Can People with Lupus Eat Eggs?

Are eggs an enemy for people with Lupus? Eggs, as well as nightshades, tend to be a subject of debate. Are eggs beneficial, or should people with lupus avoid them? In this post, we’ll break down the potential benefits and considerations around eggs and Lupus.

I know this seems like an extremely random post but one of the top comments and DM’s I receive: “I heard people with Lupus aren’t supposed to eat eggs or nightshades? But you do?” You would think with the number of comments and DM’s I get regarding my egg and nightshade intake that both are enemy #1 for people with Lupus. Some of the comments and DM’s I receive are not so nice, and yes, these are the same messages regarding me eating eggs/nightshades. Getting told I should not eat certain foods when there is no research backing said claim has had me thinking: when and how did all these misconceptions about particular foods and Lupus come about? Again, considering there is no evidence backing the claims that eggs are harmful to every person with Lupus. So I thought it was as good a time as ever to make a blog post about the topic, seeing there is so much misinformation about eggs and their effect on people with Lupus.

I’ve shared my journey of taking a functional medicine approach to healing my Autoimmune diseases for a couple of years now; diet being a main player in my healing journey, as well as eggs. With that being said, before we jump into all things eggs and Lupus, I wanted to throw this disclaimer out there and a quick answer to the question of the post: Eggs are not across the board bad for people with Lupus, eggs work with my body, but that doesn’t mean they will work with yours. Without further due, let’s look at how eggs can be beneficial or harmful to those with Lupus.

Nutritional Benefits of Eggs for People with Lupus

Eggs are a nutrient-dense food and can be beneficial for many people, including those with lupus. Here are some of the valuable nutrients eggs provide:

• High-Quality Protein: Protein is essential for maintaining muscle and tissue health, especially important if lupus symptoms include muscle weakness or loss. Eggs provide a complete protein source, meaning they contain all essential amino acids.
• Vitamin D: Many people with lupus are deficient in vitamin D, partly because they need to avoid direct sunlight due to photosensitivity. Eggs contain vitamin D, which supports immune function and bone health.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Eggs, particularly omega-3-enriched varieties, contain beneficial fats that can reduce inflammation. Omega-3s are associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, which may help people with lupus manage inflammation.
• B Vitamins (including B12): B vitamins support energy production and reduce fatigue, which is essential since lupus can cause chronic fatigue. Vitamin B12, found in eggs, also supports nerve health and cognitive function.

Potential Concerns with Eating Eggs for Lupus

While eggs offer nutritional benefits, some people with lupus might want to consider potential concerns or individual sensitivities:

• Food Sensitivities: A small percentage of people with lupus may experience sensitivities to certain foods, including eggs. These sensitivities can lead to symptoms like digestive discomfort, skin irritation, or inflammation. If you suspect eggs might be a trigger, try an elimination diet to determine if they impact your symptoms. Food sensitivities can be rooted out by doing an elimination diet like The Autoimmune Protocol diet, talk with your doctor about options to root out food sensitivities.
• Cholesterol Content: Eggs contain cholesterol, which some people are cautious about if they have cardiovascular concerns. However, recent studies indicate that dietary cholesterol doesn’t have as much impact on blood cholesterol levels as previously thought. If you’re concerned, consult your doctor, especially if lupus has affected your heart or circulatory system.
• Autoimmune Cross-Reactivity: Some people with autoimmune conditions avoid certain proteins that could potentially trigger an immune response. While research on egg proteins and lupus is limited, if you notice symptoms worsening after eating eggs, this might be something to monitor.

Should People with Lupus Avoid Eggs?

The answer depends largely on each individual. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lupus management, and diet is highly personalized. For most people with lupus, eggs can be a nutritious part of the diet. However, if you’ve noticed any correlation between eggs and symptom flare-ups, consider monitoring your intake and consulting with a healthcare provider.

Tips for Including Eggs in a Lupus-Friendly Diet

If you decide that eggs work well for you, here are some tips to incorporate them into a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet:

• Choose Omega-3-Rich or Pasture-Raised Eggs: These varieties often have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Balance with Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Combine eggs with other anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, avocados, and berries to create balanced meals that support overall health.
• Opt for Boiled or Poached: Cooking methods like boiling or poaching preserve nutrients and avoid added fats or oils. This can be gentler on digestion.
• Listen to Your Body: If you notice any changes in symptoms after eating eggs, take note. Keeping a food diary can help you spot patterns and identify foods that might trigger flare-ups. Make sure to check out our “Resource Library”, for free symptom and diet tracker printables.

Alternatives to Eggs

If you discover that eggs do trigger symptoms, there are many nutrient-rich alternatives to include in your diet:

• Tofu or Tempeh: For protein, try tofu or tempeh as a substitute in dishes where you might otherwise use eggs.
• Avocado and Sweet Potatoes: Both avocado and sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and healthy fats, making them great additions to a lupus-friendly diet.
• Flax or Chia Seed “Eggs”: For baking, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. This mixture acts as an egg substitute in recipes.

Eggs can be a healthy and nourishing food choice for many people with lupus, offering a range of nutrients that support immune health, energy levels, and more. However, as with any dietary choice, it’s essential to listen to your body. Consider working with a healthcare provider or nutritionist if you want to explore the role of eggs in your diet and determine what works best for you. Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced, lupus-friendly diet that supports your health, energy, and well-being.