What foods should you avoid if you have sarcoidosis?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 10% of sarcoidosis patients experience hypercalcemia, making it crucial to understand what foods should you avoid if you have sarcoidosis. For many, dietary adjustments are a key part of managing inflammation and other symptoms associated with this complex condition.

Quick Summary

Managing sarcoidosis often involves dietary adjustments, including avoiding pro-inflammatory foods, processed items, refined sugars, excessive calcium, and limiting alcohol and red meat to support overall health and reduce symptoms.

Key Points

Watch Calcium Intake: If you have hypercalcemia, avoid high-calcium dairy and supplements, and discuss monitoring with your doctor.
Cut Processed and Sugary Foods: Refined grains, sugars, and processed snacks contribute to inflammation and should be limited.
Limit Animal Protein: Reduce red meat and organ meats to minimize purine intake and lower the risk of kidney stones.
Reduce Sodium: Decreasing salt intake can help manage fluid retention, especially for patients on corticosteroids.
Avoid Alcohol and Excessive Caffeine: Limiting these can reduce strain on the liver and improve sleep, both of which are important for managing sarcoidosis.
Focus on an Anti-inflammatory Diet: Emphasize whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to help control inflammation.

The Link Between Diet, Inflammation, and Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any organ in the body, most commonly the lungs. The formation of granulomas, or clumps of inflammatory cells, is the hallmark of this condition. Diet plays a significant role in modulating systemic inflammation, which is why modifying your eating habits can be an effective way to help manage symptoms. While no specific diet is a cure, steering clear of pro-inflammatory foods and embracing a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet is a widely recommended approach.

High-Calcium Foods and Vitamin D Sensitivity

One of the most critical dietary considerations for some sarcoidosis patients is regulating calcium and vitamin D intake. Sarcoidosis can cause the body to improperly process vitamin D, leading to dangerously high levels of calcium in the blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia. This risk is why many doctors advise against vitamin D and calcium supplements unless specifically instructed. For those with or at risk of hypercalcemia, it is vital to limit calcium-rich foods and even excessive sun exposure, which triggers natural vitamin D production.

Foods to limit or avoid include:

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Calcium-fortified foods such as certain cereals and juices
Fish with bones, like canned salmon
Certain leafy greens, such as collard greens, that are high in calcium

Pro-inflammatory and Processed Foods

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is exacerbated by poor dietary choices. Highly processed foods, refined sugars, and certain fats can all trigger inflammation, making symptoms worse for sarcoidosis patients. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce this internal stress.

Foods in this category to avoid are:

Refined Grains: White bread, white pasta, and pastries
Added Sugars: Sugary drinks, candies, baked goods, and syrups
Processed Foods: Fast food, packaged snacks, and frozen dinners
Trans-fats and Saturated Fats: Commercially processed baked goods, french fries, and margarine

High-Sodium Diets

Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention, which is particularly problematic for those on corticosteroids like Prednisone. Fluid retention can put added strain on the heart and lungs, which are commonly affected by sarcoidosis. Limiting sodium is a common recommendation to help manage these side effects.

Sodium-rich foods to watch out for include:

Table salt and salty seasonings
Canned soups and vegetables
Lunch meats, bacon, and cured meats
Snack foods like chips, crackers, and pretzels
Many condiments, including ketchup and soy sauce

Animal Protein and Kidney Considerations

While protein is necessary for overall health, certain types of animal protein should be limited. Red meat and organ meats, for example, are high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels. For some sarcoidosis patients, high uric acid can lead to kidney stones. Therefore, limiting the intake of these high-purine foods is a prudent measure.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Certain medications used to treat sarcoidosis can put a strain on the liver. Excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate liver damage and should be limited or avoided entirely. Additionally, some individuals find that alcohol can interfere with sleep and energy levels. Caffeine can also cause restlessness and interfere with sleep, and should be limited, especially for those sensitive to its effects.

Comparison of Anti-inflammatory vs. Pro-inflammatory Foods


Food Category	Foods to Avoid (Pro-inflammatory)	Foods to Encourage (Anti-inflammatory)
Grains	Refined white bread, pasta, and pastries	Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa
Protein	Red meat, organ meats, processed meats	Lean fish (like salmon), poultry, legumes, and tofu
Fats	Trans-fats, saturated fats from processed foods	Healthy fats from avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil
Sugars	Added sugars, sodas, and sweets	Natural sugars from fruits
Dairy	High-calcium dairy (milk, cheese) if hypercalcemic	Low-fat dairy alternatives or non-dairy options
Beverages	Alcohol, excessive caffeine	Water, herbal teas, fresh fruit juices

Conclusion

While living with sarcoidosis can be challenging, managing your diet is a tangible step you can take to positively influence your health. The primary goals are to reduce inflammation, mitigate specific risks like hypercalcemia, and support overall organ function. This means avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, excessive sodium, and being mindful of your calcium and vitamin D intake, especially if you have hypercalcemia. It is crucial to remember that this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet to ensure they align with your specific medical needs and treatment plan. For more information, visit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, diet cannot cure sarcoidosis. However, adopting a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet can significantly help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being alongside your prescribed medical treatment.

Approximately 10% of sarcoidosis patients develop hypercalcemia, or high blood calcium levels, because the disease disrupts the body's ability to regulate calcium and vitamin D. Limiting high-calcium foods and supplements is necessary for these individuals to prevent kidney damage and other complications.

While a generally healthy, anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial for most people, it is widely recommended for sarcoidosis patients to help manage the disease's inflammatory nature. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new diet plan.

Anti-inflammatory foods include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins like fish and poultry, and healthy fats such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

If you are one of the sarcoidosis patients with hypercalcemia or vitamin D sensitivity, it is recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure, as sunlight triggers natural vitamin D production and can further elevate blood calcium levels.

Some sources mention herbs like turmeric and cat's claw for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, but there is no definitive evidence they treat sarcoidosis. You should always discuss the use of any herbs or supplements with your doctor first.

Excellent alternatives to red meat include lean poultry, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein sources such as legumes, beans, lentils, and tofu.