The Recommended Nutrition Plan for Lupus Patients

As an autoimmune disease, “lupus” is an aggressive health condition that should not be taken lightly. More specifically, the patients of this disorder need to treat their condition with as much care as possible. Because of the diversity found within the human body, each lupus patient has different necessities that require special care. From a general stand point, every humans body reacts differently based on what influences these differences. Therefore, an individual that struggles with lupus is incredibly sensitive to the elements that react with their immune system. One of the most important aspects in managing lupus would be a proper diet.

A healthy and functional diet is a fundamental aspect for battling lupus. However, the basic functions of a healthy human’s immune system are gigantic in proportion to that of an individual with lupus. As a result of this, lupus patients need to be cautious and conscious of the nutrients that enter their bodies. According to Goldman Foung, “First and foremost, everybody — and every body — is different," Goldman Foung says. "And depending on the kind of lupus you have and the drugs you might take, recommended diets will vary from person to person. This is why it’s important to discuss nutrition with your doctor or a dietitian before embarking on a new diet adventure” (Foung). In this article, several topics concerning proper dieting skills while battling the lupus condition will be discussed.

Because each body is different, a lupus patient should discover a dietary system that works best for that given individual. Essentially, lupus patients need to keep their diets simple and controlled if they wish to avoid the consequences that are associated with poor lupus dieting habits. Because lupus is an autoimmune disease, a lupus patient should gravitate towards the foods that would boost that particular patient’s immune system. Sotiria Everett is a clinical assistant professor that claims lupus patients should “want to eat a diet that’s low in fat and sugar and has lots of fruits and vegetables. You should get some of your protein from fish and eat lots of beans and legumes because they’re high in fiber, vitamin B, and iron" (Everett). Vitamin “B”, also known as vitamin “B12” is an excellent nutrient that enhances the body’s ability to keep the nerve and blood cells healthy. Staying healthy should be a fundamental concern for lupus patients. Stability is a reoccurring theme in the world of a lupus patient. At a molecular level, the blood cells and organs of these patients do not react properly with various chemicals and nutrients.

Lupus patients have a disadvantage when it comes to how their blood cells are produced. Because of their condition, the irregular nature of a lupus patient’s immune system causes their healthy cells and tissue to dismantle themselves. Any form of immune system protection would be advantageous for the average lupus patient. Goldman Foung goes on to say that “a diet rich in vegetables gives me energy and keeps me feeling strong and healthy." She typically eats meals filled with dark leafy greens and other colorful vegetables, eats lots of whole grains, and limits her consumption of meat and processed foods. “I also try to drink fresh-pressed beet juice as often as possible,” she adds. “It’s a great way to sneak in some of those body-boosting ingredients” (Foung). Goldman Foung brings up an interesting point by demonstrating how simple daily routines can benefit the lives of individuals with lupus. To truly gain an advantage over the lupus condition, lupus patients need to value the idea of practicing specialized eating disciplines. For some, these disciplines can include eating healthy snack foods throughout the day. By doing this, not only does the lupus patient curb their appetite, but the patient also increases the strength of their immune system.

A problem that lupus patients face outside of their own bodily limitations would be asking for assistance. Although seemingly invisible, lupus patients still contain a serious medical condition if left untreated. Less experienced lupus patients tend to not understand the full magnitude of their conditions. There is a difference between eating and understand what one is consuming. Generally, when a medical patient is uncertain as to how they should treat their condition, the patient will make sure that they consult with their doctor about their eating habits. However, many lupus patients are either unaware of their condition or the choose to neglect it. Lupus is also considered to be a disease that occurs because of a pre-existing medical condition. Jessica Goldman Foung believes that “most people with lupus, the two big things to avoid are high-fat and processed foods. If you have issues like kidney disease, fluid retention, or high blood pressure, you may also need to talk to your doctor about salt restriction as well” (Foung). Lupus is a difficult condition by itself. By adding more diseases and health conditions to a patient’s body, the patient now has a higher risk of not surviving their afflictions.

A concerned lupus patient needs to be conscious of the foods that they put in their body. With that being said, there are several food items that lupus patients should stay away from. The foods to stay away from would include processed foods, alfalfa sprouts, garlic and large quantities of alcohol. Specific grains such as white bread, pasta and white rice should also be avoided because of the large amounts of processed sugar. Jessica Goldman Foung claims that “by replacing processed goods, packaged foods, and takeout food with meals full of fresh ingredients,” her diet is “tastier and healthier” (Foung). Because food is designed to act as fuel, there will always be culinary options for lupus patients. Lupus commands many sacrifices that need to be made so that lupus patients can function properly. Food choices are one of the biggest sacrifices made by lupus patients.

Maintaining an ideal level of wellness is taken for granted by most, but not for those with lupus, this can be a difficult task to manage. These individuals are forced to step out of their comfort zones because their bodies will not allow them to function properly. However, the deficiencies found in the immune systems of lupus patients can be supplemented by establishing regular eating habits. The importance of developing these eating habits is demonstrated by the amount of successful and well-functioning lupus patients in the world. The fact that these bold individuals can continue to lead normal lives is a major credit towards their strength. Jessica Goldman Foung explained it best when she stated, “You need to eat meals that are balanced and heart-healthy, with nutrient-dense foods that minimize inflammation.

It’s not complicated, but there are some basics to follow” (Foung). Essentially, to survive living with lupus, the patients must completely understand their limitations as well as their strengths. Because of their bodily restrictions, lupus patients have managed to discover new freedoms, inside of their limitations. For lupus patients, finding a way to manage their disease is an everyday battle. This challenge is exacerbated by the limited selection of nutritious choices for lupus patients. These challenges increase because of the diversity of the affected individuals. The bodily functions of each lupus patient are different from the next. As a result of these differences, each lupus patient is required to uncover their nutritional equilibrium. Each lupus patient has found their own way to manage their eating habits, and more often than not, these patients succeed in their day to day lives.