Can what you eat make a difference?
Categories: For Potential Participants, [Lupus, Diet]
There has been a lot of interest in whether certain foods can help people with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus). Can diet and nutrition help with symptoms such as weight change, fatigue, and anemia, or complications such as osteoporosis? Remember, you may be advised to follow a special diet by a hospital dietician if you have lupus nephritis (affecting the kidneys).
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy weight when you have lupus. Fatigue can make food preparation challenging, so it is important to keep your dietary routine achievable. Weight gain can increase symptoms. Treatments used to control symptoms, such as steroids, can cause further weight gain. A healthy, balanced diet, with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains and some protein such as meat and fish, can help you manage your weight. You can help maintain good eating habits by making extra food when you have more energy.
What foods should you avoid? Alfalfa sprouts contain high levels of L-canavanine, which can stimulate your immune system and may cause a flare of symptoms. Saturated fat and trans fat, found in meat and processed meat products, cakes, pastries, and biscuits, may also stimulate the immune system and contribute to coronary heart disease. People with lupus are already at an increased risk, so it is best to limit foods containing these types of fat.
Why should you try to include certain foods?
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can improve overall health and well-being, but there are no specific foods which can cure lupus symptoms.
Interested in learning more about systemic lupus erythematosus? Register on ClinicalResearch.com to receive news about lupus and related IQVIA clinical trials. Check ClinicalResearch.com often for updates and news on a variety of disease areas and to find out more about some of the latest clinical research trials.
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