Lupus: Healthy Eating

To date, no diet is known to cure, prevent, or relieve Reference lupus Opens New Window (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) symptoms. But poor nutrition makes it harder for your body to battle chronic illness. To make sure that you have a healthful, balanced diet, your doctor may oversee your food intake or refer you to a Reference registered dietitian Opens New Window. Consider the following tips when you plan your daily diet:

• Avoid or cut down on caffeine. Reducing caffeine intake improves sleep and can diminish the stomach upset caused by some of the drugs prescribed for lupus care.
• Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. This type of diet may make you less vulnerable to conditions—especially heart disease—that are linked with lupus and the steroid treatment of lupus.
• Get enough Reference calcium and vitamin D in your diet. If you are taking Reference corticosteroids Opens New Window to treat lupus, you are at risk for Reference osteoporosis Opens New Window.
• If you have kidney disease, follow your doctor's or registered dietitian's advice about protein and salt intake.
• Get your vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet should give you enough vitamins and minerals. But you may need supplements if your appetite is poor or to counteract the effects of certain medicines (for example, extra calcium while taking corticosteroids). Do not take supplements without your doctor's or dietitian's guidance.

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