Just like any other long-term autoimmune diseases out there, lupus has no cure. However, there are treatments available that can help manage the many different symptoms. The goal is to keep flare-ups at bay, and one of the things that may be done is minding one’s diet carefully.

This article will talk about some of the foods that should be avoided by individuals who are suffering from lupus. So if you have the said autoimmune disease, keep on reading.

Junk Food

Everyone knows that it’s a must to stay away from junk food. If you are suffering from lupus, it’s even more important for you to avoid it. That’s because trans fat found abundantly in junk food can ruin your health big time.

It’s not unlikely for someone with lupus to gain unnecessary pounds. Well, it’s exactly for this reason why anything with trans fat should be banned from your life. Doctors say that there are many health complications associated with being obese or overweight, and they can definitely worsen life with lupus.

Red Meat

Due to the fact that it’s loaded with saturated fat and bad cholesterol, the consumption of red meat is something that you should considerably limit. It’s very important for you to make sure that your heart is out of harm’s way — it’s one of the various vital organs that lupus tends to affect.

The good news is you don’t really have to cut ties with meat. What you need to do is opt for healthier alternatives to red meat such as free-range chicken and oily types of fish that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

Salty Stuff

Anything salty that is served before you should be pushed away to the other side of the table. That’s because a diet that’s high in salt is bad for the blood pressure. Health authorities say that high blood pressure is something that can wreak havoc on your heart whether or not you are diagnosed with lupus.

By the way, it’s not just your heart that is in danger if your blood pressure is elevated as a result of eating salty foods, but also those bean-shaped kidneys of yours.

Alfalfa

There is no denying that alfalfa is one of the most nutritious vegetables around. It’s also being used as a medicinal plant for hundreds of years now. Unfortunately for a lupus sufferer like you, alfalfa should be banned from your diet. Experts say that some of the compounds in it can activate the immune system, thus causing flare-ups.

It’s also a good idea for you to steer clear of garlic. Just like alfalfa, this common culinary and medicinal herb can cause various lupus symptoms to worsen or come into being.

Coffee

It can be very tempting for anyone who suffers from lupus to have a cup of coffee on a regular basis in order to have his or her energy levels increased. Unfortunately, this well-loved beverage is something that should be avoided most especially if there are digestive system-related symptoms — coffee can exacerbate them.

However, if you have lupus it’s not just coffee that you should refrain from drinking but also others that have caffeine in them. Worry not because green tea is a welcome addition to your diet. The same is true for herbal teas, most especially those that help in soothing the digestive system.

Alcohol

The action of some of the medications commonly taken by individuals with lupus for symptom management can be affected by alcohol. Needless to say, drugs (for alleviating symptoms) and alcohol don’t mix.

Experts say, fortunately, there is really no need for you to completely turn your back on alcohol. A glass of beer or red wine every now and then is perfectly fine. In fact, such can be good for your heart. Just make sure that you don’t overdo things — lupus sufferers are known to encounter some of the worst hangovers on the face of the planet.