Lifestyle modifications

NUTRITION

  • Heart healthy diet: As cardiovascular disease is a complication to SLE a heart healthy dietary pattern is recommended (1)
  • Vitamin D: SLE is associated with reduced vitamin D levels. Supplementation has shown to reduce disease activity, fatigue, and improve inflammatory markers as well as endothelial function (1)
  • Omega 3: Some evidence shows that Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce disease activity (1)
  • Salt restriction: In patients with hypertension or renal disease (1,2)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Regular exercise of 30 min or more 5 days a week is recommended (1)

SMOKING

  • Smoking is associated with more disease activity (1,2)
  • Smoking may reduce the effects of certain SLE medications including hydroxychloroquine (1,2)
  • Smoking cessation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, a complication of SLE (1)

SUNLIGHT

  • Patients with SLE should avoid excess exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen (1)

References

1) https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/103/management-approach

2) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-management-and-prognosis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-in-adults

Resources

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Figure: Evidence pyramid

​Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD font

​Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE font

​Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font

​Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font