Tips

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

What is lupus community?

I am not a scholar from the NIH, but I would define lupus community as a group of people doing their best to embrace vulnerability and be open and transparent about the physical, emotional, and spiritual peaks and valleys of lupus. A lupus community should be a space to support and encourage each lupus warrior and meet them where they are. To go before, walk beside, and provide a shoulder to lean on. All the while, learning, loving, and growing…together.

If you live with lupus or another chronic illness, you may start to become aware of who you want your close “community” to be. You may start to see a shift in who you gravitate towards, who you reach out to, and who you let your guard down with.

This blog is meant to explore the benefits and obstacles of this process, and delve into why it is so important to find your “community” if you have lupus.

Whether it be a support group, a religious ceremony, a music concert, or football game, experiences of collective assembly affect us. Coming together allows us an opportunity to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves; it is an opportunity to feel joy, meaning, connection, and peace.

The normal American grocery list is often filled with items that contain corn syrup, bad fats, artificial ingredients, and additives. This is dangerous and unhealthy for anyone if these items are consumed regularly. However, if you have lupus or another lupus overlap illness, a grocery list packed with these types of items can be especially dangerous.

Disclaimer: If you have certain forms of kidney disease, kidney stones, diabetes, and high blood pressure, please consult your doctor before you change your dietary habits.

Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Certain fats have been proven to be beneficial in lowering cholesterol and levels of inflammation. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been shown to lower lupus flares and nephritis (kidney lupus). Considering cardiovascular disease is the number 1 cause of death in SLE, consuming items that lower bad cholesterol and improve your heart health is a must!

For your grocery list:

• Cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring)

• Nuts and seeds (flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds)

• Plant oils (flaxseed oil, olive oil)

• Fortified foods (yogurt, eggs)

• Tofu

Foods High In Vitamin D

Most people with SLE are deficient in vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with more severe disease activity and even antiphospholipid syndrome. Vitamin D (which is really a hormone, not a vitamin) is essential for immune function and is important to keep at a healthy level.

For your grocery list:

• Oily fish (herring, swordfish)

• Mushrooms

• Egg yolks

• Fortified foods (cow’s milk, orange juice, various breakfast cereals)

High Antioxidant Foods

According to the USDA, antioxidants remove free radicals from the body which can run rampant and actually damage cells, causing serious illness and even cancers.

For your grocery list:

• Berries

• Leafy Greens

• Beans

• Turmeric

• Dark Chocolate

• Pecans

Low-Fat Foods

Typical American diets are full of high amounts of bad fats. This can lead to increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Eating healthy low fat foods is imperative in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other health complications.

For your grocery list:

• Low-fat yogurt

• Low-fat kefir

• Lean protein (turkey, chicken, lean white fish)

Healthy Carbohydrates

Unfortunately, many of the carbohydrate foods we eat are made from grains that have been stripped of the nutritious bran and germ. Research links a high intake of refined grain foods with higher levels of inflammatory markers in the body. Always read labels (look for items that say 100% whole grain, or whole wheat) and stick to healthier carbohydrate choices!

For your grocery list:

• Quinoa

• Brown rice

• Barley

• Rye

• Steel-cut oats

• 100% whole grain organic wheat bread

Colorful produce

Colorful fruits and vegetables contain valuable plant compounds that may help counter inflammation. Aim for at least five servings each day and the more colorful the better!

For your grocery list:

• Spinach

• Collard greens

• Kale

• Avocados

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Oranges, lemons, and limes!

Calcium-rich products

Steroids and other lupus medications can decrease the absorption of calcium. You need calcium for your bone health, to maintain strong teeth. The body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and other body parts.

For your grocery list:

• Low-fat cheese

• Low-fat yogurt

• Low-fat milk

• Sardines

• Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, turnips, and collard greens

• Broccoli

• Fortified cereals such as Total, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes (They have a lot of calcium in one serving.)

• Fortified orange juice

• Soybeans

Spices:

• Garlic (some say to stay away, but not enough medical evidence to support)

• Turmeric

• Ginger

• Rosemary

• Mint

• Green Tea