Recent data indicate that certain foods are common criminals in worsen the symptoms of lupus. It is understandable that the reactivity of antibodies in lupus patients strongly cross-reacts with commonly ingested animal proteins. The serum of people with SLE may also react with proteins originate from plant. These proteins are found in soybeans, corn, spinach and carrots. Though the animal protein-based foods are the main culprits, it means that from time to time the plant foods must be tested for immune reactivity as well. Alfalfa sprouts should be avoided in cases of lupus and that ingestion of alfalfa sprouts or seeds of L-canavanine, an important component of alfalfa, causes SLE-like disease in primates. L-canavanine is present in legumes, or beans, and they often must be avoided.
Lupus outbreaks have also been reported after ingestion of large amounts of foods containing psoralens (celery, celery salt, parsnips, figs). Psoralens are chemicals that increase the photosensitivity in those who are sensitive to sunlight. Hydrazines, the chemicals responsible for many cases of drug-induced lupus, are also present in mushrooms, certain food dyes, smoke tobacco, and most cooked foods, especially meat and other fatty foods.
Hair dyes contain high levels of hydrazine and other related chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. Persons exposed to hair dyes also have a significantly increased risk of lupus.
Meat and milk are probably the most offensive of all foods for people with lupus, and are constantly involved in investigations. Animal products often combine high protein content with a high fat, a combination not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases. Vegetable oils should be eliminated from the diet of lupus. That is because all the fat comes from animal or vegetable fats and increases the level of circulating estrogen, which also contributes to dysfunction of the immune response in lupus.
Once a person is diagnosed with lupus, he or she should immediately start a medically supervised fast to initiate a remission. Breaking the fast with proper care and under right leadership is very important. At the end of the fast, one should avoid the following for an extended period of time:
1. All foods of animal origin, including milk and eggs
2. All vegetables, except peas and beans
3. Celery, corn, alfalfa, mushrooms, spinach, and figs.
The exposure to all chemicals should be avoided as well. In particular, avoid cigarette smoke, hair dyes and pesticides. All plant foods should be organically grown or pesticide-free.
Although this approach may seem strange to some, it is not only safer than current treatments, but also when it began early in the disease process, it may offer a complete remission from the disease. The patient can live a normal live free of both the effects of the disease and the effects of treatment with toxic drugs.
Learn more about Lupus @ Symptoms for Lupus.