Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can be prevented and treated by Intermittent Fasting and Caloric Restriction.
Scientific evidence:
Weight loss and improvements in fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: a controlled trial of a low glycaemic index diet versus a calorie restricted diet in patients treated with corticosteroids. Lupus. 2012 May;21(6):649-55. doi: 10.1177/0961203312436854. Epub 2012 Feb 6. Davies RJ1, Lomer MC, Yeo SI, Avloniti K, Sangle SR, D’Cruz DP.
BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may require prolonged periods of corticosteroid therapy which lead to excessive weight gain and increased cardiovascular risk.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of a low glycaemic index diet in patients with corticosteroid dependent SLE in achieving weight loss and improving glycaemic control.
DESIGN: A total of 23 women were enrolled in a 6 week study. All had mild, stable SLE, were receiving corticosteroids and had a body mass index > 25 kg/m(2). Subjects were randomly assigned to a low glycaemic index (Low GI) diet or a calorie restricted (Low Cal) diet. The primary end point was weight loss. Secondary end points included tolerability of diet, bio-markers of cardiovascular risk, disease activity, fatigue and sleep quality.
RESULTS: Weight loss in both treatment groups was significant (mean ± SD: Low GI diet 3.9 ± 0.9 kg; Low Cal diet 2.4 ± 2.2 kg, p < 0.01 from baseline in each group). There were also significant improvements in waist and hip measurements. However, the difference in weight loss and waist and hip measurements between the two diet groups was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant reduction in Fatigue Severity Scale in both diet groups, (p < 0.03). Both Low GI and Low Cal diets were well tolerated, resulting in no serious adverse effects or increase in disease activity.
CONCLUSION: Significant weight loss is achievable over 6 weeks in a diet-specific trial in subjects with stable SLE, who are on low dose prednisolone. Both diets were equally tolerable, and did not cause flares in disease activity. Our results suggest that dietary manipulation may significantly improve fatigue in subjects with SLE.
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The role of diet in animal models of systemic lupus erythematosus: possible implications for human lupus. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 1985 Aug;15(1):61-9. Corman LC.
Studies of diet in the mouse model of SLE have established the beneficial effects of a low calorie, low fat diet in these animals as well as the importance of the specific source of dietary fat. The role of zinc in murine and human SLE is less clear. The reported improvement of patients with SLE and other related diseases on a low phenylalanine and tyrosine diet high in fish content, and the lupus inducing capacity of a nonphysiologic amino acid present in alfalfa are also reviewed. The need for carefully controlled prospective studies of diet in patients with SLE is noted, and a diet of potential therapeutic benefit is described.
