Lupus/SLE

It is unclear what the actual prevalence of lupus is, but it has been estimated that in the U.S. it is approximately 161,000 to 322,000, or 0.1% of the population.¹ Most of those diagnosed with lupus are young women.

Common symptoms of lupus may include:

• joint and muscle pain
• fatigue
• low-grade fever
• rashes
• chest pain
• hair loss
• anemia
• mouth sores
• swollen lymph nodes
• skin sensitivity to light

If lupus goes uncontrolled, severe consequences can occur including organ damage and death. Persons with lupus have a higher risk of blood clots, kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke.

Little is known about what exactly causes lupus in individuals, but investigators believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as diet, toxin exposures, and intestinal bacteria imbalance.

Diet

• Identify specific or general triggers to the disease to reduce or remove (which may be individual to each person). Many with lupus will find they are sensitive to gluten, processed foods such as sugar, animal products, alfalfa, and figs. Other foods are less common triggers, such as certain nuts, soy, nightshades, or corn, for example. A vegan, gluten-free diet has shown to be quite helpful for many with autoimmune disease, including those with lupus.
• Maximize the intake of immune system regulating, anti-inflammatory foods such as high fiber, high micronutrient-dense foods including green vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, are recommended to be eaten every day.
• Anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cloves, garlic, and cinnamon should be used to season dishes.
• Fruit intake may need to be reduced to low or moderate amounts.
• Talk to your doctor before and after making changes to your diet and supplement regimen if you have a chronic disease or if you are taking any medication, as medication changes may be necessary.

Probiotics

Research has suggested that healthy bacteria in our intestines may be protective and help to keep a normal functioning immune system. Although eating a fiber-rich diet helps to build up healthy bacteria over time, many with lupus find it helpful to take supplemental probiotics. Ask your doctor to discuss if taking probiotics is right for you.

Omega-3 supplementation

Taking omega-3 supplements helps reduce inflammation and has been shown to be helpful for persons with lupus.¹ If considering high doses of omega-3, consult your doctor first as it is not appropriate for everyone.