Plant-Based Diets: Psoriasis Relief And Natural Remedies

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects 2-3% of the world's population. It causes red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin and can be physically and emotionally painful to manage. While there is no cure, certain diets are believed to help manage symptoms and control flare-ups. A plant-based diet is one such diet. It is thought to be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory effects, ability to aid weight management, and exclusion of trigger foods such as red meat, dairy, eggs, and gluten.

A plant-based diet can help manage psoriasis symptoms

A plant-based diet can be an effective way to manage psoriasis symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 2-3% of the world's population, causing itchy, scaly, and painful patches of skin. While there is currently no cure for the condition, certain diets that exclude inflammatory foods and include anti-inflammatory foods have been found to positively affect the management of outbreaks.

Psoriasis occurs when the body rapidly produces new skin cells in days rather than weeks, resulting in a buildup of cells that form thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface. This overproduction of skin cells is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy skin cells. While the medical field doesn't know the exact cause of psoriasis, it is believed that the immune system, genetics, and certain triggers play a role in its development.

Inflammatory foods to avoid

• Red meat and processed meat products: These contain arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that has been linked to the formation of psoriatic lesions. Examples include sausage, bacon, beef, and eggs.
• Dairy products: Like red meat, dairy products also contain arachidonic acid, which can trigger psoriatic flare-ups.
• Gluten: Gluten is a common trigger for celiac disease, which is often associated with autoimmune disorders like psoriasis. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, malt, certain processed foods, condiments, sauces, beer, and other malt beverages.
• Alcohol and processed foods: These can cause increased inflammation in the body, leading to potential psoriasis flare-ups.
• "Nightshade" vegetables: This group includes white potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, and spices like cayenne and paprika. They contain an alkaloid called solanine, which is believed to contribute to increased inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory plant-based foods to include

• Fruits and vegetables: These are naturally rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly antioxidants, which help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent the production of free radicals in the body. Focus on citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, garlic, ginger, leafy greens, and Brussels sprouts.
• Potassium-rich foods: Potassium-rich foods help manage psoriasis by supporting the production of glucocorticoids, which are hormones that suppress inflammation. Examples include bananas and other fruits, vegetables, and vegetable oils.
• Healthy oils: Oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and safflower oil are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and provide additional health benefits.
• Spices and herbs: Cinnamon, peppermint, turmeric, oregano, thyme, and sage are examples of spices and herbs with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and cell degeneration.

Transitioning to a plant-based diet

Transitioning to a plant-based diet can be a gradual process. Start by incorporating one plant-based meal a day and slowly increase your intake over time. Choose meals that you already enjoy and make vegan substitutions, such as using a plant-based alternative to eggs in a flour-based dish. Be mindful of your snack choices and opt for fruit smoothies or gluten-free options. Additionally, be intentional about learning new vegan recipes to add variety to your diet and make the transition more enjoyable.

In conclusion, a plant-based diet can be a powerful tool in managing psoriasis symptoms and reducing the frequency of flare-ups. By avoiding inflammatory foods and incorporating anti-inflammatory plant-based options, individuals with psoriasis can take control of their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

It can also prevent future flare-ups

A plant-based diet can help prevent future psoriasis flare-ups, and there is scientific evidence to back this up. Firstly, a plant-based diet is anti-inflammatory in nature. It is known that certain foods in a plant-based diet can help reduce inflammation for autoimmune diseases like arthritis, and this anti-inflammatory effect can also help control the symptoms of psoriasis, especially psoriatic arthritis.

A study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine confirmed the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet, which includes a lot of plant-based foods, and so partly confirms that plant-based foods do indeed help to control the symptoms of psoriasis.

Secondly, a plant-based diet is devoid of animal products like meat and dairy, and these have been associated with psoriasis flare-ups. Meat, eggs, and dairy products contain arachidonic acids, which are polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to worsen psoriasis.

Thirdly, a plant-based diet can help with weight management, and obesity has been linked with both the development and severity of psoriasis.

Finally, a plant-based diet can help you avoid gluten, which is a trigger for celiac disease among people with autoimmune disorders like psoriasis.

It is important to note that psoriasis is a chronic disease, and so it is all about managing the symptoms and preventing flare-ups. A plant-based diet can be a great way to do this, but it is not a cure.

The diet is anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory nature of a plant-based diet is one of the main reasons why it is believed to help with psoriasis.

Arachidonic acid

Red meat, dairy, butter, eggs, and processed foods are known to contain arachidonic acid, a compound that triggers psoriatic flare-ups. By cutting these foods out of your diet, you can avoid this trigger.

Gluten

Gluten is a trigger for celiac disease among people with autoimmune disorders. It is also linked to increased inflammation in the body. A plant-based diet is naturally gluten-free, which can help to reduce inflammation.

Alcohol

Alcohol is known to have disruptive effects on the immune system, which can lead to psoriasis flare-ups. Cutting out alcohol can help to reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms.

Nightshades

Nightshades are a group of vegetables that include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. They contain an alkaloid called solanine, which is believed to cause increased inflammation and may trigger psoriasis flare-ups. While these vegetables are generally safe and nutritious, it may be beneficial to avoid them if you have psoriasis.

Anti-inflammatory foods

In addition to avoiding inflammatory foods, a plant-based diet includes many foods with anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits and vegetables, for example, are high in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation.

Some plant-based foods that are particularly anti-inflammatory include:

• Broccoli
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Leafy greens
• Brussel sprouts
• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Vegetable oils (olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and safflower oil)
• Cinnamon
• Peppermint
• Turmeric
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Sage

It helps with weight management

A plant-based diet can help with weight management, which is key for psoriasis patients as obesity is linked with both the development and severity of the disease.

A South Korean study linked obesity with psoriasis, accepting it as a risk factor. Research by the National Psoriasis Foundation also shows that obesity in adolescents increases the risk of them developing psoriasis later in life.

If you're already obese and have psoriasis, you can lose weight by sticking to a plant-based diet. Not only will it improve your overall health, but it will also dramatically reduce your psoriasis flare-ups.

Similarly, patients with psoriasis who are not overweight can prevent obesity and their psoriasis from getting worse by sticking to a whole foods plant-based diet.

A plant-based diet is also beneficial for weight management because it is devoid of animal products like meat and dairy, which have been associated with psoriasis. Meat, eggs, and dairy products contain arachidonic acids, which are polyunsaturated fats that can worsen psoriasis.

In addition, a plant-based diet is typically lower in calories and processed foods, which can lead to obesity and other chronic health conditions.

By reducing your consumption of inflammatory foods and increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory plant-based foods, you can better manage your weight and keep your psoriasis symptoms under control.

It is important to note that while a plant-based diet can be beneficial for weight management and psoriasis, it is not a cure. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and in some cases, medication to manage effectively.

It is devoid of trigger foods

A plant-based diet is devoid of trigger foods, which can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Meat, dairy, and eggs are common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups, and these foods are typically excluded on a plant-based diet.

Meat, especially red meat and processed meats like sausage and bacon, contain high levels of arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that has been linked to causing psoriatic lesions and flare-ups. Meat is also a source of unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation in the body.

Dairy products, such as butter, also contain arachidonic acid and can trigger psoriasis symptoms. Additionally, dairy is often associated with gluten, as those with autoimmune disorders are more likely to have gluten sensitivity, which can trigger psoriasis. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, malt, certain processed foods, condiments, sauces, and beer. By eliminating these gluten-containing foods, a plant-based diet can help reduce the frequency of psoriasis flare-ups.

Eggs, like meat and dairy, are a source of arachidonic acid and can trigger psoriasis. Excluding eggs from the diet, as a plant-based diet typically does, may help manage the condition.

A plant-based diet, by eliminating these common trigger foods, can be an effective approach to managing psoriasis. However, it is important to note that psoriasis triggers can vary from person to person, and it is always recommended to consult a medical professional before making any significant dietary changes.

Frequently asked questions