Diet For Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is characterized by inflammation of the body tissues. It can develop in any organ of the body, but most often it occurs in the lungs and lymph nodes. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known. The onset of the disease may be sudden or gradual and it may subside after a period of time or persist for years. The Sarcoidosis diet should be an alkalizing diet plan that incorporates plenty of different fresh fruits and vegetables.

These nutritious foods contain healthy enzymes which aid in the process of digestion. They also include natural antioxidants and fiber which have a detoxifying effect on the body and maintain the pH balance in the cells. Healing also occurs faster when there is a good intake of fruit and vegetables. The Sarcoidosis diet plan must eliminate foods like caffeinated beverages, alcohol and those which contain preservatives and additives. These foods may aggravate the condition and lead to further complications. The foods to eat with Sarcoidosis include those rich in vitamin C, zinc and healthy fatty acids which help in repair of the cells and prevent further damage.

Foods To Avoid By An Sarcoidosis Patient

Some of the foods to avoid with Sarcoidosis include the following;

Red meat
White flour
Sugary foods
Full fat dairy products
Alcohol
Trans fatty acids
Oily foods

Vitamins For Sarcoidosis

Vitamin D is an important vitamin for Sarcoidosis. Calcium is also a requirement in many cases because Sarcoidosis or its treatment may cause osteoporosis. Your doctor may prescribe supplements of vitamin D and calcium in such cases. You may also be advised to increase your intake of foods containing the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E.

Nutrition:

The nutrition for Sarcoidosis patients is aimed at managing inflammation. It is important to avoid substances that trigger inflammation such as prostaglandin and leukotrienes. Foods which contain additives like nitrites should also be avoided. An important way of managing the diet for Sarcoidosis, is to read the labels on food products. The important nutrients for Sarcoidosis patients are mostly contained in natural, antioxidant foods. You also need to ensure a good intake of water, daily. Try and drink a minimum of eight glasses of water every day and use healthy oils in cooking.

Supplements:

Vitamin D supplements for Sarcoidosis are often prescribed. Besides vitamin D, a multivitamin consisting of vitamins A, B-complex, C and E and minerals like zinc, calcium and selenium may also need to be taken daily. Omega-3 fatty acids help in alleviating inflammation in the body. Fish oil is a good example of omega-3 fatty acids which is beneficial for individuals with Sarcoidosis. Fish such as salmon and cod are valuable additions to the diet. You can also take supplements of fish oil. One to three tablespoons or a couple of capsules may be taken thrice every day. However, they may sometimes elevate the risk of bleeding especially in individuals who take blood thinners. Consult your doctor before using any of these supplements. Some important herbal supplements for Sarcoidosis include the following;

Bromelain – Extracted from pineapple, Bromelain consists of enzymes which may help to restrict inflammation in the body.
Goldenseal – This herb is known to have a cleansing and nourishing effect on the lymphatic fluids, and this may help in controlling symptoms of Sarcoidosis. Use of this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.
Chamomile – This herb has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to treat various diseases including Sarcoidosis.
Turmeric – This anti-inflammatory herb helps in treating various disorders and has a stimulating and cooling effect on the body.

Herbs:

Herbs for Sarcoidosis include the following:

Herbs that have a cleansing and revitalizing effect on the lymphatic system include goldenseal root, red root, burdock root, ocotillo, Echinacea root and wild indigo.
Herbs that help to purify and strengthen the body include nettle leaf, dandelion root, elder berries, yellow dock root and cayenne.
Herbs that improve the functioning of the endocrine and glandular system include ginseng, licorice root and kelp.
Herbs that aid in the process of healing include marshmallow, red raspberry, Irish moss and slippery elm bark.

Symptoms:

Sarcoidosis symptoms include the following;

Persistent coughing
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Weight loss
Fever
Night sweats
Skin rash which develop as red raised bumps on the face and arms
Inflammation of the eyes

Causes:

Sarcoidosis causes are unknown and there is a belief that several factors may be involved in the occurrence of the disease. Some experts are of the opinion that the condition occurs when the immune system is triggered by bacteria, viruses or dust. When the immune cells respond to such triggers, there is a release of certain chemicals. Other cells are then stimulated into isolating and destroying the irritant. Inflammation is a natural part of this immune response. The inflammation subsides once the irritant is gone. However, people with Sarcoidosis experience persistent inflammation and the immune cells may even form clumps in the body organs known as granulomas.

Treatment:

Sarcoidosis treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms, improving the functioning of the organs, restricting the inflammation and preventing pulmonary fibrosis. Various oral or topical medications may be prescribed to treat Sarcoidosis.

Prevention

Sarcoidosis prevention is not really possible since the cause of the disease is unknown. You can protect yourself from the disease by following a nutritious diet and living a healthy lifestyle.

Diagnosis:

Sarcoidosis diagnosis is done through the following tests:

X-rays help to detect swelling of the lymph nodes in the chest or lung damage.
A CT scan is used to get different, detailed views of the internal structures.
Blood tests are done to check kidney and liver function and also to examine overall health.
Lung function tests help to identify problems in breathing.
Biopsies are done to analyze the area affected by the disease.

Submitted on January 16, 2014