Lupus (SLE) and the Auto Immuun Paleo Diet
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, classified as a chronic condition. This means the disease is permanent, but the symptoms of lupus can be managed and potentially controlled through supportive therapies, medication, or lifestyle changes. In this blog, we will provide answers to the questions: what is lupus and what are the most common symptoms in people with this condition? Additionally, we will explore whether the Autoimmune Paleo diet can play a role in the necessary lifestyle changes.
Meaning of lupus
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to inflammation and damage in various organs and tissues in the body, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, or lungs. The cause of lupus is still unknown to date, but it appears that genes, stress, and lifestyle factors (rest, exercise, sleep) play a role. It is also known that women generally have a higher chance of developing lupus than men.
Lupus symptoms
Lupus can often have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Although each person is unique and symptoms may vary from individual to individual, there are common symptoms that many people with lupus may recognize.
• Fatigue - individuals with lupus often experience fatigue, which may be accompanied by sleep problems or the feeling of still being tired and exhausted even after a good night's rest. A good night's sleep is typically achieved with the right nutrition. Read more about the relationship between these two factors.
• Shortness of breath - people with lupus often experience shortness of breath, which naturally hinders their daily activities.
• The disease can also lead to mental problems, such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. Remembering tasks or studying becomes a challenging activity rather than an everyday task.
• Joint pain and swelling are also typical symptoms of the autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause joint inflammation, which in turn can lead to painful joints.
• Additionally, the pain symptoms are often unpredictable, causing people with this autoimmune disease to experience pain at very inconvenient moments, such as during grocery shopping.
• People with lupus may experience a butterfly-like rash on the cheeks and nose. The rash can also appear elsewhere on the body. The rash is characterized by red spots on the skin without itching.
What is the AIP diet?
The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) diet is focused on reducing inflammation in the body and supporting health. The diet includes nutrient-rich foods with anti-inflammatory properties, while it also includes avoiding foods that can trigger inflammation. Learn more about the AIP diet here.
AIP is more than a diet
The circle of AIP is broader than just the food we consume. The AIP circle is a lifestyle that involves minimizing stress by, for example, regularly spending time in the forest and walking, optimizing sleep by avoiding late screen time and late-night eating. This overall lifestyle makes the Autoimmune Paleo diet a potential option for reducing lupus symptoms.
AIP diet and lupus
The AIP diet may not be suitable for everyone with lupus or Type 1 diabetes, and its effects may vary from person to person. However, people in general benefit from following a diet that focuses on reducing inflammatory markers. However, a diet is not a substitute for medication or supplements. If you are under medical treatment, it is advisable to consult your doctor before making changes to your diet. Otherwise, reducing inflammatory markers and, as Hippocrates would say, allowing food to be medicine once again. For more information about the AIP diet, take a look at the website.
