Fruit : What fruit is good for vasculitis? - Vasculitis UK

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Ianflashdavies profile image
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What fruit is good for vasculitis?

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Ianflashdavies profile image
Ianflashdavies
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Main1234 profile image
Main1234

Hi I don’t think any fruit or vegetables are good or bad for vasculitis but others may have evidence to the contrary. A good varied diet and some have used a low carbohydrate diet to control weight gain with steroids.

If your kidneys are compromised you will be advised and seen by a dietitian re “special” diet.

The vasculitis web site is excellent and some find support via the face book page.

Investigator1 profile image
Investigator1

Hi. I was on a low carbohydrate plan for 2 years before I was diagnosed with GPA. I had lost about 4 stones. When I got diagnosed and put on high dose steroids it didn’t really affect me that much. I was disciplined and kept exercising. I got slight moon face only which went. The specialist said the low carb plan was instrumental to my health during treatment and COVID. Fruit is restricted to berries really and a bit of Melon time to time but forget the more tropical fruits like Banana and Pineapple because of the amount of sugar they contain. People will tell you that when they were on steroids they were starving and couldn’t avoid the biscuit tin or a slice of cake. Rubbish! If you need to eat more it’s what you eat that counts. Good luck.

John_Mills profile image
John_MillsVolunteer in reply to Investigator1

You were on a low carbohydrate diet for 2 years before you were diagnosed with GPA. So you were obviously over weight and worried about it or you are health fanatic ? which is ok and fine for yourself.But for many people a diagnosis of GPA and the subsequent course of action is very traumatic and distressing. In these circumstances they may resort to comfort food and this is compounded by the appetite stimulating side effective of the steroids.

Not everyone has an iron will in these circumstances. As individuals we all handle ill health, physical and mental trauma, in many different ways.

However, you do make some valid points about avoiding high sugar content fruits especially considering the diabetes - inducing side effects of the steroids.

Investigator1 profile image
Investigator1 in reply to John_Mills

I was a overweight but relatively fit, it was cholesterol that was the issue, I am not a fitness fanatic but have always played sport and have taken bride in what I am. I don’t have an iron will either. I just knew what was best for me to give me my best chance of getting through it. The mental health side of things affected me badly but keeping fit as much as I could helped me through it. And I have to say I wouldn’t change a thing in my approach. I am merely saying that I have seen the way steroids affect people and I could see that wasn’t going to be me. I wanted at the start to be able to look myself in the mirror at this point and say I have done my best. And y,know what? There may be more problems and bumps in the road but I can say I have done my best and others can do the same.

Fresh pineapple or fresh pineapple juice has an enzyme that reduces inflammation acts like an anti inflammatory has helped me so much over the years 🍍❤️

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT

Dear lanflashdavies,

Be careful of Bananas, especially if you have Kidney 'Problems' (I have read that Jaffa Oranges are bad too, but that is NOT Verified.) Grapefruit, St John's Wort and, some say Guava too, can affect the Absorption rate of Immuno- Suppressant drugs. Beyond that, just be careful of Sugar/ Mineral levels- and you should be Fine. I would however at least' 'Check,' with your own Team, before 'Raiding' the Greengrocers!

Enjoy yourself...

AndrewT