Lupus and nutrition: foods to avoid

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system makes antibodies that attack healthy cells and tissues. In the most common form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), these antibodies can attack virtually any area of the body, including joints, skin, organs, blood vessels, and nerves. This can result in a wide variety of symptoms and has the potential to be disabling.

There is no cure for lupus, but the condition can be managed with treatment. Treatment often involves avoiding things that make symptoms worse. It can also involve medications that ease symptoms and control disease activity. Focusing on overall health is an important part of treatment, as well.

Lupus and nutrition

There is no specific diet for lupus that can control and manage the disease, but nutrition should be a focus of treatment. Depending on how lupus affects the body—and the medications being used for treatment—people with lupus may have additional nutritional needs or restrictions. Because everyone’s health is different, and lupus affects different people in different ways, your best source of information about your specific nutritional needs is your healthcare team.

People with lupus are advised to follow a diet that promotes overall health. This diet should consist of plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. It's also recommended that people with lupus avoid or limit consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and foods and beverages that contain unhealthy fats, processed foods, sodium, and alcohol.

Additionally, there are some specific foods that people with lupus are advised to avoid.

Alfalfa sprouts, seeds, and supplements 

Alfalfa is a flowering legume plant. Immature alfalfa sprouts and supplements made from alfalfa plants are touted for their nutrient content and health benefits. Consuming alfalfa sprouts, seeds, and supplements have been associated with lupus flares. This is believed to be caused by an amino acid (L-canavanine) contained in the seeds and sprouts of alfalfa plants. This amino acid boosts immune system activity. This amino acid is also found in the mung bean, another legume.

Vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal supplements 

Do not take herbal or nutritional supplements without consulting your healthcare provider. Too much of specific vitamins and nutrients can stimulate disease activity and put a person with lupus at a greater risk of complications.

Your healthcare provider may recommend certain supplements or vitamins to your nutritional needs. For example, people with lupus are often deficient in vitamin D.

Talk to your healthcare provider

Remember, there is no substitute for talking to your healthcare provider about the foods you are eating and the foods you should be eating. If possible, people with lupus and other autoimmune diseases should work with a registered dietitian to address their specific needs.

Certain foods, such as garlic, have been said to cause inflammation in people with lupus. There isn’t evidence for this, however. If you eat a particular food and notice your symptoms worsen, reach out to a healthcare provider. 

In addition to good nutrition and healthful eating, it is important to focus on other key components of overall health, including exercising regularly, getting enough quality sleep, reducing stress, and taking care of mental health. These are additional topics that people with lupus should be discussing with their healthcare providers.