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Lupus patients should avoid these 5 things

Lupus patients should avoid these 5 things

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder wherein a person suffers from inflammation in the body. The inflammation can affect a person’s skin, kidneys, joints, heart, lungs, and brain too. People with lupus or a condition that makes one susceptible to lupus should ensure that they eat right. Along with treatment options, nutritional changes can impact the way in which lupus symptoms can be managed. Listed below are five foods that should be avoided by lupus patients.

Sodium
Excessive sodium in a person’s food amplifies the inflammatory response when they suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus. It also worsens kidney issues and increases blood pressure. Hence, your daily sodium consumption should be less than 2300 mg. If a person has lupus nephritis, they should further reduce their sodium intake.

Red meat
Red meat has a high saturated fat content, resulting in heart disease. Coronary complications are one of the prevalent consequences of untreated or long-term lupus. Eating red meat will only increase this risk. One should switch red meat with foods that are rich in Omega 3. Chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans, canola oil, navy beans, Brussels sprouts, and avocadoes are packed with Omega 3s. They contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protect a person against heart diseases.

Alfalfa sprouts
It is something that people with lupus should strictly avoid. Alfalfa sprouts come from the Alfalfa flower seeds. Though highly recommended otherwise, they are a strict no-no for people with lupus because they are known to cause flare-ups. Some prevalent symptoms include abnormal blood reports, muscle pain, kidney problems, and extreme tiredness. The symptoms occur due to the presence of L-canavanine, an amino acid present in Alfalfa that triggers the immune system to attack its own cells.

Sunlight
People with lupus must also avoid the sun as it can cause flare-ups and rashes. Even though some patients can be more susceptible to sunlight, everyone with lupus should be cautious outdoors. It’s best to step out while taking precautionary measures. Make sure to carry sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70.

Canned foods
Some of the healthiest foods like green vegetables and fruits are available in cans. But they have high preservative content. They also have a high degree of additives like sugar, salt, and chemicals, which make them unhealthy. All of this can result in lupus flare-ups. Hence, it is advised to opt for fresher versions of such foods.

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