Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy body cells. As a result of this you may experience inflammation and damage to your joints & body organs. Some medications that you may be prescribed can also lead to rapid weight gain that can lead to complications associated with obesity like hypertension and diabetes. There is no specific diet that is recommended for the management of lupus. However balanced meals high in nutrient-dense foods are encouraged; while fast foods, sweets and salty foods are discouraged for you to minimize organ damage and overall wellness.

Here are some dietary guidelines on what you can do to manage the condition:

As you begin, serve equal portions of carbohydrates, protein and vegetables or fruit on your plate. This will ensure that you’re getting the perfect balance of energy and fiber, to avoid getting full faster and prevent overeating which can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Add healthy calories to your diet by eating high-fiber carbohydrates which have not lost most of their nutrients through processing; examples are sweet potatoes, oats or wholemeal bread. Include high protein sources in your diet by eating dairy products, lean meats, eggs and legumes; and switch your soda or coffee with healthy smoothies made with a combination of dairy, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

If you get full faster, you don’t have to eat one large plate at a go. Divide your meals into 5 to 7 small meals across the day. What matters most is that you finish your meals to get enough calories.

There’s a lot you can do to prevent iron deficiency through diet. Have at least one iron-rich food in every meal. Have vitamin C rich foods with legumes to improve iron absorption. Lightly cook vegetables, and include iron-fortified foods such as fortified breakfast cereals and milled flours in your diet.

One common sensitivity among people with lupus is photosensitivity. As a result you may be advised to reduce your exposure to sunlight. Limiting this exposure reduces the amount of Vitamin D produced by the skin. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone formation, muscle formation and boosting immune system health. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin D are beef liver, fatty fish, egg yolk (not more than 3 pieces a week) and mushrooms.

Dietary fat is a good source of energy, but some fats may have detrimental health effects when taken in excess. These include cholesterol which may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure & other heart diseases. Foods like eggs and dairy are high in cholesterol. Therefore limit your intake to 3 eggs per week and 1 cup of dairy per day.

Aerobic or cardio exercise (jogging, running, swimming, cycling) will burn calories and help you maintain healthy weight by preventing body fat accumulation. On the other hand, strength training can help by building muscle. This includes weightlifting, push-ups, sit-ups, step-ups, lunges, squats and yoga. Start with just 15 minutes on alternate days of the week including the weekend.

Let your Antara Nutritionist know if you are having any difficulties or challenges in taking up any of the recommendations shared. Schedule an appointment HERE.