Good nutrition is an important part of the overall
treatment plan for your lupus. A well-balanced diet provides the
necessary fuel for your body to carry on its normal functions. Although
there are no specific dietary guidelines for people with lupus, there
are some nutrition issues that you should know about. If any of these
issues become a problem for you, talk with your doctor or nurse. They
will be able to provide you with additional information and can refer
you to a registered dietitian if necessary.
Weight loss or poor appetite: Weight loss over
the previous year is commonly reported by people who are newly diagnosed
with lupus. Weight loss and poor appetite can be caused by the illness
itself or by some medications that may cause stomach upset or mouth
sores (also called mouth ulcers).
Your doctor or nurse will assess your weight loss and
other related problems and suggest changes in your diet to be sure that
you are eating right and have no further weight loss.
Weight gain: Weight gain may be a problem for
people who take corticosteroids. These drugs often increase a person?s
appetite, and, unless you are careful, unwanted weight gain will occur.
Your doctor or nurse will assess your diet and other
related problems and can suggest a program to help you control your
weight and lose any unwanted pounds. The program will probably include a
low-fat diet, exercise, and behavior modification. A registered
dietitian can help you evaluate your food likes and dislikes and eating
patterns and can design a diet specifically for your needs and
lifestyle.
Difficulty taking medications: Several
medications can cause gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, such as
heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or painful mouth ulcers.
If you are having GI problems, tell your doctor or nurse
immediately. Because many of these problems are related to how and when
a medication is taken, the dose or schedule can sometimes be changed to
reduce or stop the unpleasant side effects. In some cases, the doctor
may change the drug. Many medications can be taken with food, which
helps reduce side effects. If you have mouth ulcers, liquid forms of the
drugs you are taking may be available. In addition, anesthetics you can
use in your mouth can decrease the pain of mouth ulcers and make
swallowing easier.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in
which the bones of the body become less dense and break easily. Although
this condition often affects older, postmenopausal women, it can also
affect anyone who takes corticosteroids for a long period of time.
Your doctor or nurse will review your medical history,
treatment plan, diet, and any risk factors you may have. Measurements of
your bone density may also be taken. Recommendations to prevent or
reduce the problem will probably include a diet high in calcium
(1,000?1,500 mg/day) and vitamin D (100?500 mg/day) and an exercise
plan that is appropriate for you. Calcium supplements may be prescribed
by your doctor if the calcium in your diet is not enough.
Steroid-induced diabetes: Diabetes is a condition
in which your body does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal
blood glucose (sugar) level. Long-term use of corticosteroids may cause
diabetes, which must be treated in the same way as it is for other
people with diabetes.
After a thorough physical and dietary exam, your doctor
will probably place you on a special diet. You should consult with a
registered dietitian who can help you understand the various aspects of
the diet, and learn to plan your meals more easily. You may also have to
take a drug to help keep your glucose levels within normal limits. For
some people, a pill may be prescribed; for others, insulin given by
injection may be necessary.
If you are diagnosed with steroid-induced diabetes, ask
your doctor or nurse to refer you to a diabetes education program. These
programs help newly diagnosed people with diabetes learn about their
disease and manage their condition so that they continue to live a
healthy and productive life. If a program is not available where you
live, a registered dietitian should be able to give you the information
you need.
Kidney disease: Because the kidney is often
affected by lupus, your doctor will probably order a variety of tests
every so often to see how well your kidneys are working. If your doctor
determines that your lupus has affected your kidneys, the goals for
treating the problem will be to preserve as much kidney function as
possible and prevent the condition from getting worse. Along with other
treatment options, you may be placed on a low-sodium (salt),
low-potassium, or low-protein diet. A registered dietitian can help you
plan meals for these diets.
Cardiovascular disease: Cardiovascular
complications of lupus include atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits build up on the
inside of the arteries. These deposits can reduce or block blood flow.
High blood pressure increases the risk of having a heart attack or
stroke. High blood pressure can happen when lupus damages the kidneys,
which help regulate blood pressure.
If your doctor determines that you have risk factors for
atherosclerosis, you will probably be placed on a low-fat diet and an
exercise plan. These will help you lower your blood cholesterol level
and maintain a good body weight. If you have high blood pressure, you
may be placed on a low-sodium diet, medication, or both. These will help
reduce your blood pressure to within normal limits.
