Most of us want to achieve the same thing in life, we all want to be happy, healthy and be prosper. This is coming to light with the new year approaching and most of us set goals for ourselves when the New Year rings in. But how many of of us can keep goals? Is it because the goals we set aren't realistic or is it because of our disease or is it both?
A lot of people decide that in the new year a diet is the #1 thing they will opt to do. For people with lupus a nutritious lifestyle can be crucial. There's no specific diet for lupus but eating the right foods can be beneficial for people with lupus. By no means is this called a diet, rather it's called a "lifestyle change". You're changing the way you eat rather than dieting. There's specific foods that can cause flare-ups. To know what these foods are and to stay way from those foods is important. Once you have removed those foods from your diet you will notice a difference in how your body feels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Foods that decrease inflammation can have a beneficial impact on lupus patients. Most diets high in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, beta-carotene and selenium are recommended for individuals with lupus, because these nutrients help to limit inflammation. Herbs and spices, like green tea, ginger, and rosemary, are also anti-inflammatory
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fats are required for many biological processes. Multiple studies have shown that their anti-inflammatory properties are significantly beneficial in managing lupus. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna are great sources of omega-3 fats-aim for at least two servings per week. Walnuts, flaxseeds, soy products, and green, leafy vegetables are also great sources of omega-3 fats. If you don’t eat these foods very often, supplementation is recommended (2-4 g/day EPA+DHA capsules), but consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
A lot of people decide that in the new year a diet is the #1 thing they will opt to do. For people with lupus a nutritious lifestyle can be crucial. There's no specific diet for lupus but eating the right foods can be beneficial for people with lupus. By no means is this called a diet, rather it's called a "lifestyle change". You're changing the way you eat rather than dieting. There's specific foods that can cause flare-ups. To know what these foods are and to stay way from those foods is important. Once you have removed those foods from your diet you will notice a difference in how your body feels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Foods that decrease inflammation can have a beneficial impact on lupus patients. Most diets high in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, beta-carotene and selenium are recommended for individuals with lupus, because these nutrients help to limit inflammation. Herbs and spices, like green tea, ginger, and rosemary, are also anti-inflammatory
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fats are required for many biological processes. Multiple studies have shown that their anti-inflammatory properties are significantly beneficial in managing lupus. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna are great sources of omega-3 fats-aim for at least two servings per week. Walnuts, flaxseeds, soy products, and green, leafy vegetables are also great sources of omega-3 fats. If you don’t eat these foods very often, supplementation is recommended (2-4 g/day EPA+DHA capsules), but consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
- Nightshade family of fruits and vegetables
Although
scientific evidence is weak, some lupus patients report experiencing
flare ups as a result of consuming vegetables in the night shade
family. The alkaloid, solanine, which is contained in these vegetables,
may lead to inflammation. The main night shade vegetables that are
consumed in the United States include tomatoes, white potatoes,
eggplant, tobacco sauce, paprika, and sweet and hot peppers. If you
think that these foods may be causing flare ups, write down when they
are eaten and when a flare up takes place. If you notice a pattern
between consumption and a flare up, avoid these foods.
If you're like me a vegetarian, you need to make sure you're eating plenty of protein. You'll find plenty of protein in beans: pinto kidney, lima, garbanzo.http://www.heartspring.net/list_of_vegetarian_protein_foods.html
Having lupus weakens the protein we naturally produce. It's crucial we eat enough to supplement what we lack.
We, as lupies can achieve the quality of life through our nutrition. The question is, will that be enough? We have to start somewhere. It begins inside our body. Remember, "You are what you eat?"
We all want to live a long time. Well, I hope we all do. My grandmother, who has Alzheimer's had said when she was 89, "I don't want to live past 90." She's now 92. Her father lived to 101. My maternal side has longevity as well as my paternal side. My great-great grandfather died from nephritis complications. But back then the doctors didn't relate it to lupus.
We can aid ourselves in the longevity even though we have lupus. We wouldn't die from lupus regardless. People die from complications of it. Sadly, I do know many that have; even before my diagnosis. It the sad faces of it. I'm sorry if I'm blunt about it, but it's the facts.
There are some things we can make sure we do diligently to ensure we have quality of life and quantity of life hand and hand.
1. Keep up to date with all of your appointments; whether its your mammogram or OB annual exam, rheumatologist, neuorlogist appointments
2. Know your body. If you feel different, have a strange occurrence happen, log it/write it down and notify your doctor. It may not be normal. Don't let it go.
3. Exercise: (Speak with your doctor first) Walk when it's nice outside (weather permitting), do yoga, meditate, tai chi, swimming, low-impact. Know your body. Anything exerting could cause a flare. 2-3 days a week. Lupus causes our muscles to deteriorate so don't get discouraged with your body.
4. If you're a smoker, quit and don't quit quitting. I know it's not easy because I quit almost 2 years ago. You'll thank yourself and your wallet later. It's so bad for lupies and so bad period!
5. Limit your caffeine intake and alcohol intake. The alcohol intake could cause complications with your medication.
6. Take time out for yourself and be kind to yourself. De-stress a few times a week whether this is reading a book or taking a long bubble bath. Not only do you deserve this but your mind and body need it. Lupus causes so much fatigue to your mind and body.
To sum up, we all want the same thing, we want normalcy in our lives and at the end of the day lupus is not going anywhere so we need to figure out how to achieve balance. The best way is to make friends with our body again. So, "Lupus meet Regina, Regina, meet Lupus". Its a pleasure to meet you~
No comments:
Post a Comment