What foods are good for lupus erythematosus?

Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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The diet for patients with lupus erythematosus varies from person to person. Generally, the ideal food for lupus patients should have the following characteristics: an appropriate amount of high-quality protein, low fat, low salt, low sugar, and rich in vitamins and calcium. Since many lupus patients often have significant kidney damage, proteins are frequently lost in large amounts through the urine, causing hypoalbuminemia and edema. The supplementation of protein should primarily consist of high-quality animal proteins, such as milk, eggs, and lean meats. However, protein intake should also be appropriate and not excessive. Excessive intake can not only lead to incomplete absorption by the patient, increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, but also increase the excretion of nitrogenous compounds in the body, further burdening the kidneys. Lupus patients should avoid or minimize consumption of foods that can enhance photosensitivity, such as figs, rapeseed, cilantro, and celery. If consumed, they should avoid sun exposure afterwards. Mushrooms, smoked foods, and certain food dyes can also trigger lupus and should be avoided or minimized in the diet.

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Does lupus erythematosus transmit through living and eating together?

Lupus erythematosus is not contagious through sharing meals or living together. It is an autoimmune disease, not an infectious one, hence it cannot be transmitted to others by living or eating together. The exact mechanism of lupus is currently unclear, but it may be related to various factors such as sex hormones, genetics, infections, and physical and chemical factors, and it is more commonly seen in females. Clinically common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, oral ulcers, hair loss, etc. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the affected target organ. If lupus nephritis occurs, symptoms such as edema can appear. If the lungs are involved, it can promote pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, and in severe cases, patients may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

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Will the rash of lupus fade away?

Patients with lupus often experience recurrent, stubborn skin lesions on their hands or face, and some may even develop ulceration, atrophy, or scarring on top of the existing erythema. Most lupus patients exhibit erythema, centered around the bridge of the nose and appearing on the cheeks. The lesions are disc-like on both sides with generally clear boundaries, either flat or slightly raised, and are categorized as exudative inflammation. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, the erythema can range from light red, bright red to purple-red. In severe cases, localized edema resembling erysipelas may occur, and scaling and hyperpigmentation may appear as the inflammation subsides. Facial rashes generally resolve, and most rashes do not leave marks after resolution. If hyperpigmentation remains after the erythema has resolved, it suggests a good prognosis. However, erythema in other areas, such as acral erythema and reticular cyanosis, may last for varying durations depending on the patient's individual condition.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Lupus erythematosus taking steroids side effects

Patients with lupus mainly use steroid treatment, but steroids have many side effects during their application, such as increased blood pressure, inducing or exacerbating infections, inducing or aggravating peptic ulcers, necrosis of the femoral head, osteoporosis and vertebral compressive fractures, delaying wound healing in injured patients, increasing blood sugar, etc. Additionally, steroids can cause nervous sensitivity, agitation, insomnia, emotional changes, and even apparent mental symptoms, inducing seizures such as epilepsy. Some patients may also have suicidal tendencies. Therefore, it is necessary to use medication rationally under the guidance of a doctor, reduce the dosage timely, and effectively prevent and treat to minimize the occurrence of side effects. Taking steroids can also lead to weight gain; hair loss is relatively less common. The occurrence of side effects varies among individuals and should be tailored to the patient's specific condition.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can people with lupus eat mangoes?

For patients with lupus erythematosus, we recommend caution in consuming mangoes. Mangoes are among the fruits that commonly cause allergies. After allergic reactions, most people develop rashes, and skin redness is a symptom of lupus erythematosus. If an allergy is triggered, it can worsen the redness and may also be confused with the rash associated with lupus patients. We can eat some grapes, as grapes are a nourishing food that promotes health and longevity. We can also eat some watermelons, which are rich in water and act as a natural nutrient solution, containing various nutrients. However, the intake of food should not be excessive.

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For lupus, register under the department of Rheumatology.

Patients with lupus should visit the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, as lupus is a clinically complex autoimmune disease. Many people think that lupus is a skin disease, but this is not the case. Lupus is a rheumatic and immunological disease, belonging to the category of rheumatic immunological diseases, and is an uncommon autoimmune disease.