Dietary Recommendations For Lupus

Q: I'm afflicted with lupus. Do you have any dietary suggestions pertaining to my condition? 

A: Unfortunately, there are no foods or combinations of foods known to be helpful for lupus. And no specific foods have been identified that should be avoided. As a result, I can't offer any specific dietary recommendations to you that will control symptoms and signs of lupus.

However, it's been increasingly recognized that people with lupus have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (such as stroke and heart attack) than people without lupus. And diet can make a big difference in one's cardiovascular disease risk.

So, I would recommend a "heart-healthy" diet—not because it may make your lupus better, but because it can help prevent cardiovascular problems. Such a diet might include:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• High, fiber, low-fat foods, especially whole grains
• Limited intake of saturated and trans fat; instead choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (as found in nuts, fish, and canola oil)
• Alcohol in moderation, for those that choose to drink
• Moderation in total calorie intake (to avoid obesity)

Of course, there are measures you can take besides modifying your diet to keep your heart healthy. Don't smoke. Exercise regularly. And get your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels checked regularly. Keep them in an ideal range through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medications.

Some day we may discover particular foods or diets that help or worsen lupus. Until that happens, the dietary focus for people with lupus should be less about lupus and more about the heart.

See All Harvard Articles on Cardiovascular Health   

More on MSN Health & Fitness:

• What Is Lupus?
• Immunosuppressive Medications for Lupus
• Matters of the Heart

Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

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