Dietary Guidelines for the Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Courtesy of The Lupus Group of WA (Inc)

Dietary objectives
(1) to counteract steroid therapy
(2) to replenish potassium reserves
(3) to reduce fever and replace nutrient losses.

Corticosteroids ( Prednisone, eg. Meticorten, Prednisolone, Orasone ) often take as much as they give nutritionally. All too often the drug either stops the absorption of nutrients or interferes with the cells' ability to use them. Steroid therapy has been found to be related to lowered zinc level. The following notation of drugs indicate induced deficiencies and the vitamins they deplete :

thieving drug	nutrients depleted
Aspirin	Vitamins A, B-Complex, C, Calcium, Potassium
Diuretics, eg. Diuril, hydro-diuril, Ser-Ap-Es, Lasix	B-complex, potassium, magnesium and zinc
Prednisone	Vitamin B6, D, C, zinc and potassium
Indomethacin (indocin)	Vitamins B1, and C

1. Increased appetite
2. Weight gain
3. Loss of muscle protein; increased breakdown of muscle; decreased synthesis
4. Changes the body's ability to handle glucose (blood sugar)
5. Increased depositing of fat
6. Reduces serum zinc levels
7. Sodium retention
8. Potassium less
9. Poor absorption of calcium and iron
10. Fluid retention
11. Increased need for vitamins B-6 (pyridoxine), C and D
12. Stomach irritation and gastric disturbances
13. May aggravate diabetes, hypertension or ulcers; may cause hypercholesterolemia (high cholestrol level): may cause type IV hyperlipoproteinemia.

1. Follow high in potassium include: All fruit, especially bananas, blackberries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, oranges, plums, dried fruits, rice. All vegetables, especially asparagus, broccoli, Brussels, yams, whole grain, lima beans, pumpkin, spinach, winter squash, tomatoes, dried beans and peas; milk and milk products.
2. Mildy restrict sodium intake.
3. When febrile (with fever), the diet should be high in protein and calories to compensate for nitrogen losses (protein).
4. Include rich sources of calcium in your diet. To increase absorption, consume with an acid containing food or vitamin C.
   Foods high in calcium include milk and milk products, tofu, soups made with cream, milk or cheese, broccoli, chard, all greens, okra, kale, spinach, sauerkraut, cabbage, soy beans, rutabaga, salmon, dry beans.
5. Follow a low carbohydrate, high complex carbohydrate diet to maintain weight control and avoid excess fluid.
6. Include foods rich in zinc. These foods include oysters, meats, seafood, poultry and eggs.
7. Include rich sources of iron in your diet. To increase absorption, consume with an acid containing food or one with vitamin C.
   Sources of iron include cream of wheat, liver, beef, lamb, pork, veal, chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, beans baked with molasses, prunes, prune juice, apricots, green peas, enriched breads and cereals.
8. Increase your intake o foods, high in vitamin C. These foods include broccoli, oranges, strawberries, cauliflower, cantaloupe, cabbage and green peppers.
9. Include food rich in vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine). These food include whole grain cereals, bread, liver, avocados, spinach, green beans, bananas, fish, poultry, meats, nuts, potatoes, green leafy vegetables.
10. Include foods rich in vitamin D. These include foods primarily of animal origin: eggs, butter, milk, fish oils, cereals, margarines and breads.
11. Take medications with food to decrease the irritating effect on the stomach and small intestine. Foods taken and drugs together also increase the time available for absorption of the drug.
12. Eat a relatively high protein diet. Calcium, sodium fluoride, vitamin D or calcitonin may help prevent osteoporosis.
13. Follow a diet moderately low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Disclaimer :
The Lupus Group of W.A. (Inc.) does not recommend or endorse any products, drugs, treatments, procedures, medical or health professional in this article. We suggest you discuss this information with your doctor or specialist.