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Anyone struggling to figure out the right diet?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

I have had to cut gluten, spicy foods, fructans (garlic and onions), and soy out of my diet because i have discovered the hard way that each one of those triggers inflammation in my digestive system and at that point its a domino effect of symptoms. I am also trying to get a lot better at paying attention to and listening to my body when it sends out warning signals. I am not been very good at listening and usually end up paying a price. If anyone has any good suggestions or recommendations… read more

April 19
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A MyLupusTeam Member

I do sympathise @A MyLupusTeam Member. Since starting with Lupus 4 years ago, I have an even longer list of foods to avoid and the latest triggers are coffee and wine.
We live in France and coffee here is so good as is the wine both of which I enjoyed having in very modest amounts each day. I having always been dairy intolerant so the beautiful French cheese is also off limits. I tried taking probiotics to see if that helped but it made the pain and nausea worse.
One suggestion that sometimes helps is never to eat the same things every day so that intolerance doesn’t build up and also to eat small portions.
It is hard to cut out foods we may love but over time it gets easier.

April 19
MyLupusTeam

How can you find the right diet when you have lupus and multiple food triggers?

It sounds like you're already doing important work by identifying your triggers. Many MyLupusTeam members share similar struggles with figuring out which foods worsen their symptoms.

The impact of diet on lupus is highly individualized—everyone Show Full Answer

How can you find the right diet when you have lupus and multiple food triggers?

It sounds like you're already doing important work by identifying your triggers. Many MyLupusTeam members share similar struggles with figuring out which foods worsen their symptoms.

The impact of diet on lupus is highly individualized—everyone can have different food triggers. What you've discovered about gluten, spicy foods, garlic, onions, and soy causing inflammation is valuable information about your body.

Keeping a food diary can be incredibly helpful. Track what you eat and how your body responds so you can identify patterns. One member described it as becoming "a scientist" and testing foods while journaling the effects.

Learning to listen to your body's warning signals takes practice, and it's okay that you're still working on it. Many people with lupus struggle with this, especially when they want to enjoy certain foods. Here are some dietary approaches that have helped other members:

Anti-inflammatory foods to focus on:
- Omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds
- Fiber-rich foods including vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds
- Colorful vegetables at every meal for different antioxidants
- Healthy fats like olive oil and avocado
- Free-range eggs and grass-fed meat if you eat meat

Common trigger foods to watch:
- Processed and fast foods (frequently mentioned by members)
- Red meat, dairy, and sugar (some members report improvement cutting these)
- Garlic and alfalfa sprouts (can increase immune system activity)

The key is finding an eating plan you can stick with long-term. Don't choose something so extreme you won't maintain it. The 80/20 rule can help—be mindful 80% of the time without beating yourself up about the other 20%.

April 19

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