Best Diet for Sarcoidosis Posted on: July 19, 2018 Home Health Care What Is Sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is a disease in which a person’s body produces clusters of cells, called granulomas. Sarcoidosis leads to inflammation, which can affect the organs. Although in most cases the disease starts in the skin, lungs, or chest, sarcoidosis can affect any area of the body. New symptoms can show up at any time, so it is important for people with sarcoidosis to take care of themselves. Best Diet for Sarcoidosis A healthy diet can help with sarcoidosis. Although there is no diet specifically recommended for sarcoidosis, a well-balanced diet can help improve overall health. In addition, focusing on foods that reduce inflammation and avoiding those that may cause inflammation could help. Here are some tips for a healthy diet. Things to Include in Your Diet Foods you should eat and other recommendations for a healthy sarcoidosis treatment diet include: Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables Choose foods with antioxidants, like tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries, and squash Elect for lean meats like fish and poultry Pick foods containing healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish Eat foods low in calcium but high in magnesium, including bananas, potatoes, barley, soy, corn, oats, and brown rice Stay hydrated by drinking at least 6 glasses of water each day Things to Avoid in Your Diet Foods you shouldn’t eat and other things to avoid if you have sarcoidosis include: Refrain from eating foods with refined grains, such as white bread and pasta Cut back on red meat Avoid foods with trans-fatty acids, such as commercially processed baked goods, french fries, and margarine Stay away from caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol Your parent’s elderly care provider can assist with preparing balanced meals that will help improve your parent’s overall health. If your elderly parent is living with sarcoidosis, you and your parent’s care provider may be able to help ease symptoms or prevent new ones by ensuring your parent follows a healthy diet, which may include using certain herbs and supplements. Herbs for Sarcoidosis While no herbs have been found to treat sarcoidosis, turmeric and cat’s claw may help to reduce inflammation. Before using herbs as part of your parent’s sarcoidosis management plan, be sure to talk to a doctor. Supplements for Sarcoidosis As with herbs, you should talk to your parent’s doctor before adding supplements to their treatment plan. The following supplements may be beneficial to people with sarcoidosis: Multivitamin: A daily multivitamin can help improve overall health. Probiotic Supplement: Probiotic supplements contain healthy bacteria for maintaining gastrointestinal health. Bromelain: Bromelain contains enzymes that could reduce inflammation. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, may reduce inflammation. Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida If your elderly parent is living with sarcoidosis, hiring an elderly care provider through an agency may be beneficial. Elderly care providers can help your parent to live a healthier lifestyle by preparing healthy meals and snacks as part of a balanced diet. They can also remind your parent to take medications and supplements. If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855. Sources https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sarcoidosis Jillian Miller BSN, RN Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them. Enjoy this article? Share it! Conversations