LUPUS-DIET

February 3, 2011 in Lupus Diet, Our Recent Posts
Tags: celecoxib, exercise, fatigue, fish, fresh fruits, heartbeats, lupus, lupus flares, meat, naproxen, nutritious diet, omega-3-fatty acid, poultry, rheumatologist, sleep well, UV, UVA, UVB, vegetables, whole grains

Despite numerous resources on the Internet and claims in various books, there is no special diet for lupus. Generally, patients with lupus should try to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet that is enriched with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and moderate amounts of poultry, meat, and fish. Fish oil, or Omega-3 fatty acid, has been found to help reduce inflammation and the risk of coronary artery disease.

In addition, it may also protect against irregular heartbeats and help lower blood pressure. Due to the fact that patients with lupus have an increased risk of heart disease than the general population, omega-3 fatty acids are of importance.

Patients with lupus should avoid alfalfa as it has been associated with reports of a lupus-like syndrome or lupus flares. Lupus-like symptoms may include muscle pain, abnormal blood test results, kidney problems, fatigue, and changes in immune system function. It is thought these reactions are due to an amino acid that is found in alfalfa seeds and sprouts (not in leaves) that activates the immune system and increases inflammation.

Certain items from your diet may need to be eliminated or reduced because of medications you may be taking or because of organ damage due to lupus. Alcohol can lower the efficacy of some drugs and can make existing problems worse. Patients with lupus may be taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib. These medications carry a risk of developing an ulcer that is increased with alcohol use. If you are taking steroids you should limit the amount of fat and salt in your diet as corticosteroids can elevate blood pressure and the levels of cholesterol and lipids in your blood. In addition, they can also cause or worsen osteoporosis, a condition in which bones are at an increased risk of fracture due to fragility. Foods rich in calcium, such as dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, collard greens), milk, cheese, and yogurt or calcium supplements that contain vitamin D, should be consumed to help with bone growth.

LUPUS AND EXERCISE

People with lupus need to exercise regularly just like everyone else. Activities such as swimming, walking, low-impact aerobics, bicycling, yoga, pilates, or stretching will help strengthen your bones and tone your muscles without aggravating inflamed joints. Regularly engaging in these activities will also help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Activities such as high-impact aerobics, jogging, or weight lifting should be limited or avoided if you are experiencing muscle pain or swollen joints. The benefits of regular exercise include reducing or minimizing stress, increasing your range of motion, improving muscle stiffness while increasing muscle strength, and helping to prevent osteoporosis and keep your heart healthy.

The majority of patients with lupus experience fatigue – approximately 80%. At times, this can be debilitating to the point of interfering with their daily activities. Regular exercise and being involved in a support group seem to be of great benefit. Some tips of dealing with fatigue include alternating activities with periods of rest throughout the day, establishing good sleep patterns, eating a healthy diet, and stop smoking.

LUPUS AND SUN EXPOSURE

Approximately two-thirds of people with lupus are sensitive to ultraviolet rays (UV) – from sunlight or artificial light. Regardless of the degree of sensitivity, you should limit the exposure to UV rays as excessive exposure can cause lupus to flare. Every person with lupus should use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. In addition, wearing proper clothing helps too, such as broad-rimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. UVB rays are most intense between 10am and 4pm so you should plan your day accordingly. UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes and when reflected by snow or water. Please consult with your rheumatologist to develop an appropriate treatment plan designed for you.

Rodney Bluestone Medical doctors are rheumatology specialists located in Los Angeles, California. We provide treatment for all types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. For more information, including treatment and symptoms of arthritis, please visit www.rodneybluestonemedical.com