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Good
nutrition is an important part of the overall treatment
plan for your lupus. A well-balanced diet provides the
necessary fuel for your body to carry on its normal functions.
Although there are no specific dietary guidelines for
people with lupus, there are some nutrition issues that
you should know about. If any of these issues become a
problem for you, talk with your doctor or nurse. They
will be able to provide you with additional information
and can refer you to a registered dietitian if necessary.
Weight loss or poor appetite: Weight loss over
the previous year is commonly reported by people who are
newly diagnosed with lupus. Weight loss and poor appetite
can be caused by the illness itself or by some medications
that may cause stomach upset or mouth sores (also called
mouth ulcers).
Your
doctor or nurse will assess your weight loss and other
related problems and suggest changes in your diet to be
sure that you are eating right and have no further weight
loss.
Weight gain: Weight gain may be a problem for people
who take corticosteroids. These drugs often increase a
person s appetite, and, unless you are careful, unwanted
weight gain will occur.
Your
doctor or nurse will assess your diet and other related
problems and can suggest a program to help you control
your weight and lose any unwanted pounds. The program
will probably include a low-fat diet, exercise, and behavior
modification. A registered dietitian can help you evaluate
your food likes and dislikes and eating patterns and can
design a diet specifically for your needs and lifestyle.
Difficulty taking medications: Several medications
can cause gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, such as
heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or painful
mouth ulcers.
If
you are having GI problems, tell your doctor or nurse
immediately. Because many of these problems are related
to how and when a medication is taken, the dose or schedule
can sometimes be changed to reduce or stop the unpleasant
side effects. In some cases, the doctor may change the
drug. Many medications can be taken with food, which helps
reduce side effects. If you have mouth ulcers, liquid
forms of the drugs you are taking may be available. In
addition, anesthetics you can use in your mouth can decrease
the pain of mouth ulcers and make swallowing easier.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which
the bones of the body become less dense and break easily.
Although this condition often affects older, postmenopausal
women, it can also affect anyone who takes corticosteroids
for a long period of time.
Your
doctor or nurse will review your medical history, treatment
plan, diet, and any risk factors you may have. Measurements
of your bone density may also be taken. Recommendations
to prevent or reduce the problem will probably include
a diet high in calcium (1,000 1,500 mg/day) and vitamin
D (100 500 mg/day) and an exercise plan that is appropriate
for you. Calcium supplements may be prescribed by your
doctor if the calcium in your diet is not enough.
Steroid-induced diabetes: Diabetes is a condition
in which your body does not produce enough insulin to
maintain a normal blood glucose (sugar) level. Long-term
use of corticosteroids may cause diabetes, which must
be treated in the same way as it is for other people with
diabetes.
After
a thorough physical and dietary exam, your doctor will
probably place you on a special diet. You should consult
with a registered dietitian who can help you understand
the various aspects of the diet, and learn to plan your
meals more easily. You may also have to take a drug to
help keep your glucose levels within normal limits. For
some people, a pill may be prescribed; for others, insulin
given by injection may be necessary.
If
you are diagnosed with steroid-induced diabetes, ask your
doctor or nurse to refer you to a diabetes education program.
These programs help newly diagnosed people with diabetes
learn about their disease and manage their condition so
that they continue to live a healthy and productive life.
If a program is not available where you live, a registered
dietitian should be able to give you the information you
need.
Kidney disease: Because the kidney is often affected
by lupus, your doctor will probably order a variety of
tests every so often to see how well your kidneys are
working. If your doctor determines that your lupus has
affected your kidneys, the goals for treating the problem
will be to preserve as much kidney function as possible
and prevent the condition from getting worse. Along with
other treatment options, you may be placed on a low-sodium
(salt), low-potassium, or low-protein diet. A registered
dietitian can help you plan meals for these diets.
Cardiovascular disease: Cardiovascular complications
of lupus include atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits
build up on the inside of the arteries. These deposits
can reduce or block blood flow. High blood pressure increases
the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. High blood
pressure can happen when lupus damages the kidneys, which
help regulate blood pressure.
If
your doctor determines that you have risk factors for
atherosclerosis, you will probably be placed on a low-fat
diet and an exercise plan. These will help you lower your
blood cholesterol level and maintain a good body weight.
If you have high blood pressure, you may be placed on
a low-sodium diet, medication, or both. These will help
reduce your blood pressure to within normal limits.
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