How could diet affect systemic lupus erythematosus?

There is no one diet to prevent or treat SLE. Instead, people with SLE should aim to follow the basic principles of a healthy diet, such as eating well-balanced meals, consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, having a serving or two of fatty fish per week, and limiting the consumption of ultraprocessed foods. As for specific diets, one study found that following a Mediterranean diet reduced SLE disease activity.^[1] However, more robust data are needed to support these findings. There are also data suggesting a high consumption of fiber^[2] and/or nuts and legumes^[3] may benefit people with SLE,^[2] but there are no human randomized controlled trials to support these findings. 

People with SLE who have certain co-occuring conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes) and/or SLE-related organ damage should speak to their medical provider about potential dietary restrictions. For example, people with kidney damage from SLE may need to be extra mindful of their salt and protein intake.