Information is always popping up regarding foods and supplements that may trigger lupus flares. The information is sometimes conflicting and not all of us are affected by the same things, but if you are having flares it might be worth looking at whether any of the following is triggering flares and eliminating them from your diet. For further information on this subject please see our previous blog Food glorious food.
Garlic
Scientists believe that three substances in garlic rev up your immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells. For this reason, garlic is often used as a supplement to combat colds and infections. unfortunately, the enhancement of immune response is counterproductive in people with autoimmune disease such as lupus, because our immune system is already overactive. As a result, people with lupus and lupus-like signs should avoid cooking with garlic and adding it to food.
Of course, a tiny amount of garlic will not harm you, but try to consciously avoid purchasing and preparing foods with garlic if it causes you issues.
Personally I have no issues with garlic and my immune system, but due to reflux issues I have been avoiding it, I use asafoetida, a yellow powder to replace garlic, it has a garlic/onion flavour and is readily available in most supermarkets.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a favourite for adding to smoothies etc. However it boosts your immune system and it may worsen certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For those taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome, spirulina may be dangerous because it could lessen your blood’s ability to clot, causing more bruising and bleeding. (Source Medical news today)
Vitamin E
There appears to be conflicting opinions on vitamin E.
It is likely that certain vitamins taken in excess can be harmful. Vitamin E has been implicated in heart disease and should be avoided. And because of possible involvement in lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, beta-carotene supplements and vitamin A, which can be converted to an active form from beta-carotene, should be taken with care, especially by smokers. (Source Lupus Foundation of America)
Despite conflicting opinions, our personal experience and a number of reviewed clinical reports indicate that vitamin E, properly administered in adequate doses, is a safe and effective treatment for chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, and may be of value in treating other types of the disease. (Source Pubmed)
Salt
Individuals with lupus have an increased risk of developing kidney problems. Taking in too much salt can worsen a person’s kidney function. Patients should avoid adding excess salt to foods and keep sodium intake to less than 3g a day.
Mushrooms:
Cordyceps, Chaga & Shiitake mushrooms might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of lupus.
Lions Mane mushrooms. These mushrooms are becoming more trendy and popular, products containing them, such as coffee and supplements, are readily available in health food shops (and even in my local farm shop!).
Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using lion's mane mushroom. (Source WebMD).
Bee Pollen I’m a big fan of bee pollen but if you are on warfarin this is also something to avoid as it may interact resulting in an increased chance of bruising or bleeding.
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that strengthens and regulates the immune system. Boosting the immune system may cause an increase in symptoms for people with lupus.
Some ‘roots’ may cause flares of lupus:
Ashwgandha root might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of lupus.
Cat’s Claw root and bark contain chemicals that might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of lupus.
Ultraprocessed food
In a study a higher intake of ultraprocessed foods increases the risk for systemic lupus by over 50% in women.
The study was led by Sinara Rossato, PhD, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston. It was published online on June 27, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research. The study was preliminary and further research was needed.
*****Before taking any supplements you should consult your doctor as some may trigger lupus flares (including those above) and some may interact with your medication, so always err on the side of caution and check before taking a supplement.
Angie Davidson
The content on this blog should not be seen as a substitute for medical advice. If you have, or think you may have lupus, always seek advice on a qualified physician. Find out more in our Terms of Use.
