Lupus is one of the commonly diagnosed autoimmune diseases wherein the immune system attacks the body and healthy cells of different organs. Inflammation, one of the leading symptoms of lupus, can affect the heart, lungs, brain, skin, kidneys, blood cells, and major joints as the condition progress. Lupus can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. Eliminating certain foods can help manage and reverse the progression of this autoimmune disorder. Here are eight such foods to avoid.

Salt
Salt is one of the most popular condiments that gives flavor to all foods and even some beverages. However, the sodium found in salt is bad for someone already suffering from lupus symptoms. Excessive sodium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack linked to lupus. It is better to control salt intake once the condition is diagnosed. Nutritionists recommend ordering sauces and appetizers without salt so that some can be added when necessary while serving the food. Salt should be consumed in moderation or substituted for some other condiment that adds flavor to the food. Popular alternatives include pepper, lemon, herbs, curry powder, and turmeric.

Processed meats
Precut meats, deli meats, and other types of red meats bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with additives and preservatives and are high in saturated fat content. These include sausages, bacon, hot dogs, pork, beef, and other fatty cuts of red meats should be eliminated from daily foods. The high-fat content can trigger an imbalance in cholesterol levels, thus increasing the risk of a heart attack. Also, red meats have minimal beneficial nutrients, so it is better to switch to fish options that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In place of meats, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring are excellent substitutes for healthy fats and proteins.

Refined and baked goods
Most processed foods, baked goods, and confectionaries in the supermarket are rich in fats, sugar, and salt. These include refined bread, pastas, rice, sweets, cakes, biscuits, breakfast cereals, syrups, and dressings. Processed and refined foods can trigger inflammation, one of the main triggers of lupus flareups. Also, the body’s digestive system can process only a finite number of calories and carbohydrates. Any excess left over in the bloodstream can elevate cholesterol levels. So, it is better to switch to wholesome alternatives in grains and baked goods. Whole foods are rich in soluble fibers that aid digestion and further prevent gut complications, thus boosting immunity.

Alfalfa
Lupus is an autoimmune condition, which means the flareups are triggered due to the body’s immune system attacking its own healthy cells. Alfalfa sprouts contain specific L-canavanine compounds that are known to either trigger or mimic lupus syndrome. These sprouts can stimulate the immune system and raise inflammatory responses. So, it is necessary to eliminate these sprouts if any underlying symptoms flare up. Alfalfa can also cause fatigue and muscle weakness and trigger sharp bouts of pain as the body rejects the compounds.

Garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent herbs belonging to the allium family of vegetables. Nutritionists recommend including garlic for its anti-inflammatory and potent chronic disease-fighting properties. However, garlic contains compounds like ajoene, thiosulfates, and allicin, all of that can trigger lupus flareups. Garlic is also an active stimulant that puts the immune system into hyperdrive, making it worse for someone who is already suffering from lupus symptoms. It is okay to consume garlic in moderation, but nutritionists recommend avoiding the herb while undergoing treatment for lupus.

Nightshade vegetables
Nightshade vegetables boast a rich source of antioxidants that help reverse and prevent oxidative damage to healthy cells. One of the key compounds in nightshade vegetables is anthocyanins. It lowers the risk of many cancers and chronic infections and also helps manage diabetes among adults to a great extent. Top picks include tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants used in daily food preparations. However, several of these vegetables may trigger inflammation and cause the symptoms to flareup upon regular intake. Though studies are not conclusive of this observation, nutritionists still suggest it is better to eliminate and substitute nightshade vegetables for cruciferous and leafy greens as an alternative source of antioxidants.

Echinacea
Nutritionists also suggest using certain supplements to support the immune system and boost protection against common colds and infections. Echinacea is extracted from a common coneflower plant and is quite a resourceful supplement given to manage blood sugar and prevent inflammation. It boasts a number of qualities and is quite the potent naturally occurring supplement that helps lower the risk of several chronic complications. However, it is also one of the number one triggers linked to lupus flare-ups and should be avoided after a diagnosis is confirmed. In fact, echinacea supplements are generally avoided for most commonly diagnosed autoimmune diseases.

Flavored sodas and aerated drinks
Flavored drinks and fizzy sodas contain the richest concentration of sugar in liquid form. Unknowingly or willingly, people are consuming several spoons of sugar with just a few glasses of these fizzy drinks. Sodas can severely impact blood sugar levels, and the resulting imbalance can trigger complications among those who are already diabetic. Studies also show that lupus tends to increase insulin resistance among older adults. Even natural fruit juices contain fructose, a natural sugar that can trigger an imbalance in blood sugar levels. It is advisable to consult with a nutritionist to discuss suitable alternatives to processed and store-bought beverages.

Understand that changes in daily nutrition should only be done under the careful supervision of certified nutritionists. It is common for the human body to experience an adverse reaction when certain foods are substituted or eliminated from daily meal plans. It is advisable to discuss all the pros and cons before making any changes for the long term. Older adults must be extra vigilant and pay close attention to any discomforts that persist after making a change.