Because scleroderma often affects the digestive system, many people living with the disease experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues that can impact nutrition and overall health. The GI tract is the body system responsible for processing food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. That’s why it’s important to consider diet and nutrition as a part of managing GI issues.
Beyond GI, nutrition can play a role in other scleroderma complications. Scleroderma is a highly variable disease, meaning no two people experience it in the same way. What helps one person may not work for another. Recognizing the body’s signals can help you make good diet choices.
Before making big diet changes, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian. Avoid ultra-processed foods like instant noodles, deli meats, chips, frozen meals, packaged baked goods, and sugary beverages like sodas. These foods often contain additives that can affect your gut in harmful ways.
Eating a lot of added sugar has also been shown to lower the number of good gut bacteria and might lead to increased inflammation and other health problems. An elimination diet helps identify foods that may be causing symptoms like bloating, cramping, or fatigue and should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Explore strategies and recommendations for diet, nutrition, and scleroderma below.
