Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is a disease that inflames small blood vessels and causes a spotty rash on your skin. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels in the skin, bowel, kidneys and joints that causes blood vessels to leak. The disease is also named IgA Vasculitis as the IgA antibody causes small blood vessels to bleed. The complications of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura include raised purplish rash on lower legs and buttocks, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and joint pain. The kidney may be damage in rare cases. Although the disease may happen at any age, children (2-6 years) are more susceptible to this disease. The recovery of this disease is easy in children while it tends to be more severe in adults. The condition usually makes full recovery within a few weeks on its own. A small percentage of patients may develop kidney disease.
Causes
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is caused when some of the body's small blood vessels become inflamed. But the reason for this is still unknown. Some researchers claim that it may happen when the body's immune system acts improperly in the body. However, the malfunction of the immune system can be triggered by some infections or other factors. More than half of the patients who developed the disease had upper respiratory infections such as cold or flu. Other triggers may -
• Allergies
• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Insects bite
• Certain vaccines
• Certain food reaction
• Genetic predisposition
Symptoms
The most common symptom of the disease is rash (purpura). But one may have some other symptoms like joint pain, belly pain, muscle aches, and headache and anyone who has kidney disease may have symptoms like blood in urine.
Some common symptoms are-
• Purpura (rash)
• Arthritis
• Belly pain
• Blood in urine
• Persistent kidney disease
• Bloody stool
• Joint pain and swelling
• Proteinuria
• Fever
• headache
• Scrotal edema in the body
• Anemia in prolonged case
• Systemic inflammation.
Why Diet Plan?
A well-balanced diet can manage the symptoms of the disease. An unhealthy diet may trigger infections. So a patient should be aware of taking a healthy diet to manage the disease well and should adopt a balanced diet.
Diet Tips
Anti-inflammatory and fiber-rich foods are essential to manage symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura disease while consuming potential triggers may worsen the healing. Here, some diet tips are given based on their actions on our gut health and immune system.
Fruits
All fruits rich in antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory effects should be consumed.
Recommended:
- Banana, berries, apple, papaya, grapes, watermelon, dragon fruit, mango(ripe), guava(seedless), plums, persimmon.
To be avoided:
- All citrus fruits (depending on GI condition), pineapple, gooseberry, tamarind, strawberry.
Vegetables
Vegetables that are highly fibrous, rich in vitamins and have anti-inflammatory properties should be consumed.
Recommended:
- Carrots, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, spinach (boiled), sweet potato, broccoli (steamed), cauliflower (boiled), green beans, lettuce, cucumber (peeled), turnip, squash, artichoke, bell pepper (yellow/red), taro root.
To be avoided:
- Raw onions, garlic (excess amounts), raw radish, mustard greens, eggplant, bitter gourd, green chili, red chili, spinach, raw cabbage, kimchi (spicy & fermented), tomato (raw, if acidic), wasabi, horseradish, leek (raw), mushrooms (wild, or if sensitivity exists).
Grains and Cereals
Fiber-containing & energy-producing products are recommended.
Recommended:
- Brown rice, red rice, whole wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, buckwheat, semolina, corn (boiled), whole grain bread, rice flour, wild rice, teff, sorghum, rye (if gluten is tolerated).
To be avoided:
- White bread, refined flour, white rice (excessive intake), instant noodles, cornflakes (sugar-coated), sweetened cereal, pancakes with syrup, cookies, pastries, doughnuts, pies, biscuits, processed breakfast bars, pasta (refined), bakery rolls.
Meat & Poultry Products
Protein-rich products are recommended as they have healing properties.
Recommended:
- Skinless chicken (boiled or grilled), turkey breast, chicken stew, chicken soup, homemade chicken kebabs, lean chicken curry (light spice), chicken liver (small quantity), duck (lean, not fried), roasted chicken breast, chicken mince, steamed chicken dumplings, chicken salad (non-mayo), turkey sandwich, poached chicken, chicken bone soup.
To be avoided:
- Mutton, beef, lamb, pork, bacon, sausages (processed), fried chicken, KFC-style food, meat biryani, spicy chicken curries, meatballs in spicy gravy, meat pakora, tandoori chicken (spicy marination), chicken lollipops, meat cooked in butter/cream.
Fish & Seafood
Fatty fishes are a great source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Recommended:
- Salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna (fresh), tilapia, rohu (well-cooked), katla, pangas (grilled), boal, haddock, pollock, snapper, trout, sole, flounder, perch, barramundi.
To be avoided:
- Shrimp, prawns, lobster, crab, mussels, oysters, clams, scallops, canned tuna (oil-packed), fish sticks (processed), shellfish, fish with high mercury (e.g., swordfish), dried fish, smoked fish, fish-based sausages, fish fried in batter.
Eggs and Egg Products
Egg products containing high protein should be taken.
Recommended:
- Boiled egg, poached egg, scrambled egg (without oil), soft-boiled egg, hard-boiled egg, steamed egg, omelet (with vegetables), egg curry (lightly spiced), egg drop soup, egg fried rice (light oil), egg salad, baked eggs, coddled egg, egg whites (for protein), poached egg on avocado toast, scrambled eggs with spinach.
To be avoided:
- Fried eggs, omelet with excess chili, raw egg, overcooked egg (hard, dry), scrambled eggs with heavy oil, egg rolls (fried), deviled eggs, egg sandwich with mayonnaise, spicy egg curry, egg salad with creamy dressing, packaged egg salads, egg in high-fat pies, egg-filled pastries, heavy egg custard, salted egg (if kidney issues), egg yolk in excess (for kidney health).
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
In most of the cases, dairy products may worsen the disease as many patients are sensitive to these products. Yet one may have some selective products.
Recommended:
- Yogurt (plain, non-fat), lactose-free milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, paneer (low-fat, fresh), curd (homemade), buttermilk, greek yogurt, low-fat cheese, ghee (small amounts), cashew milk, oat milk, kefir, vegan cheese (plant-based).
To be avoided:
- Full-fat milk, ice cream (sugar-loaded), cheese (processed or high-fat), cream-based sauces, sweetened dairy drinks, full-fat cheese dips, buttery spreads, whipping cream, cheese-filled pastries, milk-based puddings (heavy sugar), processed cheese slices, cream cheese, cream-filled desserts, sweetened flavored yogurts, full-fat butter, custard (store-bought), canned dairy drinks (with preservatives).
Nuts & Seeds
Healthy Fats containing products should be consumed.
Recommended:
- Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, pine nuts, pistachios (unsalted), sesame seeds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, watermelon seeds, pecans, ground flaxseed (for smoothies).
To be avoided:
- Peanuts (a common allergen), salted nuts, fried nuts, nut butter with added sugar, packaged trail mix, nut-based chocolates, deep-fried nuts, spicy seasoned nuts, nuts in sugary desserts, nut bars with preservatives, nut-flavored processed foods, sugar-coated nuts, nuts with excessive oil, nut-based spreads with palm oil, chocolate-covered nuts, almonds with flavored salt.
Fats & Oils
Patients should be very cautious about selecting fats and oils. Products only containing healthy fats should be taken.
Recommended:
- Olive oil (extra virgin), coconut oil (organic, unrefined), mustard oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil (cold-pressed), avocado oil, rice bran oil, almond oil, hemp oil, walnut oil, chia oil, macadamia oil, safflower oil, hazelnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, grapeseed oil.
To be avoided:
- Margarine, vegetable shortening, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, palm oil, reused cooking oil, cheap blended oils, canola oil (refined), high-heat oils (overheated), deep-frying oils, lard, bacon fat, duck fat, ghee in excessive amounts, butter (in excess), vegetable oil (refined), synthetic oils in packaged foods, flavored oils (like chili oil).
Sweets
No sugary products are recommended as they may affect immunity and cause inflammation. Still one may have products that are less-sweetened.
Recommended:
- Fresh fruit salad (no added sugar), unsweetened applesauce, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more), honey (in moderation), coconut milk ice cream (unsweetened), homemade fruit sorbet, stevia-sweetened desserts, rice pudding (unsweetened), coconut water popsicles, baked apples with cinnamon, oatmeal cookies (sugar-free), banana ice cream (frozen bananas), yogurt with honey and nuts, pudding made with almond milk (sugar-free), chia pudding (unsweetened), gelatin made with fruit juice (no artificial sweeteners).
To be avoided:
- Candies (sugary, with artificial colorants), store-bought cakes, ice cream (with added sugar and preservatives), cookies (sugary, refined), pastries, pies with heavy sugar and butter, donuts, chocolate bars with milk and high sugar, sugary soda, processed fruit juices (sugar-loaded), sugar-laden pastries, sugary gum, frosted cakes, canned fruit in syrup, sweetened flavored yogurt, puddings with artificial sweeteners, jams (with high sugar), candy bars with caramel and additives.
Spices
Some anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing spices can be consumed.
Recommended:
- Turmeric, ginger (fresh or powdered), cinnamon, cardamom, basil, oregano, parsley, dill, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, coriander (fresh or ground), cumin, fennel seeds, saffron, dill, mint leaves.
To be avoided:
- Chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, paprika, mustard seeds (in excess), hot sauces, spicy curries with excessive chili, hot masala (if contains spicy peppers), MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), processed spice mixes, pickled spices, spicy turmeric curry blends, packaged spice blends with salt, mustard powder, excessive garlic (if sensitive), tamarind (in excess), fermented chili paste, spicy vinegar-based condiments.
Beverages
Beverages that are gentle with the kidneys and free from potential irritants can be consumed.
Recommended:
- Herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint), green tea (unsweetened), fresh lemon water, coconut water (unsweetened), almond milk (unsweetened), ginger tea, decaffeinated tea (without added sugar), water (natural, plain), warm water with honey and lemon, coconut milk (unsweetened), green smoothies (without added sugar), fruit-infused water (with cucumber, mint, etc.), aloe vera juice (unsweetened), fresh vegetable juice (carrot, cucumber), rice milk (unsweetened), herbal iced tea (unsweetened), freshly squeezed fruit juice (without added sugar), cold-pressed vegetable juice.
To be avoided:
- Sugary sodas, packaged fruit juices (with added sugar), sweetened iced tea, caffeinated coffee (if kidney issues), energy drinks, alcohol, sweetened bottled teas, carbonated drinks, alcoholic cocktails, artificially flavored water, milkshakes, soda pop with artificial sweeteners, sweetened coffee, lemonade (with sugar), canned fruit juices, sweetened herbal teas, packaged iced coffee drinks, instant coffee (with additives).
Fermented Foods
Some fermented foods are helpful for gut health and immunity.
Recommended:
- Plain yogurt, kefir (unsweetened), sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), kimchi (lightly fermented, no chili), miso (small quantities), tempeh, kombucha (small quantities), pickled vegetables (without vinegar), lacto-fermented vegetables, fermented tofu, lassi (plain), fermented apple cider vinegar (small doses), natto (fermented soybeans), fermented coconut milk yogurt, sourdough bread (whole grain), pickled cucumbers (without excess sugar), fermented miso soup, fermented ginger root.
To be avoided:
- Spicy kimchi, vinegar-heavy pickles, alcoholic beverages (fermented), sauerkraut with excessive salt, canned fermented foods, fermented foods with added sugar, miso with high sodium, pickled food with artificial coloring, soy sauce (high sodium), pickled ginger (with sugar), excessive fermented garlic, unpasteurized fermented foods, fermented foods with added preservatives, commercially made fermented snacks, vinegar-based fermented sauces, fermented hot sauces, fermented dairy with added sweeteners, pickled mushrooms.
Processed & Packaged Foods
Patients are strongly recommended not to consume these food items. These may cause further irritation and inflammation. Hence, some of these food items can be taken.
Recommended:
- Homemade snacks (baked), fresh fruit smoothies (without added sugar), gluten-free crackers (unsweetened), homemade granola (no added sugars), pureed vegetable soups, unflavored rice cakes, whole grain tortillas (unsweetened), protein shakes (without added sugar), plant-based protein bars (sugar-free), unsweetened fruit yogurt.
To be avoided:
- Fast food, processed meats (hot dogs, sausages), frozen ready meals, instant noodles, packaged chips, packaged snacks with preservatives, processed cheese, pre-cooked frozen pizza, packaged baked goods (with preservatives), sugar-loaded granola bars, microwave popcorn (with added chemicals), processed fruit snacks, pre-packaged frozen desserts, canned soups with additives, packaged salad dressings, snack cakes, frozen fried foods, packaged burgers, frozen meatballs (with preservatives), instant coffee mixes.
Legumes & Pulses
Products that are rich in plant based protein fibers and antioxidants may help reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Recommended:
- Masoor dal (red lentils), moong dal (yellow/green), toor dal (pigeon peas), urad dal, black-eyed peas, green peas (boiled), chickpeas (boiled), soybeans (plain, boiled), split peas, lentil soup (lightly seasoned), mung sprouts (lightly steamed), pea protein isolate, red chori beans, cowpeas, lima beans, fava beans.
To be avoided:
- Canned beans (with preservatives), spicy daal fry, heavily fried lentil snacks, chana dal (gas-forming), fermented dals (like idli/dosa batter, in some cases), overcooked beans, deep-fried moong pakoras, daal makhani (buttery, spicy), canned lentil soup, packaged soups with pulses, frozen pulse-based items, daal with cream or butter, lentil chips.
