Dr. Ahmed
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of Psoriasis. Certain food items such as red meat, alcohol, refined carbs, and simple sugars may exacerbate the condition.
On the other hand, a diet high in fiber, low in saturated fats, and high in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium may improve the condition [Ref].
Introduction:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It is often seen as dry, and itchy, with red thick skin accompanied by silvery scales.
Your treating doctor may be recommending you the medications and ointment but it’s also a fact that diet plays a major role in the relief. Yes, what you put in your tummy plays a major role in psoriasis.
Relationship between Diet and Psoriasis:
There’s a large body of scientific research shows that being overweight increases the risk of psoriasis.
Excess fat is pro-inflammatory and releases inflammatory proteins that make psoriasis worse. Thus, a keto diet may make your skin condition worse.
Having a healthy weight is important because patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of developing heart diseases, diabetes, and psoriasis. Psoriasis is closely linked with metabolic syndrome.
Diet alone is not a cure but helps in lowering psoriasis. Let’s find out if we can eat our way out of psoriasis.
Does going gluten-free makes your psoriasis better?
Gluten is the general name for the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is found in many foods including bread, soups, pasta, etc. To many people’s surprise, going gluten-free doesn’t reduce the severity.
There is one exception if you are suffering from “celiac disease” where the body mounts an inflammatory reaction to gluten, then a gluten-free diet can help in reducing severity.
Does losing weight improve psoriasis?
Studies have shown that adipocytes or fat cells of the body are putting out inflammatory molecules that make psoriasis worse. A low calories diet and medication can improve the condition.
So, yes losing weight may improve psoriasis. It may also help reduce your incidence of developing other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Does taking dietary supplements help your psoriasis?
Taking supplements may seem like a great idea. Larger studies have failed to show any evidence that shows help in psoriasis.
Fish oil and vitamin D may help improve your condition. In fact, vitamin D derivatives are used as topical medicines for the treatment of psoriasis.
Does adopting specific diet benefits it?
A trial of the Mediterranean diet including extra virgin oil, fish oil, etc. shows benefits as well as healthy servings of fruits and vegetables.
Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids are being suggested. Omega 3 fatty acids help in reducing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Food that triggers psoriasis:
Psoriasis has a lot of triggers such as stress levels, allergens, the weather, etc. The diet can also play a major role.
Eggs and milk are the most common allergens. It’s better to stay away from them.
The second is gluten. People with psoriasis often tend to develop gluten sensitivity over time. It includes wheat and wheat-related products. It is wise to take advice from the dietician to know the alternatives to gluten.
The next on the list is processed food which is not only good for psoriasis prevention but also for your overall health.
Next are the nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, brinjals, etc.
The next and most important is alcohol. It needs to be avoided at any cost.
Food that helps with psoriasis:
Four basic rules can change the whole game if you follow them.
- Add a lot of balance to your diet,
- Go gluten-free,
- Include a lot of antioxidants in your diet and
- Strictly stay away from alcohol.
The following foods help fight psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Salmon
It contains so many omega-3 fatty acids that help you reduce inflammation.
Olive oil
This will prove to go to war against psoriasis as it proves to be an effective moisturizer if used as a topical emollient. It has antioxidant properties and helps fight inflammation which is the hallmark of the disease.
Cherries
It is a great addition to your diet as it is a great antioxidant, which helps to fight inflammation.
Brussels sprouts
They not only decrease stress and inflammation but also give you a much-needed boost of vitamin K.
Avocado
This is rich in vitamin K and it is an antioxidant as well. They are loaded with fibers.
Cinnamon
It is loaded with antioxidants that help in skin conditions
Fish
It has special fatty acids that help to reduce heart diseases and inflammation.
The truth of Yogurt and Psoriasis:
The simple answer is yes, yogurt helps with psoriasis. Dairy products are considered a common food allergen due to the lactose and casein content of milk and dairy products.
These components of milk require extra effort to be properly digested, and psoriasis is an autoimmune disease associated with impaired gut health. So, people with psoriasis have trouble processing it and undigested lactose and casein which are caused by an impaired immune system perceived, making the symptoms worse.
Fermented milk products like yogurt are pre-digested. This means they contain many properties that aid in the digestion of lactose. In addition, part of the lactose is already converted into less harmful lactic acid during fermentation.
Many clinical studies have shown that people who are allergic to milk can eat yogurt every day without any complications.
Therefore, yogurt is perfectly safe for psoriasis. To increase healthy gut bacteria to heal your gut health and hence psoriasis for best results, consume homemade milk yogurt.
Conclusion:
Diet plays an important part in treating your psoriasis. It may not be a cure but when accompanied by medications, it shows a significant effect. Knowing what triggers and what benefits psoriasis can surely help you to improve it.
