What Not to Eat on Stelara: Your Guide to a Supporting Diet

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

While there are no known direct food-drug interactions with Stelara (ustekinumab), dietary choices are crucial for managing underlying inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Understanding what not to eat on Stelara can help improve treatment effectiveness, manage potential side effects, and reduce the risk of flare-ups, according to recent medical insights.

Quick Summary

There are no direct food interactions with Stelara, but limiting certain foods is recommended to avoid increasing inflammation or worsening side effects. Patients should avoid high-sugar, processed, and high-fat items, along with undercooked or unpasteurized products due to infection risks.

Key Points

No Direct Interactions: Stelara does not have known direct food-drug interactions, but diet is still very important for managing related conditions.
Control Inflammation: Avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods that can increase systemic inflammation and potentially trigger flares.
Minimize Infection Risk: With a suppressed immune system, it is critical to avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Manage Side Effects: Use diet to help manage common side effects like diarrhea (bland foods) and nausea (small, frequent meals).
Limit Alcohol: While not a direct interaction, alcohol can increase inflammation and may worsen side effects, so moderation is recommended.
Embrace Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support your treatment.

Why Diet Matters While Taking Stelara

Stelara is an immunosuppressant medication used to treat autoimmune conditions. While it doesn't directly interact with food, certain dietary choices can impact inflammation levels in the body, potentially undermining the medication's anti-inflammatory effects. Diet also plays a significant role in managing common side effects like nausea and diarrhea and minimizing the risk of foodborne illness in individuals with a suppressed immune system.

Foods to Limit That Can Drive Inflammation

For those on Stelara, it is wise to limit foods that are known to promote inflammation, as these can trigger symptoms of the conditions being treated.

Added Sugar and Sugary Foods

Consuming high amounts of added sugar is linked to increased inflammation. A 2023 review highlighted a connection between high sugar intake and psoriasis flare-ups. This includes sweets, sugary drinks, and baked goods.

Greasy, Fatty, and Processed Foods

Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, fast food, and fatty red meats, can exacerbate systemic inflammation. Ultra-processed foods are typically laden with unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, contributing to inflammation and overall poor health outcomes in autoimmune disease.

Alcohol

Though not a direct interaction, alcohol can increase inflammation and may worsen Stelara's side effects, such as headache and nausea. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can help maximize the benefits of treatment.

Foods to Avoid Due to Increased Infection Risk

Since Stelara suppresses the immune system, extra caution with food preparation is necessary to prevent infections from foodborne bacteria.

Undercooked and Raw Foods

Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. These can carry bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which pose a higher risk of infection when your immune system is compromised.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and juices may contain harmful microorganisms. Opt for pasteurized versions to reduce the risk of infection.

A Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory vs. Pro-Inflammatory Diets

Making informed food choices can help support your treatment. Below is a comparison of diet components to guide your decisions.


Feature	Pro-Inflammatory Diet (Limit)	Anti-Inflammatory Diet (Emphasize)
Core Foods	Processed snacks, fast food, fatty red meats	Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins
Sugar	High-sugar sodas, candies, pastries	Natural sugars from fruits, minimal added sugars
Fats	Trans fats (margarine), saturated fats (butter, fatty meats)	Healthy fats (Omega-3 rich fish like salmon, avocado, olive oil)
Preparation	Frying, pre-packaged meals	Baking, grilling, steaming, fresh ingredients
Hydration	Sugary drinks, alcohol	Water, herbal teas, infused water

Managing Common Side Effects with Dietary Adjustments

Diet can be a helpful tool for managing some common side effects of Stelara, such as gastrointestinal issues.

For Diarrhea

To manage diarrhea, it may be helpful to follow the 'BRAT' diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and other foods high in soluble fiber. Limit spicy, fatty, and high-sugar foods that can aggravate symptoms. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial.

For Nausea

If you experience nausea, eating smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial. Avoid strong-smelling, spicy, or fried foods. Plain crackers, toast, or ginger-based drinks may provide relief.

Final Thoughts on Diet and Stelara

Stelara is a powerful medication for autoimmune diseases, but it works best when supported by healthy lifestyle choices. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory whole foods and low in processed items, sugar, and unhealthy fats can complement its effects and help manage symptoms. Always practice food safety, especially by avoiding raw and unpasteurized items, to reduce infection risk. For a personalized plan, always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. For more in-depth information about the medication itself, you can review the official FDA prescribing information provided by Janssen.

Conclusion

While there is no definitive list of foods that directly interact with Stelara, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, practicing food safety, and managing potential side effects with mindful eating can greatly enhance the overall treatment experience. By making informed dietary decisions, patients can maximize the benefits of their medication and improve their overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason is to manage the underlying inflammatory condition and prevent flare-ups, not because of a direct food-drug interaction with Stelara.

While it's not necessary to completely eliminate sugar, it is advisable to limit your intake, especially added sugars, as they can contribute to inflammation.

It is generally safe to consume alcohol in moderation, but be aware that it can increase inflammation and may worsen certain side effects, so discuss it with your doctor.

Yes, if you have Crohn's, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain high-fiber foods that are difficult to digest and can aggravate symptoms. Dietary recommendations should be personalized.

You can try eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fried foods, and consuming bland foods like toast or crackers.

Stelara works by suppressing your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections from bacteria commonly found in undercooked or unpasteurized foods.

You should always discuss any supplements, including vitamins and minerals, with your doctor before taking them to ensure they won't interfere with your Stelara treatment.