Nearly 8 million individuals in the U.S. are affected by psoriasis, a condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own tissue and overproduces skin cells, leading to plaque formation on the skin.
Autoimmune conditions impact the whole body, so lifestyle changes, in addition to therapy, may provide the best results. Here's how modifying your diet could help control psoriasis symptoms. Please consult with your physician for the best treatment plan for you.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes the skin cells to grow rapidly, resulting in red, itchy patches of skin and silvery scales that can be uncomfortable or painful. In some cases, psoriasis is accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition.
Although the foods you eat don’t cause psoriasis, there is an important link between diet and symptom management. Many foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, and for people with psoriasis, this widespread inflammation can worsen symptoms.
Certain foods trigger an inflammatory response due to high blood fat levels in the body. Highly processed foods, in particular, have been shown to put your body's defense mechanisms into overdrive.
Fatty foods typically increase inflammation throughout the body, especially in body fat. For those who are overweight, ongoing fat tissue inflammation can significantly increase the risk of psoriasis. It also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.
Inflammatory foods also tend to be high in calories, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Several categories of inflammatory foods may worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Added sugars found in soda, fruit juices, candy, baked goods, and other sweets are different from the natural sugars present in whole foods. Our bodies produce insulin to process sugar, but excessive added sugar forces the body to store extra energy in fat cells, leading to inflammation in fat tissue. Foods high in added sugars and artificial sweeteners can contribute to increased inflammation levels.
Excessive alcohol consumption forces your liver to work overtime, producing chemicals to metabolize the alcohol. Heavy or regular drinking can lead to long-term inflammation. Additionally, alcohol can damage the beneficial bacteria in your gut, increasing inflammation in the colon and intestines.
For some, psoriasis symptoms improve when they eliminate dairy from their diet. Most dairy products are high in fat, which can contribute to inflammation. Whether you are lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting casein (a protein in cow's milk), chronic gastrointestinal irritation from these conditions can worsen inflammation.
Research shows that individuals with psoriasis tend to have higher rates of celiac disease. Gluten triggers an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack tissues in the small intestine. People with celiac disease should avoid gluten completely, while others have found that even reducing gluten in their diet can help lessen psoriasis flare-ups.
White bread, white rice, pasta, pastries, and some breakfast cereals are highly processed, refined carbohydrates. These products have been stripped of fiber and whole grains and often contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Refined carbohydrates also increase advanced glycation end products (AGEs), substances in the blood that can lead to inflammation.
These fats are known for causing "bad cholesterol" by increasing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in your blood. They are found in red meat, cheese, fried foods, margarine, fast food, and many processed snacks. Not only do these fats trigger inflammation in the body, but research also suggests a link between excess body fat, the development of psoriasis, and the worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
If you have prurigo nodularis, see this list of foods to avoid for relief!
Although some foods can trigger inflammation, others help combat it. Maintaining a balanced, whole-food diet is the best approach to reducing inflammation in the body.
A healthy diet can reduce psoriasis flare-ups or make your symptoms less severe. For example, following a Mediterranean diet for psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis can also reduce chronic inflammation, which contributes to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other conditions.
Legumes (beans and lentils) contain bioactive compounds like peptides, polyphenols, and saponins, which exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities.
Fish, lean proteins, or plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help hinder processes in the body that promote inflammation.
Most fruits and brightly colored vegetables naturally contain high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory activity.
LLow-fat dairy contains fewer irritants, such as toxins, chemicals, and other compounds, which are less likely to cross the gut lining and trigger inflammation.
Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fats all of which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Olive oil has an antioxidant, one of which is oleocanthal, which has been shown to work like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.
Whole grain foods are rich in nutrients, dietary fiber, a range of antioxidants, and have the potential to act in an anti-inflammatory manner.
If you’re considering changing your diet to help manage psoriasis symptoms, start slowly. Jumping into a highly restrictive diet isn’t usually sustainable and may deprive you of important nutrients. Instead, start by cutting out highly processed foods.
If clinic and lifestyle changes aren't helping your psoriasis, or eczema and atopic dermatitis, there are many therapeutics available to treat psoriasis. Often, treatment involves a combination of multiple types, such as phototherapy, topical drugs, systemic drugs, as well as immunosuppressives, TNF's, and other biologic drugs. Learn more about Dermatology Specialty Pharmacy.
Senderra Specialty Pharmacy offers many medications that may be suitable for you. Learn more about our Psoriasis Specialty Pharmacy or contact a Senderra representative today!
Resources:
https://health.usnews.com/conditions/skin-disease/psoriasis/plaque-psoriasis/articles/could-changing-your-diet-help-with-managing-psoriasis
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/psoriasis-diet-foods-to-eat-and-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis
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