Great question! While there's no official lupus diet, eating anti-inflammatory foods is generally considered the best approach to help reduce flare-ups. Think of each meal as a chance to nourish your body.
Here are some foods that may help keep inflammation in check:
- Oily fish — wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout
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Great question! While there's no official lupus diet, eating anti-inflammatory foods is generally considered the best approach to help reduce flare-ups. Think of each meal as a chance to nourish your body.
Here are some foods that may help keep inflammation in check:
- Oily fish — wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout
- Leafy greens — spinach, kale, broccoli, bok choy
- Colorful vegetables — aim for a rainbow on your plate
- Fruits — rich in antioxidants
- Healthy fats — olive oil, avocado, flaxseeds
- Nuts and seeds — if tolerated
- Fresh herbs and spices — turmeric in particular has been shown to reduce inflammation
- Eggs and free-range chicken
- Fermented foods — sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir A Mediterranean-style diet is often recommended as it aligns well with anti-inflammatory eating and is sustainable long-term.
Foods worth avoiding include:
- Garlic and alfalfa sprouts — these can overstimulate an already overactive immune system
- Processed and fast foods
- Added sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol — can interfere with lupus medications
- Ultra-processed foods high in saturated or trans fats
It's worth noting that triggers are highly individual. As one MyLupusTeam member put it, "Everyone can have different food triggers." Keeping a food journal can help identify what works for you personally.
Always check with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big dietary changes!
September 18
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