Be sure to talk with your provider about whether an anti-inflammatory diet (including supplements) might offer benefits.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
These can includelupus, scleroderma,polymyositis, and less often,rheumatoid arthritis.
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Foods to Eat
Focusing on simple, whole foods can help you with an anti-inflammatory diet.
Many of those foods containantioxidants.
They are vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other substances that fight inflammation and cellular damage.
Fruit
Fresh fruits that are red, purple, or bluish contain high amounts of antioxidants calledanthocyanins.
They are antioxidants and also antimicrobial, meaning they help kill bacteria and viruses.
Citrus fruits are known for their vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory.
Fruits to focus on include:
Fruit is also a good source of fiber.
Good sources include:
Choose vegetables that are dark or vividly colored.
They have the highest amounts of antioxidants.
However, some research shows they have disease-fighting properties along with high nutritional value and few calories.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are packed with fiber.
Good choices include:
Be sure the products you buy are using the entire grain.
Foods rich in omega-3s include:
you could also get omega-3s through supplements as well.
Prebiotics
Prebioticscan help your gut probiotics to flourish and keep your digestive system functioning well.
They also help calm the immune system.
Probiotics and Autoimmune Disease
Probioticshave long been known to impact the immune system.
Foods to Avoid
Autoimmune disease puts your immune system into overdrive.
So avoiding certain “immune-boosting” foods can helps support a calm and effective immune system.
Garlic is in a lot of packaged foods and echinacea is in herbal teas and supplement blends.
Many packaged foods have high levels of sodium and sugar.
Always involve your healthcare provider(s) in choices about diet and supplements.
They can steer you away from selections that may affect your disease.
You may also benefit from seeking advice from a dietitian.
Finding What Works for You
General recommendations about diet are a good place to start.
But it will take time and experimentation to see what helps each individual the most.
Avoid highly processed foods, and foods high in sodium and sugar.
It may help to cook your meals at home.
A food diary and elimination diet can help you figure out what works for you.
Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms using lifestyle changes and medication.
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