This blog post will walk you through: vitamins good for lupus. Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers about this subject.
Abstract
Patients with SLE avoid the sun because of photosensitive rashes and potential for disease flare, so adequate oral supplementation is critical. This review will describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with SLE, identify risk factors for deficiency, describe the consequences of deficiency, and review current vitamin D recommendations for patients with rheumatic diseases. Vitamin D is an essential steroid hormone with well-established effects on mineral metabolism, skeletal health, and more recently established profound effects on cardiovascular and immune system health.1 Lifestyle factors have led to an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, while improved availability and reliability of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) testing have led to better awareness of widespread deficiency.
Because patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are told to avoid the sun, a common trigger of disease flares, vitamin D deficiency is even more prevalent in SLE patients than in the general population.2,3 This review will describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with SLE, identify risk factors for deficiency, describe the consequences of deficiency, and review current vitamin D recommendations for patients with SLE and other rheumatic diseases.
Best Foods To Eat For Lupus
There is no magic diet for people with lupus. Instead, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle is the best option to reduce inflammation and flare ups.
Foods High in Omega-3s
These foods are known to decrease inflammation as well as improve mood and cardiovascular health. Some foods high in calcium include:
Dairy products*
Tofu
Dark, leafy greens
Beans
*Dairy products, while high in calcium, also come with cardiovascular risk since they are high in cholesterol and saturated fats. It is important, therefore, to balance the amount of dairy in your diet.
Foods To Avoid
Anything that charges the immune system, therefore, inherently runs the risk of increasing the negative effects of an autoimmune condition like lupus. Garlic
Substances in garlic, such as allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, can boost white blood cells, which ordinarily help the body fight disease. Echinacea
Echinacea is an ingredient often found in supplements meant to boost your immune system against colds and other seasonal illnesses.
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How Does Food Affect Those With Lupus?
A well-balanced diet with proper nutrition can positively benefit those living with lupus in the following ways:
Reduce inflammation (redness and swelling) and other symptoms
Prevent nutrient deficiencies
Maintain strong bones and muscle
Combat side-effects of medications
Achieve or maintain desirable weight
Reduce risk of heart disease.