Is Atkins diet compatible with Lupus?

[hal]

:wave Hi. I have just found this site while browsing for info on Atkins diet. I am very new to this idea and would like to introduce myself. I am 52 years young and live in Scotland. I was diagnosed with S.L.E. (Lupus) 2 years ago and am on medication for this. I long to feel better than I do and I wonder if the Atkins diet can help me to achieve this. I need to lose approx 60lbs to be a healthy weight. This seems to me to be an impossible mountain to climb' I have put all of this weight on since a total hysterectomy and going on oestrogen 10 years ago. I have been off oestrogen now for 2 years. Is there anyone out there who has lupus and is successfully and SAFELY losing weight on Atkins? I have bought the Atkins book and plan to start my induction period now. I need lots of encouragement. Thanks for listening and good luck to you all.

[Betty]

I am not sure, but I believe this WOE would be fine. There are many on this board who have a lot of health issues, take a variety of meds, and still do this WOE. There have been some who actually get off meds for the medical issues they have. We have had diabetics who were on insulin and now keep the diabetes in check with just their diet, and same with high blood pressure.
I would encourage you to read the book first, and also check things out with your doctor.
You might post this on the main board also, because there might be more there to read it your post, and therefore more likely to get a response to your question.

[catlady4520]

Lupus

I have been on Atkins since Sept 2003. I have UCTD which is kind of a combination of RA and Lupus. I take Plaquenil and methotrexate and have not had alot of problems losing the weight. I talked to my rheumatologist and she totally supports me in this WOE. Talk to your doctor but I've no problems. Hope this helps!

[MidnightJulliett]

I was just diagnosed with Lupus and am seeking the same information...

[Janice]

I did a "search" for the word Lupus and this is a link I found. I don't know if Texas Girl is still posting or not. We should PM her and see if she responds since she evidently has experience with this disease. I'm sure she would be willing to talk to you.

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=31265&highlight=lupus

I'll try to PM her for you and see if she answers. Meanwhile, I would definitely recommend that you talk with your doctor before starting Atkins if there is ANY chance this may not be good for you in some way we don't know about.

[Texas Girl]

Here I am, here I am!!! I would be more than happy to share my experience. I am 22 and have had Lupus since I was 14 (I was diagnosed at 18, but that is another story!!!). Atkins has been very helpful with my disease. I would even go as far to say that it has greatly improved the quality of my life. I now have energy and my health has never been better. I was even able to cut the medicine that I am taking (Plaquenil) in half and I have been taking it for over 4 years. My flares have nearly disappeared and the arthritis is nearly completely obliterated. Every now and then heavy loads of stress will give me a "mini flare," but it is nothing like it used to be.

One word of caution. Being in ketosis has been known to be a little hard on the kidneys if you don't drink water like you are supposed to. Since kidney involment is common with lupus it might be best to not take on this WOE or talk to your docotr. If you don't have kidney involvement please follow the diet to the letter, and drink that water!!!!

Let me know if you need anything else. :hug

[MidnightJulliett]

Hi Texas Girl! Thanks for your reply. I was just diagnosed with Lupus and have recently started Plaquenil. I believe this and a combination of supplements and gentle exersize is starting to help. I'm back on my feet again! Lupus has attacked my knees unfortunately, it was so bad I was pretty immobile for a while. Everyone around me seems to think Atkins brought it on...which in a way I am really getting tired of hearing. I don't believe that for a minute. I would never blame Dr Atkins for what's going on, if anything he has helped me tremendously, and a million other people. Furthermore I am dumbfounded as to how they are making this connection? I don't understand how people think the two are related. Atkins can cause leg cramps sometimes, but not flares! Actually, let me rephrase that. Losing too many electrolytes can cause cramps (drink more water). I personally believe it was the amount of stress I experienced this past winter, but no one wants to hear that.

My Doctor has told me that I do need to change my diet a bit. He is not against Atkins, but he doesn't think the first stage, or even OWL is appropriate for an immunocompromised person. He says I need more of a balance. Therefore add some more fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, unprocessed oats, and brown rice. He says I do not need to eat sugar, white bread, starchy vegetables, rice, pasta, and so forth. He did tell me to scale back on red meat a bit and add some fish, and also try some low-fat cheese instead of full fat.

I've done this and I have to say I do feel better, but then again i'm not sure if its the Plaquenil kicking in! It could be a combination of all of it, but I think i'll take his advice. So i'm really not an Atkineer right now, maybe a low-carber! But i'm going to continue to visit ADBB as their are so many wonderful people here! Texasgirl if you don't mind me asking, have you experienced any unpleasent side effects from the Plaquenil? My mother is worried that I am now on permenent medication. Thanks for your time!!!! Glad to know there's somebody else out there who's doing fine with this. I lost my hope for a while.

[Texas Girl]

I haven't experienced any negative side effects. I do get my eyes checked by an opthamologist every year to make sure my visual field is fine. So far, so good. About a year or so ago there was a Plaquenil shortage and I had to start taking the generic hydroxi-whatchamacallit. Anyway, it gave me these awful stomache aches. I was so glad when that was over. That is it. As far as I'm concerned, it is awesome. I am even able to go into the sun more because it blocks those nasty UV rays internally. I still bathe in sun screen though. :nod It has been great for me but I am very glad to be taking less! What is your dosage? I was on 200mg 2x a day for 4 years. I am now down to once a day, hooray!!!! I really hope that it works out for you like it has for me!

[MidnightJulliett]

Hey Texasgirl! I am currently taking the generic brand right now, it did upset my stomach a little at first but its not too bad after a few weeks of treatment. I am on 200 mg once per day, but it has not entirely relieved my symptoms. I still experience mild discomfort in my knees, but it has greatly controlled it, as a few weeks ago I could barely walk! I have been able to stop the steroids and naproxen, and just taking Plaquenil. Where has Lupus affected you if you don't mind me asking? And are you completely relieved of your symptoms with the Plaquenil?

I learned my first "sun" lesson yesterday. As I was out in the sun unprotected, and felt like crap shortly afterward. I'm sure if I use some mild sunblock it would help a great deal. I'm still new to this whole Lupus thing, I was just diagnosed. I use to be a sun goddess, so I really think this stinks! But, i'll get used to it. I wasn't always affected by the sun. Thanks for your reply. You look great by the way! You must be so happy!

[Texas Girl]

My syptoms are mostly controlled and I also take Aleve to knock out the extra pain (it has naproxen in it). Hooray for you for getting off of steroids and naproxen. I have tried both of those. They were ok for me short term, but I don't like messing with things like steroids. My lupus normally manifests itself in my wrists, my left knee and various fingers. I also had major fatigue and that awful rash on the face. I also get these yucky spots (I believe that they're called discoid lesions, not sure).
My doctor told me that the Plaquenil can take a long time to build up in your system. After that, you will feel the full effects hopefully. You do need to wear that sunscreen. Too much sun will wipe me out for up to three days. Mystic Tans are great, you might want to try that if you are missing your tan.

Feel free to PM me with any questions! I'm more than happy to talk about it.

[MidnightJulliett]

Hello again Texas girl, thank you so much for your responses. My doctor told me the same thing today that the Plaquenil can take its sweet time doing its thing, so I should expect to wait about two months before I feel 100% relief. I hope you do too!! Wish you the best! Take care.

[SHERRIE]

Help!!! I have the same problems. I was told yesterday that I have Lupus and I live in Texas too! Dallas area to be exact. I would love to go on the Atkins diet I have been on that particular diet and felt like the swelling all over my body was much better. I felt so much better. (Pre-Lupus diag.) Woud just like to hear more information from your exp. with Plaquenil. My lupus is likewise finger, knee, feet, related. I feel swollen all the time. Do you do that while you are in a "flare"? I also would like to know if yours worsens with stress? I hope this will give me some answers. Thank you so much.
Sherrie

[Texas Girl]

Sherrie,
Hello! Plaquenil has been wonderful for me and so has Atkins. I can't say that I have had that swollen feeling. My flares are generally brought on by stress. You need to learn to not push yourself. Give your body a break when it needs it. Sleep when you need to and try to maintain some regular activity. My weight loss has been slower than most, due to the fact that strenuous exercise isn't in the realm of possibility. Walking and swimming are my main forms of exercise. Pilates has also been good. I tried jogging once and hated myself about 30 minutes later. Be nice to your body and take it slow.
As far as the Plaquenil goes, it isn't a wonder drug but it sure has been good for me. I am not so fatigued or in so much pain. I supplement it with Aleve when the joints get bad and I live a virtually normal life.
The thing that I have had to learn the hard way is just don't push yourself. People always say, "You don't look sick." It is hard, but don't be afraid of looking weak or lazy. That was the hardest part for me. Also, find out how much sleep your body needs and make sure that it gets it. I am best with 9 hours a night. Less than that and I am asking for trouble.

I'm sorry I rambled so. I was trying to think of all of the things that I wish that I had known at 15. Best of luck to you!