Fall Back to the Basics to Feel Better with Lupus

Hi Lupus Thrivers 💜,

It's a new season, and we have new opportunities to mix up on recipes with fresh seasonal produce! Keep reading for delicious, seasonal foods that can help reduce inflammation and support your health 🍂.

If you're dealing with joint pain, fatigue, or skin flare-ups, it’s time to load up on these amazing anti-inflammatory foods! (Plus, the last one might surprise you! 👀)

1️⃣ Sweet potato, pumpkin and winter squashes 🎃 - Packed with beta-carotene, these fall favorites help reduce inflammation while boosting your immune system. Plus, they’re great for eye health 👁️ because of the vitamin A content! Roast them, blend them into soups, or add them to smoothies for a rich, creamy boost of nutrients. See below for how I roast sweet potatoes for a delicious savory salad!

2️⃣ Pomegranates 🍅 - Not just for the holidays! These are an anti-inflammatory powerhouse! They have been shown to prevent oxidation from UV light - perhaps even helpful in reducing photosensitivity for those with Lupus! May boost brain function and memory and are high in vitamin C which helps fight inflammation. Enjoy them in salads, as a snack, or even drink the juice.

Stay tuned, I'll be posting a video tomorrow on how to open and prep a pomegranate!

3️⃣ Brussels Sprouts 🥦 - These mini powerhouses are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a great choice for reducing inflammation. Roast them with olive oil and lemon for a tasty side that’ll leave your joints thanking you later. 🙌

4️⃣ Kale 🥬 - Full of fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin K, kale helps reduce inflammation. It's a great base for salads, but be careful if you are on warfarin or Coumadin for anti-coagulation, you may need to monitor your INR.

5️⃣ Walnuts 🌰 - These are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for fighting inflammation, especially in people with lupus. Add a handful to your oatmeal, salads, or just snack on them raw for a brain-boosting, heart-healthy treat.

6️⃣ Apples 🍎 - An apple a day... really can help keep the inflammation at bay! Rich in quercetin, a potent antioxidant, apples reduce oxidative stress and support cardiovascular health. They’re also great for gut health. Bake them with cinnamon for a fall-flavored, anti-inflammatory dessert!

7️⃣ Turmeric ✨ - This golden spice is a must-have in any anti-inflammatory diet. Its active compound, curcumin, helps reduce inflammation and pain. Add it to soups, teas, or sprinkle it on roasted veggies for a warming, healing touch.

8️⃣ Mushrooms 🍄 - High in selenium and vitamin D, mushrooms help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Cook them in stir-fries, soups, or as a meat substitute in hearty fall dishes.

Eating seasonally means fresher, more nutrient-packed produce that’s also budget-friendly 💰. Plus, these foods are autoimmune-friendly and will help soothe inflammation while keeping things delicious.

Don't miss out, next week I'll be presenting, "Feast Without the Flare: Holidays with Lupus", Tuesday, November 25th at 6:30 pm with all my best advice on navigating healthy food options during any/all holidays as well as just ways to simplify the cooking process to avoid stress.

Click here to join: youtube.com/@bettertogetherlupus/live

If you'd like to join here's your shopping list:

1 bunch of kale

1 sweet potato

1 pomegranate

1 jar of fig preserves

1 honeycrisp apple

1 small bag of sunflower seeds

Balsamic vinegar

Olive oil

🍁 Fall in love with feeling better! 🍁

If you're ready to take control of your lupus symptoms and feel like yourself again ...

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute meet and greet call** with me today: [Let’s chat!](https://p.bttr.to/3KI5ZVd)

Stay healthy and happy,

Tanya, The Lupus Dietitian 💜