Ask a Dietitian

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the inflammation of one or more body parts.  It is part of the same family as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Muscular Sclerosis and Juvenile diabetes.  Lupus affects tens of thousands of people in Canada.

Systemic lupus can affect the skin, muscles, joints, blood, blood vessels, heart, lungs, kidneys and/or the brain.

Who gets Lupus? Women of childbearing age are 8 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with lupus.  However you can still get lupus before and after that time frame and the risk is equal for both sexes.  The cause of lupus remains unknown and there is no known cure.  To date treatment is of the symptoms and most people can expect a normal life expectancy.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of lupus often go in cycles and can go into remission for years.  Symptoms include:

• joint pain, swelling
• a red rash across the upper cheeks and bridge of the nose
• Extreme fatigue
• An unusual reaction to sunlight
• A red scaly skin rash
• Small ulcers inside the nose or mouth
• Chest pain, worse when lying down or inhaling
• Swelling of  the feet and legs
• Seizures or severe neurological symptoms
• Hair loss

Having Lupus puts you at risk for a number of medical conditions such as osteoporosis, heart and kidney disease.  Being on corticosteroids can increase appetite and lead to weight gain.  There isn’t a set diet for Lupus.  The main recommendations are to follow a healthy eating plan that is low in fat, sodium and refined sugars and high in fibre.

Living well with Lupus:

1. Have a good relationship with your lupus specialist and be sure to get regular blood tests to monitor hemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets and kidney function.

Nutrition Tip: If you are anemic be sure to take your iron supplement with a source of vitamin C such as OJ, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes or broccoli.  Eat meat, fish and poultry, egg yolk, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and wheat germ.

Nutrition Tip: if you have kidney disease you may need to limit your protein intake.

Nutrition Tip: if you have high blood pressure, be sure to exercise regularly, reduce sodium, increase fruits and vegetables for potassium, choose low fat dairy for calcium and whole grains and legumes for magnesium.

1. People with Lupus have a greater risk of heart disease.

Nutrition Tip: Limit saturated fats from animals, avoid deep fried foods and get plenty of fruits and vegetables.  If you smoke, quit.

1. Corticosteroid use can cause an increase in appetite and weight gain as well as increased risk for osteoporosis.

Nutrition Tip: To prevent weight gain stay as active as possible, pay attention to portion size, eat smaller amounts more often, choose lean meats and other protein foods, limit added fats and sauces and fill up on lower calorie foods like vegetables and fruit.

Nutrition Tip: To reduce your risk for osteoporosis emphasize calcium rich foods such as milk, yogurt and low fat cheese, dark green leafy vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, canned salmon with the bones, fortified almond and rice beverages, almonds and fortified orange juice.  Some people may require a supplement.  Vitamin D is also recommended for good bone health.

1. Due to the inflammation associated with lupus, eating a diet high in omega 3 fats is recommended.  Include more fish such as salmon, trout, halibut, char and mackerel.  Include nuts and seeds such as ground flax, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.

Foods to Avoid:

Certain foods may aggravate lupus symptoms, these include: alfalfa sprouts, supplements that contain alfalfa, echineacea, and soy products.

Successfully living with lupus requires insight and understanding of your personal strengths and weaknesses and setting realistic expectations.  Start with something enjoyable and achievable and work from there.  Avoid sun, eat well, get active and manage your pain and fatigue as best you can.