Have you tried a food journal to identify patterns in your food intake and flares?
July 27
Great question β and one that comes up a lot! The honest answer is that food triggers are highly individual. What causes a flare for one person may be totally fine for another. That said, there are some general patterns worth knowing about.
Foods that may help (anti-inflammatory):
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and Show Full Answer
Great question β and one that comes up a lot! The honest answer is that food triggers are highly individual. What causes a flare for one person may be totally fine for another. That said, there are some general patterns worth knowing about.
Foods that may help (anti-inflammatory):
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines (rich in omega-3s)
- Fruits and vegetables, especially those high in antioxidants like blueberries and spinach
- Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes
- Healthy fats like avocado and olive oil
- Turmeric, which contains a compound shown to reduce inflammation Foods to be cautious about:
- Garlic β it can overstimulate an already overactive immune system
- Alfalfa sprouts β contain an amino acid that may increase inflammation
- Processed and fast foods β a MyLupusTeam member shared that quitting processed food made them feel much better
- Added sugars, alcohol, saturated and trans fats β all linked to increased inflammation
- Red meat β may contribute to inflammation for some people Keeping a food journal is a practical way to spot personal triggers. The Mediterranean diet is a well-researched, balanced approach that many find helpful. Before making big dietary changes, it's always a good idea to check in with a doctor or registered dietitian.
July 26