Many MyLupusTeam members have discussed developing new food allergies or sensitivities since receiving their lupus diagnosis. “Has anyone suddenly gotten food allergies from everyday foods?” one member asked. “I’ve suddenly become allergic to avocados, tomatoes, yogurt, bananas, blueberries, peanuts, and coffee. I get hives, a swollen face, and an itchy throat and tongue.”

Lupus can affect many systems of the body, resulting in a wide variety of symptoms. So, if you have lupus, you’re likely no stranger to new symptoms popping up. Common symptoms, such as joint pain and hair loss, may be no surprise. Other symptoms, like suddenly developing a food allergy, may be both alarming and confusing.

If you’re living with lupus, it’s natural to be curious about whether lupus can give you food allergies. Here we’ll explore what research says about the link between food allergies and lupus.

Food Allergies and Lupus

Some MyLupusTeam members have reported allergic reactions to foods that never affected them before. “I went through a phase where I was ‘allergic’ to almost all foods,” one member wrote. “It lasted for about three to six months and then just vanished.”

Others developed allergies that didn’t go away. “I went from no allergies as a child to over 18 food allergies when I finally got tested,” a member wrote.

Some members note that they don’t have allergies but have experienced new-onset sensitivity (also called food intolerance) to foods such as gluten and lactose. “I have recently become gluten intolerant,” one explained.

Food Allergy Symptoms

Lupus is an autoimmune condition. It causes your immune system to attack your body’s healthy tissues. Food allergies work in a similar way — your white blood cells create antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) that attack certain foods that you eat. Common food allergies include eggs, milk, shellfish, nuts, soy, and wheat.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to food may include:

• Dizziness
• Itchy skin, skin rash, or hives (which may sometimes resemble a lupus rash)
• Swollen facial features, such as the lips or eyes
• Coughing, wheezing, chest pain, or trouble breathing
• Sneezing or a runny nose
• Upset stomach
• Nausea with or without vomiting

Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity

Food sensitivities or intolerances are different from food allergies. Food sensitivities are related to digestion, rather than the immune system. If you have a food sensitivity, such as lactose intolerance, your body cannot properly digest certain foods.

It’s important to note that celiac disease is different from gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, and eating gluten can have serious effects beyond stomach problems.

Sometimes, a food sensitivity can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting. But these gastrointestinal symptoms are also common in people with lupus. When lupus affects the stomach and intestines it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. So it may be hard to tell whether your symptoms stem from a food sensitivity or lupus.

Research on Food Allergies and Lupus

There is limited research on food allergies and lupus. One small 2025 study looked at 17 people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common type of lupus. People with SLE were evaluated for IgE antibodies using blood tests. The results showed that high levels of antibodies against common food allergens were present in 52 percent of study participants. High IgE levels against gliadin — a wheat protein linked to celiac disease and nonceliac gluten sensitivity — were found in 30 percent.

More research is needed to better understand if there is a link between food allergies and lupus. Future studies may help explain if and how food allergies and lupus are connected.

Lupus and Other Allergies

So far, food allergies haven’t been proven to be related to lupus. Other forms of allergic conditions, however, are commonly found in people with the disease.

A large study compared the rates of allergic diseases in 1,673 people with SLE and 6,692 people without lupus. The results showed higher rates of allergic conditions among people with lupus. These conditions included:

• Atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema)
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye reactions)

The study also noted that having more than one allergic condition increased the risk of lupus. These results were similar to those from a 1993 study, which also linked SLE to increased rates of insect and drug allergies.

Talk to Your Doctor

See a healthcare provider right away if you’re experiencing an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction — can be life-threatening without quick treatment. Call 911 immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or a drop in blood pressure.

If you believe you have developed an allergy or food sensitivity, talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor may refer you to an immunology provider (allergist) for testing. They can help determine which foods you’re allergic to and should avoid.

Even if your allergy symptoms aren’t related to your lupus, make sure to keep your rheumatologist in the loop about any new conditions or lupus symptoms you develop. It’s important for your rheumatology provider to be aware of your current conditions so that they can update your treatment plan if needed. It is always a good idea to consult your rheumatologist to confirm if the symptoms are due to a lupus flare or allergies.

Join the Conversation

On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you developed new allergies since being diagnosed with lupus? Let others know in the comments below.