What Is It?
Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against the body it's designed to protect for unknown reasons. Most often when people speak of lupus, they are speaking of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it is what this article primarily is about. SLE is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects nearly every organ system in the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and central nervous system. SLE is only one type of lupus.
 
What Are The Effects?
There are myriad symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). Every organ system is affected and each system can be affected in different ways. Fatigue is one of the most prominent and life-affecting symptoms. Nearly everyone with lupus experiences fatigue, and it can be debilitating. Pacing your activities and getting adequate rest can help to ease fatigue and not allow it to take over your day. Joint pain, another prominent symptom, is what most commonly initiates the first doctor visit.
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How Is It Diagnosed?
Because systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) affects so many different organ systems and because different symptoms are manifest at different times, the diagnosis of lupus can take a long time and may be frustrating for both you and your doctor. When diagnosing lupus, it is important to rule out other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that have similar features. Your doctor may complete a family and medical history, do a physical exam, take x-rays and complete laboratory tests in order to diagnose you.
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What Are The Treatment Options?
The treatment plan for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) starts with teaching yourself about the disease and about ways you can help yourself and help your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows about any other diseases or conditions that you have, because they may affect your lupus symptoms or the medications that can be prescribed. Likewise, be sure your doctor knows about all the medications you take (prescription and over the counter), as well as all the vitamins and supplements you take. A well-rounded treatment plan may include medications, diet and exercise.
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LUPUS DIET
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Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues by mistake. This response can cause inflammation to occur throughout the body, including the blood vessels, heart, skin, kidneys, joints, lungs, and brain. 
While lupus can affect different people in different ways, the inflammation that causes these symptoms is chronic.
Long-term inflammation is also where your diet can help make a difference. An anti-inflammatory diet pattern may help cut back on flares.
 
What Foods Should You Avoid with Lupus?
There are some foods that may induce flares in people with lupus, but good research on this is lacking. Many recommendations are based on small studies or anecdotal reports.
 
Alfala sprouts: Some research in animals links alfalfa sprouts with lupus flares, thanks to a compound called L-canavanine that can stimulate the immune system. As a result, many doctors recommend that people with lupus stay away from alfalfa sprouts on salad bars, sandwiches, and wherever else they might be found.
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Garlic: Garlic is another food that some experts suggest staying away from if you have lupus. The flavorful herb contains compounds that rev up the immune system and may cause an unwanted response in people with lupus who already have an overactive immune system.
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Nightshade vegetables: Since lupus is a very individual disease, you may also find certain foods can trigger your symptoms while other people with lupus can eat them without an issue. Some report that nightshade vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes can be detrimental, however there is no research to suggest avoiding them unless you find they impact you personally.
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If you have lupus, you should also avoid:

• Bactrim and Septra: These are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. However, it is very important that you avoid Bactrim and Septra, because these antibiotics are known to cause an increase in sun sensitivity and lower blood counts in people with lupus, resulting in lupus flares.

• Echinacea: It is often used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system against colds and other illnesses. However, because Echinacea boosts your immune system, it may cause flares in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

• Melatonin: It is also not recommended if you have an autoimmune disease or are an older adult with dementia. In some studies, melatonin has shown a tendency to stimulate inflammation in people with certain autoimmune disorders

 
Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat with Lupus
Here are some of the top anti-inflammatory foods to focus on:
Fish: The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that are found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel can inhibit inflammation in several different ways. 
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Walnuts, flaxseeds, canola oil: These foods provide the vegetarian form of omega-3 fatty acid, known as ALA. While your body converts ALA to EPA and DHA at a relatively slow rate, you may still get some benefit from these foods, particularly if you don’t eat fish. If you don’t eat fish at all due to an allergy or being vegetarian, you may also want to consider an algae-based omega-3 supplement.
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Fruits and vegetables: Colorful produce like spinach, collard greens, blueberries, and oranges contain antioxidants and polyphenols, natural plant compounds that may help counter inflammation. Aim for at least five servings each day, and try to get a range of colors in your diet.
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Whole grains: Grains are made of three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Unfortunately many of the carbohydrate foods we eat are made from grains that have been stripped of the nutritious bran and germ. Research links a high intake of refined grain foods with higher levels of inflammatory markers in the body. Instead, focus on foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain bread that are good sources of fiber and antioxidants.