Eat probiotic foods: The bacteria in your gut plays a significant role in your overall health. They help control your immune system. But when the balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut disturbed, your immune system may get attacked by certain internal as well as external factors resulting in health problems including autoimmune diseases like lupus. According to a study published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, people with lupus have been found with higher amounts of some specific bacteria in their gut, along with increased levels of antibodies to those bacteria. Probiotics will help you bring back the balance between the good and bad bacteria. Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, pickles, etc. will also help reduce the inflammation caused by lupus, says another study published in the journal Microbiome.

Avoid having sodium-rich foods: Foods including salted nuts, frozen meat, fried foods, sausage, etc. are rich in sodium and are not considered good for lupus patients. This autoimmune disease can increase your risk of kidney damage, a disease worsened by high sodium levels in the body. Keeping salt levels low in your body can help prevent fluid retention, worsened swelling and electrolyte imbalances, all of which are associated with poor kidney function.

Go for anti-inflammatory foods: While celebrating World Lupus Day, we shed some light on why you should go for anti-inflammatory foods if you are suffering from this condition. “Lupus is an inflammatory disease and therefore eating inflammatory foods like refined carbohydrates, sugar, refined flour, aerated drinks, junk foods that contain additives, colour, preservative etc. can further aggravate the condition. Therefore, you are advised to go for anti-inflammatory foods like complex carbohydrates including oats, quinoa and millets. These are considered not only effective to reduce lupus symptoms but also for other diseases like arthritis,” says Samaddar. Arthritis could be one of the symptoms of lupus.

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Choose organic and unprocessed foods: If you are suffering from lupus, your immune system is already compromised. In that case, it becomes extremely important for you to avoid exposure to chemicals and heavy metals. “Processed foods are commonly packaged products containing synthetic additives, toxins or pesticides that can worsen your condition,” says Samaddar. Organic foods, on the other hand, are filled with beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Apart from organic foods you can go for unprocessed foods like whole grains, vegetables, legumes, etc.

Eat foods rich in vitamins and calcium: As part of lupus treatment, doctors prescribe steroid medications which may lead to significant bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. “In that case, you need to make sure that your diet contains foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Consuming these two nutrients together is more beneficial than getting just one,” says Samaddar. Calcium is the building block of bone. It helps keep your bones healthy and strong. Vitamin D actually helps your body to effectively absorb vitamin C and calcium. Some of the dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D are cheese, beans, yogurt, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, fish oil, etc.

Opt for omega-3 fatty acids: According to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can stop lupus triggers. “Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease and omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory effects,” explains Samaddar. Another study presented at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego, revealed that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to better sleep quality and a decrease in depressive symptoms in lupus patients. Some of the dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are nuts, fish like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, kidney beans, soybean oil, etc.

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