5 Foods That May Cause Lupus Flare Ups
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in various body parts. Symptoms of lupus vary from person to person, but characteristically include fever, joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. There is no cure for lupus, but flare-ups can be managed to help lessen their impact.
Lupus flare ups can vary in severity and duration, making it essential for people with lupus to learn how to recognize the early signs and take steps to manage them. One common way to keep on top of flare ups is to recognize and avoid trigger foods.
The following five foods are known to trigger flare ups of the disease:
1. Alfalfa sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are seedlings that contain an amino acid called L-canavanine, which can break down proteins in the body, producing effects that mirror lupus. The sprouts may cause headaches, stomach pain, and skin rashes when eaten. These symptoms can last up to three days after consumption. If eaten in high enough quantities, alfalfa sprouts can even lead to death. It is possible, however, to eat alfalfa without experiencing symptoms. By removing the lower leaves and cutting them into small pieces, the effects are diminished, making the sprouts safe for consumption again.
2. Fried foods
Fried foods, including french fries, onion rings, fried fish, and fried chicken, may cause lupus flare ups because of the oil used to cook them. Oils high in saturated fat, especially coconut and palm oil, can raise cholesterol levels and increase inflammation, so foods cooked in these oils should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.
3. Creamy soups and sauces
Creamy soups and sauces made from dairy products can trigger lupus. These products contain a protein called casein that causes lupus flare-ups. For some, dairy products may not cause a reaction, while others can have an inflammatory response leading to pain in the joints or skin rashes. Thus, for some, removing dairy products from the diet or restricting their intake can help lessen the effects of a flare-up. The fumes from cooking with dairy products can also cause a reaction in people with lupus, causing pain and inflammation.
4. Red and cured meats
Red meat is thought to cause inflammation. The amino acid carnitine is found in high quantities in meats like pork and beef. While consuming these meats does not affect everyone with lupus, those who experience the reaction tend to feel a sharp pain around the skull base. The pain is caused by a build-up of carnitine in the body. It may be alleviated by reducing red meat or increasing water intake to flush it out of the system. Red meat also contains high levels of saturated fat, which can cause inflammation in people with lupus. Cured meats like bacon, sausage, and ham should also be avoided, as they have high quantities of nitrates, which can build up in the body and cause a reaction. These symptoms are similar to those experienced with red meats and also include sharp pains around the skull base.
5. Whole dairy products
Whole dairy products are often made with the fatty parts of the milk. These fats, called triglycerides, can cause skin problems and increase inflammation in people with lupus. The cream that settles on whole milk is pure fat and should be removed before consumption. Removing the fatty components from the product decreases inflammation, which helps to ease symptoms and fight lupus flare-ups.