Lupus Nephritis is an autoimmune disease caused by systemic lupus erythematous(SLE). It is an inflammation of the kidney when lupus attacks kidney. It will finally progress into kidney failure when it is not well controlled. To prevent it from kidney failure, treatment is very important. Diet is also an essential part of treatment. So what is the proper diet for lupus nephritis?

Symptoms of lupus nephritis

Before talking about the proper diet for lupus nephritis, let’s first look at its symptoms. The most obvious symptom is proteinuria and swelling. Blood urine will form if the immune action damages the glomerular filtration membrane and the red blood cell will occur in urine. High blood pressure is also a symptom in the later stage.

Since we know the symptoms of lupus nephritis, we know how to manage a proper diet for it to alleviate the symptoms and help the recovery of kidney.

Low-protein diet.

High-protein diet will further increase proteinuria. Besides, protein will break down to many waste protein, like urea nitrogen. High-protein will increase the buildup of the waste product and increase the burden of kidney.

Low-sodium diet.

High sodium will contribute to high blood pressure which will increase the risk of lupus nephritis. In addition, excessive fluid will be retained in blood with damaged kidney. Overmuch sodium will lead to water-sodium retention and increase swelling. Therefore, you are suggested avoid processed food, canned food and restaurant food.

Low-phosphorus diet.

Because of kidney damage, phosphorus cannot be discharged out. If the phosphorus level is high in your lab test report, you are suggested to avoid foods that are rich in phosphorus, like cheese, ice cream, oatmeal, peanut, chocolate, raisin, etc.

The proper diet plays an important role in treating lupus nephritis. The aforementioned tips are not comprehensive. If you want to know more detailed diet suggestions, you can consult the online doctors, they will manage a specific diet plan for you!