Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In my biology book in middle school, I saw an introduction to human immunity, and one of the diseases was systemic lupus erythematosus. Now in university, I see patients with this disease, so I want to know the basic knowledge about this systemic lupus erythematosus disease, and are there any foods that patients cannot eat?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems and organs and involves the presence of multiple autoantibodies. Due to the presence of a large number of pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes in the body, tissue damage may occur. Clinically, manifestations of damage to various systems and organs may appear, such as skin, joints, serous membranes, heart, kidneys, central nervous system, blood system, etc. The disease occurs worldwide, with a prevalence of 4/100,000 to 25/100,000. The prevalence is higher in Asia and blacks. The prevalence in my country is 70/100,000 to 75/100,000. The incidence rate in women is significantly higher than that in men, about 10:1. The peak incidence rate is among women of childbearing age, but the elderly and children may also become ill.

Diet and health care

Good food

Eat more high-protein foods, drink more milk, and eat eggs, lean meat and other protein-rich foods. Eat more low-fat and easily digestible foods: You should eat more easily digestible low-fat foods, which will help recover from the illness.

Avoid food

(1) Avoid eating photosensitivity foods, such as figs, astragalus, rapeseed, yellow mud snails, and celery. If eaten, avoid exposure to sunlight. Mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and other mushrooms, as well as certain food dyes and tobacco, may also have the potential to induce systemic lupus erythematosus, so try not to eat them or eat less.

(2) Eat more low-sugar foods: Pay attention to controlling your food intake and eat less foods with high sugar content, which can induce diabetes and bring greater pain to patients.

(3) Avoid eating seafood and other foods that are commonly known as irritants.

(4) Avoid eating mutton, dog meat, venison and longan

Foods with warm nature, such as lychees.

People suffering from this disease should pay special attention to dietary adjustments. There are many things that cannot be eaten. Moreover, the patient’s immunity is very poor, so they should focus on physical exercise and have regular living habits. These are the keys to treatment. Finally, it is worth reminding that patients should maintain a good mood, which is conducive to recovery.