Welcome to HCM, Some facilities recommend the following: Sarcoidosis Patient Some of the foods to avoid with Sarcoidosis include the following; Red meat White flour Sugary foods Full fat dairy products Alcohol Trans fatty acids Oily foods Vitamins For Sarcoidosis Vitamin D Calcium is also a requirement in many cases because Sarcoidosis or its treatment may cause osteoporosis. Your doctor may prescribe supplements of vitamin D and calcium in such cases. vitamins A, B-complex, C and E. Nutrition: The nutrition for Sarcoidosis patients is aimed at managing inflammation. It is important to avoid substances that trigger inflammation such as prostaglandin and leukotrienes. Foods which contain additives like nitrites should also be avoided. An important way of managing the diet for Sarcoidosis, is to read the labels on food products. The important nutrients for Sarcoidosis patients are mostly contained in natural, antioxidant foods. You also need to ensure a good intake of water, daily. Try and drink a minimum of eight glasses of water every day and use healthy oils (extra virgin olive oil,c anola oil, avocados) in cooking. Supplements: Vitamin D supplements for Sarcoidosis are often prescribed. Besides vitamin D, a multivitamin consisting of vitamins A, B-complex, C and E and minerals like zinc, calcium and selenium may also need to be taken daily. Omega-3 fatty acids help in alleviating inflammation in the body. Fish oil is a good example of omega-3 fatty acids which is beneficial for individuals with Sarcoidosis. Fish such as salmon and cod are valuable additions to the diet. You can also take supplements of fish oil. One to three tablespoons or a couple of capsules may be taken thrice every day. Vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids are also available. Herbs, Spices, TEas ( from complementary literature) Bromelain – Extracted from pineapple, Bromelain consists of enzymes which may help to restrict inflammation in the body. Goldenseal – This herb is known to have a cleansing and nourishing effect on the lymphatic fluids, and this may help in controlling symptoms of Sarcoidosis. Use of this herb should be avoided during pregnancy. Chamomile – This herb has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to treat various diseases including Sarcoidosis. Turmeric – This anti-inflammatory herb helps in treating various disorders and has a stimulating and cooling effect on the body. Herbs for Sarcoidosis include the following: (Any of these may stimulate allergies or interact with other medications, so I do not necessarily recommend these, I am just listing them): Herbs that have a cleansing and revitalizing effect on the lymphatic system include goldenseal root, red root, burdock root, ocotillo, Echinacea root and wild indigo. Herbs that help to purify and strengthen the body include nettle leaf, dandelion root, elder berries, yellow dock root and cayenne. Herbs that improve the functioning of the endocrine and glandular system include ginseng, licorice root and kelp. Herbs that aid in the process of healing include marshmallow, red raspberry, Irish moss and slippery elm bark. I hope this gives you some ideas. Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN