In my personal quest to somehow ease the effect of Lupus in me, I’m always at the lookout for new medicines, new research and ways to improve my condition and avoiding the dreadful flares. It has been said over and over again that Lupus is a chronic illness, something that I would have for the rest of my life and although I’m not going to contradict Science I am claiming for complete healing through my faith in God. Somehow I know that God will release me from all these pain in His own perfect timing and for now I just need to be patient and work on some ways to somehow live with Lupus with grace…
My first step was changing my diet. I’m not really a health buff and I enjoy comfort foods a lot but I have strictly followed a diet to help boost my immune system and who knows, it might be helpful for you too.
1. Cook with Olive Oil. Excessive fat intake does impair immune system response to illnesses, however monounsaturated fats found in olive oil does not have this effect, it may even strengthen our immune system. Canola oil can be used as replacement if olive oil is not available.
2. Eat a lot of fruits, at least two to three times a day.
3. Consume vegetables at least once a day. This one was tough for me since I don’t really like vegetables but we all need it to have a good defense on any sickness.
4. Make eating fat-free live-culture yogurt a daily habit. It strengthens our immune system and I usually start my day with it as part of my daily breakfast, along with oatmeal or bread.
5. You do need something fishy, especially the ones that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel. Fish is also the healthiest of meats that we can have in our diet.
6. I love chicken and it was a sacrifice on my part to take out its skin and just eat it at least two to three times a week.
7. Avoid red meat! Need I explain more?
January 21st, 2008 at 8:12 am
Hi sis Emmyrose,
Those are wonderful suggestions. But some of them are very expensive. I’m having a hard time myself with the diet of my family. You see, all my children are carnivorous but red meat is bad for me. I cannot afford to have two sets of meal every day so that there were instances that I have to compromise. I am forced to eat red meat most of the time and only when my budget allows me can I have fish and vegetable for myself. Well, God is taking care of me and I just exercise the bad effects of the red meats in my system. Thanks for your diet suggestions. They’re all worth trying. God bless you and your family. Have a nice and great day in Makati always.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:59 am
Bro.Mel,
Maybe you can ask your children to at least try to eat vegetables once a day. My mom would cook vegetable meals at lunch without any pork on it and she will just fry a porkchop or chicken along with it so that my brother could still get what he want. Just be careful in cooking your food, avoid too much salt and oil. It’s our first step to being healthy.
God bless!
January 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
i remember when i was first diagnosed with lupus the nephro who is in charge of me told me to eat GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLE. hehe! that was a tough order for me.
but i would say it again and again, only god can cure us.
January 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Hi Emmyrose~ I stumbled across your blog while reading Chronic Chick’s. I love your ‘go get ‘em’ attitude. I also have lupus since 2001 but I have DLE which is the lesser of two evils. I have the arthritic aches/pains. I agree with the healthy eating post a lot! The right foods and exercise can make me feel great! Anywho, have a wonderful day!
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I feel for ya girl. Gaining weight is the gift that keeps giving with Lupus, especially if you’re on prednizone. I have weened myself off of the steroids and have started taking Alli fatblockers. I have lost 75 pounds in 6 months.
Before taking Alli, it was almost impossible for me to lose weight since my activity level is limited by pain/fatigue.
Good luck
January 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Well, it seems I am doing everything right at the moment! This is my diet but it is pleasing to see it confirmed here.
Blessings and God’s comfort,
Glenys
January 27th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I was dx with SLE in 1/78 @ the age of 14. I went up the 185 lbs. I am oly 4′11”. I have been through some rough times, but nothing like my younger brother. He has under gone 2 kidney transplants. He is stable. I am presently in remission for the past year. I did aquire diabetis due to the long term use of prednisone. I changed my diet. I am presently @ 130lbs. I feel the best ever. I love to eat vegies, but am limited to consuming the green vegies. I have APL(anti phospho lipid). I am on coumadin. I also have sciatica. My left leg is in constant pain. I have not been able to excersice on my stationary bike, It agrevets the pain even more. I am hoping for better weather so I can start walking again. I am a firm believer in God. I do not feel that I am being punished. I am a RN and I believe I can help more people, because of my SLE. I can empathize with them. God only gives you what you can use. Please don’t give up. Love your selves.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I have been using olive oil for ages and of course my favourite dish is broccoli and fish , but fish like salmon and cod .I am reducing my carb intake as I am trying to get my old body again otherwise I have to spend more money buying new clothes.hope you are well at the mo xoxo
March 21st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I’m going to try the new diet you have all suggested I have had SLE for a few years the doctors are not really sure when it stared. I have aches and pain all over it’s been getting worse they took me off of prednisone and put me on sulfa drug.I also have methatrexate and plaquinel. But, my doctor has been talking about injections. Lately, beacause of the weather my rayhnaud’s has been acting up I ask for your prayers it’s hard to explain to many of the college kids at school. I also have epilepsy which doesn’t help.But i do love veggies and fruit but ever since my lupus exercise is painful. But thankyou all for your help.