Anti-Inflammatory Lupus Diet - could it be true?

My local lupus foundation (LFA, DC/MD/VA) recently provided these guidelines for an Anti-Inflammatory diet to my lupus support group. I think they have some great tips - I've tried (and had success with) many of the items mentioned, so see what you think. As always, I recommend checking with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle regimen. No need to put the body into a state of shock. I'd say lupus has that base covered, don't you?

Have any other ideas? Feel free to leave a comment. I think all of us are up for suggestions on how to tame the swelling!

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Anti-Inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce symptoms of inflammation and prevent the development of complications and advanced diseases related to chronic inflammation.

General Dietary Guidelines

-Incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet – they provide a good source of

antioxidants

-Minimize your consumption of processed foods

-Aim for a large variety in the types of foods you consume

-Fresh foods are always best

-Choose organic when possible

Minimize the intake of:

-Dairy products (except high quality natural cheese and yogurt)

-Animal protein (specifically red meat)

-Highly processed foods (crackers, cookies, breads, canned products)

- Products made with high fructose corn syrup.

- Saturated fat by eating less butter, cream, high-fat cheese, unskinned chicken and fatty

meats, and products made with palm kernel oil.

- Avoid margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products listing them as ingredients.

-Avoid all products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind.

Increase the intake of:

-Whole Grains

-Vegetable protein, especially from beans. Become familiar with whole-soy foods

-Fiber (aim for 30grams a day)

-Omega-3 Fatty Acids; specifically salmon (preferably fresh or frozen wild or canned sockeye), sardines packed in water or olive oil, herring, and black cod (sablefish, butterfish); omega-3 fortified eggs; hemp seeds and flaxseeds (preferably freshly ground); or take a fish oil supplement (look for products that provide both EPA and DHA, in a convenient daily dosage of two to three grams).

- Choose whole grains over refined

Antioxidants:

-Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, strawberries, blueberries

-Vitamin E – Vegetable Oils, Kiwi, Wheat germ, Green leafy vegetables

- Polyphenolic antioxidants – Tea, Coffee, Soy, Fruits, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Cinnamon,

Red Wine

-Vitamin A – Carrots, squash, broccoli, tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, peaches, apricots

Anti-inflammatory Supplements: *A doctor can provide dosage amounts and instructions

Fish oil

Ginger

CoQ10

alpha-lipoic acid

**Information above reposted with permission: Erin Lewis MS RD LDN CNSC