Calorie-Restricted Diets, Healthy Eating, and Lupus

Potential benefits of calorie-restricted diets Much of the research on these diets comes from case studies where individuals have attempted extreme calorie-deprivation. These individuals often take nutritional supplements as well. It is very difficult to generalize from these cases. However, the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) was a clinical trial assessing the value. 218 middle-aged, normal or moderately overweight people participated. Participants in the experimental group were told to reduce their calorie intake by 25% for 2 years. The control group continued eating the usual diet. On average, the experimental group was unable to reach the 25% mark — but they did reduce their caloric intake by 12% and “maintained a 10% loss in body weight over two years.” Those on the restricted diet also experienced: reduced risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke lower blood pressure lower cholesterol decreases in some inflammatory factors no adverse effects on sexual function, sleep, quality of life, or mood While these results are positive, it’s important to consider the limitations of the study. First of all, this is a relatively small participant base. Also, people with lupus were not the study participants. This means that the impacts of diet on lupus would not be represented here. Finally, food studies often rely on self-reports of calories consumed. These can add a level of error to the study. Additional large studies of this type are needed to truly assess the potential value of calorie-restricted diets. How do these diets provide benefit? Some research that says that calorie-restricted diets can reduce inflammation and fatigue. While some of this is due to weight loss, which reduces inflammation and is linked to lowered symptoms of lupus, it could also be due to the microbiome. Low carbohydrate and low-fat diets are linked to healthier gut bacteria. Because the microbiome is heavily connected to weight gain and autoimmune disease, changing it through food has the potential to help prevent flares. You can read more about the gut microbiome here.

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