate the immune system, worsening lupus symptoms and causing problems with health, such as heart and kidney diseases.

Additionally, alfalfa sprouts and mung beans should also be avoided because these foods contain high amounts of L-canavanine, an amino acid that can overwhelm the immune system, worsening lupus symptoms.

Diet menu for lupus

The following table contains an example of a 3-day lupus diet menu:

This menu is just an example of nutrition for lupus, which may vary according to the person’s general health, weight, age and sex. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist for a complete assessment and an individualized diet.

Supplements for Lupus

In cases of nutritional deficiencies, some dietary supplements may be recommended by a doctor or nutritionist to help control inflammation, the most common of which include vitamin D and omega 3, where the dosage and time of use must be indicated. according to individual needs.