10 foods to eat to manage lupus
Lupus is a chronic or long-lasting autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. The condition causes pain, inflammation, and swelling across the body, most commonly affecting the skin, joints, and internal organs like the heart and kidneys. Since inflammation plays a role in lupus, researchers believe that loading up on anti-inflammatory foods and eating a balanced meal can help manage the disease. Accordingly, we’ve listed the top foods that can help manage lupus. Foods to eat Salmon Salmon is a fatty fish and one of the best sources of two types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Several studies have concluded that EPA and DHA can decrease inflammation that contributes to various diseases, including lupus. Omega-3s are healthy fats found in abundance in other fatty fish like sardines, tuna, herring, and mackerel. To derive maximum anti-inflammatory benefit from fatty fish, have them at least two times a week. Chia seeds These tiny seeds are loaded with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, but it happens at a slow rate. Nevertheless, you can still get some anti-inflammatory benefits from consuming chia seeds every day by adding them to smoothies, salad dressings, baked goods, and more.