Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: Best Diets for You

Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: Best Diets for You

Autoimmune and rheumatic diseases are inflammatory conditions. There are a wide variety of options that treat symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. However, your doctor will likely recommend you start eating foods that fight inflammation and avoid foods that cause it. 

 

Eating healthy isn’t a secret formula that has been hidden for years, but it is often overlooked. If you have a chronic condition, adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet are keys to improving overall health and reducing flare-ups. 

 

Best Diets for Inflammation

Start your shopping list here! Each chronic condition below includes examples of foods that help to reduce inflammation as well as foods that cause inflammation, that you need to eliminate. These are not complete lists, so we’ve provided links in the references section for your use as well. You may also see commonalities in the list, such as foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids like some types of fish. Foods that contain these fatty acids help fight inflammation and can be added to any diet.

Best Foods for Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema

• Foods that Help:

• • Salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and herring
  • Yogurt with live active cultures, miso soup, kefir, and sauerkraut
  • Cherries, spinach, kale, and broccoli

• Foods to Avoid:
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Tomatoes
  • Spices- Cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.
  • Alcohol

Best Foods for Lupus 

• Foods that Help:

• • Canola oil
  • Ground flaxseed
  • Fish
  • Fruits/Veggies

• Foods to Avoid:

• • Alfalfa Sprouts
  • Garlic
  • Fried foods
  • Creamed soups and sauces
  • Alcohol

 

Best Foods for Psoriasis

• Foods that Help:

• • Leafy Greens
  • Berries/Cherries
  • Salmon, sardines, herring
  • Thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger

• Foods to Avoid:

• • Dairy
  • Fatty cuts of red meat
  • Processed foods and refined sugar
  • Alcohol

Best Foods for Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) 

• Foods that Help:

• • Soybeans
  • Okra
  • Cheese
  • Egg yolk
  • Spinach
  • Sardines, salmon

• Foods to Avoid:

• • Red meat
  • Margarine
  • Alcohol
  • Sugary drinks, or foods with added sugar

Best Foods for Psoriatic Arthritis

• Foods that Help:

• • Dark Chocolate, tea, and coffee
  • Dried, ground spices
  • Avocados
  • Salmon and tuna
  • Olive oil
  • Chia and flax seeds
  • Corn, brown and wild rice

• Foods to Avoid:

• • Red meat
  • Dairy
  • Processed Foods
  • Foods high in sugar
  • Alcohol

 

Advancing Treatment Options for Inflammatory Conditions

It is important to remember that everyone’s body is different. What causes a flare-up in one person may not result in another. So, before you begin any diet, please consult with your doctor to find the right plan for you.

Changing your diet is only one of the ways to help reduce flare-ups for chronic inflammatory conditions; however, not everyone diagnosed can benefit from current available medical interventions. Clinical trials are paving the way for providing better treatment and prevention options for everyone. To learn more about our currently enrolling studies, visit our website or call us at (203) 374-9816.

 

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320855.php

https://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/nutrition-lupus#1

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-avoid-foods#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321683.php

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/diet