A lupus diet focuses on eating foods that are rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3. These nutrients have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage inflammation and lower the risk of complications like weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Including probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha in a lupus diet helps maintain a healthy gut microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and reduce symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are also important for providing essential nutrients and promoting overall health.

To prevent flare-ups and inflammation, a lupus diet should limit the consumption of sugary, fatty, and ultra-processed foods, as well as alcohol and certain sprouts that can trigger symptoms. Following a balanced meal plan and consulting a registered dietitian can manage lupus symptoms and help improve quality of life.

Foods to eat

The main foods that should be prioritized in a lupus diet include:

Whole grains, such as brown rice, corn, whole wheat bread, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, and oats
Red fruits and berries, such as strawberries, watermelon, cherries, blackberries, grapes, and pomegranates
Other fresh fruits, such as oranges, melon, papaya, kiwi, acerola, starfruit, and Surinam cherries
Vegetables and leafy greens, such as onions, tomatoes, arugula, broccoli, spinach, scarlet eggplant, okra, and zucchini
Foods rich in omega-3, such as flaxseed, olive oil, salmon, sardines, Brazil nuts, and walnuts
Lean proteins, such as chicken, eggs, turkey, and tofu
Legumes, such as chickpeas, soybeans, beans, and lentils
Natural herbs, such as basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and rosemary
Spices, such as turmeric, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and curry
Low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, ricotta, and cottage cheese
Natural unsweetened teas, such as green tea, mint, ginger, and lemon balm

In addition, probiotic foods such as plain yogurt, kefir, and kombucha help maintain a healthy gut microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

Foods to avoid or eat in moderation

When maintaining a lupus diet, it is important to avoid or limit foods such as:

Foods high in sugar, such as jams, ice cream, cakes, puddings, sodas, concentrated juices, candies, and “hidden” sugars found in sauces and yogurts
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, cookies, and regular pasta
Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as beef, processed meats, fried snacks, and full-fat dairy products like whole milk, butter, and high-fat cheeses
Ultra-processed foods, such as instant noodles, breakfast cereals, ready-made sauces, and seasoning mixes
Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, sparkling wine, and vodka

Additionally, alfalfa sprouts and mung beans should also be avoided, as they contain high amounts of L-canavanine, an amino acid that can trigger lupus symptoms, inflammation, fatigue, and muscle pain.

Meal plan for lupus

The following table outlines a sample of a 3-day meal plan for a lupus diet:

Meal	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Breakfast	1 glass of cherry juice with 1 cm of ginger + 1 slice of whole grain bread with 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese	1 cup of unsweetened mint tea + 1 tapioca made with 3 tablespoons of hydrated tapioca, 1 tablespoon of chia, linseed and sesame seeds and 2 slices of ricotta cheese + 3 strawberries	1 cup of ginger tea + 1 whole grain French bun with 2 slices of white cheese + 1 pear
Morning snack	4 tablespoons of chopped avocado with 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 walnuts	200g low-fat natural yogurt with 1 tablespoon of rolled oats and 1 chopped banana	1 red apple baked with cinnamon + 1 Brazil nut
Lunch	3 tablespoons of brown rice, 3 tablespoons of beans, 1 chicken thigh stewed with 3 tablespoons of okra, 1 side plate of lettuce, arugula, watercress and tomato salad, seasoned with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 orange	1 cup of whole wheat pasta with homemade tomato sauce + 200 g of grilled tofu + 4 tablespoons of red pepper, zucchini, red onion and garlic roasted in the oven with 1 drizzle of olive oil + 1 persimmon	3 tablespoons of brown rice + 1 piece of roasted salmon + 2 tablespoons of black-eyed pea salad + 1 side plate of raw grated cabbage and carrot salad, seasoned with 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 kiwi
Afternoon snack	1 smoothie made with 150 ml of skim milk or plant-based milk (rice, oat or soy) and 1/2 red apple with skin	1 bowl of porridge made with 2 tablespoons of oat flour, 200 ml of skim milk or plant-based milk and 1 pinch of cinnamon powder	1 serving of low-fat natural yogurt with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds and 4 purple grapes
Dinner	1 serving of pureed vegetable soup made with pumpkin, leek, onion and olive oil + 1 slice of whole grain bread + 1 peach	1 serving of vegetable soup, made with cauliflower, potatoes, carrots and zucchini, seasoned with garlic, onion, turmeric and olive oil + 1 slice of melon	1 side plate of zucchini and carrot noodles with homemade tomato sauce + grilled chicken breast fillet + salad with lettuce, tomato and onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 slice of watermelon

This meal plan is just an example of a lupus diet meal plan, as day-to-day meal plans may vary depending to the person's general health, weight, age and personal preferences. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a registered dietitian for a complete assessment and an individualized meal plan.

Supplements for lupus

Lupus patients who present with nutritional deficiencies may be prescribed dietary supplements by a doctor or registered dietitian to help manage inflammation. The most common supplements for lupus include vitamin D and omega-3, which dosing and frequency indicated by a health care professional.

Lupus Diet: Food List, Meal Plan & Which Foods to Avoid

Foods to eat

Foods to avoid or eat in moderation

Meal plan for lupus

Supplements for lupus

References