Milly Gaines
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. While diet does not cause psoriasis, certain foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, and this irritation can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Research suggests that people with psoriasis tend to have higher rates of celiac disease, and some people have found that reducing gluten in their diet lessens psoriasis flare-ups. Other foods that can cause inflammation and irritate the skin include processed meats, high-sugar desserts, fried foods, alcohol, and nightshades. A balanced whole-foods diet that includes fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants, can help to reduce inflammation and lessen the severity of psoriasis symptoms.
Does diet cause psoriasis?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet causing psoriasis | Diet does not directly cause psoriasis, but certain foods can cause inflammation, which can worsen symptoms. |
| Foods causing inflammation | Processed meats, high-sugar foods, fried foods, dairy, gluten, red meat, cheese, margarine, fast food, processed snacks, nightshades, alcohol |
| Foods reducing inflammation | Fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, oils with a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, nuts, Mediterranean diet, vegetarian diet, low-sodium diet |
| Dietary supplements | Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, vitamin D, vitamin A |
| Weight loss | Losing weight can improve the severity of psoriasis. |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free diets
In 2017, a study found that 36% of participants with psoriasis followed a gluten-free diet, and 53% of those who avoided gluten reported improvements in their symptoms. Another study from 2019 involving 85,185 participants concluded that there was no direct link between gluten intake and the onset of psoriasis. However, this study did not assess a strict gluten-free diet.
The medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation reviewed 55 studies in 2018 and weakly recommended a gluten-free diet only for those with signs of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This is because the reduction in psoriasis symptoms after eliminating gluten may be due to managing the digestive condition rather than directly impacting psoriasis.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing psoriasis through diet, some individuals have reported improvements in symptoms after cutting out dairy, refined carbohydrates, and limiting ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats. These dietary changes aim to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may help ease psoriasis flare-ups.
It is important to note that a gluten-free diet is restrictive, and one should not adopt it without consulting a healthcare professional. If you suspect gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, speak to a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for guidance on transitioning to a gluten-free diet.
Additionally, dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease inflammation, may also be beneficial in managing psoriasis. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your treatment plan.
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Dairy-free diets
Dairy contains a host of nutrients and may help curb inflammation if you are not allergic to cow's milk. However, some people with psoriasis are lactose intolerant and do not have enough of the digestive enzyme lactase. Chronic gastrointestinal irritation from these conditions can make inflammation worse. For some people, psoriasis symptoms improve when they cut dairy from their diet. According to a review, high-fat diets may play a key role in the development and progression of psoriasis and other health conditions. Many dairy foods are high in fat, which is associated with inflammation.
Research has not found a link between dairy and inflammation. Dairy does not increase the concentration of biomarkers of inflammation in the bloodstream. In a 2019 review, when looking at people who had no chronic conditions or people who had metabolic irregularities, milk and dairy products had anti-inflammatory effects. However, a higher consumption of dairy products was positively correlated with psoriasis severity in a smaller study.
If you are trying to figure out how your diet affects your psoriasis, it is recommended to talk with your doctor or start a food journal. Keeping a log of your symptoms and the food you eat can help pinpoint foods that may cause issues for you. Taking progress photos over this period and sharing them with your doctor can also help you work together to determine the best diet choices for your body.
It is important to note that there is no specific diet that will cure psoriatic disease. However, eating healthful foods may lessen the severity of symptoms and play a role in lowering the likelihood of developing comorbidities.
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Anti-inflammatory foods
While there is no specific diet that can cure psoriasis, eating healthily may lessen the severity of symptoms. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissue, resulting in red, scaly, itchy, and painful patches on the skin. This condition is often accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition.
Certain foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, and in some people, this widespread irritation can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. These include:
- Refined and ultra-processed foods, such as white bread, white rice, pasta, pastries, and some breakfast cereals, which have been stripped of fiber and whole grains and tend to contain a lot of sugar.
- Fatty foods, such as red meat, cheese, fried foods, margarine, fast food, and processed snacks, which can increase inflammation in body fat and adipose tissue.
- Alcohol, which makes the liver work harder to produce chemicals to metabolize it, leading to long-term inflammation with heavy or regular drinking.
- Added sugars in soda, fruit juices, candy, baked goods, and sweets, which force the body to store extra energy in fat cells and inflame fat tissue.
- Gluten, which in people with celiac disease, triggers an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack tissues in the small intestine.
On the other hand, some dietary choices may help combat inflammation and reduce psoriasis flare-ups:
- Fruits and vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce symptoms and ease inflammation.
- Whole grains: Opting for whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates can be beneficial.
- Mediterranean diet: Following a Mediterranean diet has been associated with less severe psoriasis and can help reduce chronic inflammation that contributes to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These have been shown to decrease inflammation and have a positive impact on the body's immune system.
- Gluten-free diet: While not necessary for everyone, some people with psoriasis have reported improvements in their skin after eliminating gluten, possibly due to improved digestion and nutrient absorption.
It is important to note that the impact of diet on psoriasis may vary from person to person, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes.
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Weight loss and psoriasis
Weight loss can help ease psoriasis symptoms and reduce the risk of related health problems. Losing weight can lessen the severity of psoriasis symptoms, such as itchy, flaky, and sore patches on the skin and scalp. Research shows that losing weight through a low-calorie diet and exercise can improve psoriasis symptoms by almost 50% in 20 weeks, without changing medication or treatment plans.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, and extra fat cells release inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which may worsen psoriasis symptoms. Losing weight can lower the level of inflammation in the body, which can help ease psoriasis symptoms. Even a small amount of weight loss can reduce pressure on the joints, which is important as up to a third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
While there is no specific diet proven to cure psoriasis, certain dietary changes can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. A balanced, whole-foods diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean protein, and omega-3 fatty acids is recommended. It is also suggested to limit ultra-processed foods, added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats, as these can worsen inflammation. Some people have found that cutting out gluten, dairy, or sugar improves their psoriasis symptoms.
It is important to note that weight alone does not cause psoriasis, and not everyone reacts the same way to certain foods. Working with a doctor or dietitian specializing in skin conditions can help individuals find the best dietary approach to manage their psoriasis.
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Alcohol consumption
While psoriasis is not caused by diet, certain foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, which can worsen symptoms. Similarly, alcohol consumption is linked to psoriasis, but the exact nature of the link is not yet clear.
Alcohol is believed to be a trigger for psoriasis, and drinking may worsen symptoms. Research has shown that people with psoriasis drink more alcohol than those without the condition, possibly as a means of coping with the negative effects of the disease, such as low self-esteem, stress, embarrassment, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. However, drinking can have the opposite effect, worsening anxiety and depression and making the disease harder to treat. Biologic drugs, for example, may not work as well when combined with alcohol. Alcohol can also increase susceptibility to infections.
Some studies have found a correlation between the severity of psoriasis and the level of alcohol consumption, but only in women. Other studies have shown that alcohol is a risk factor for psoriasis in young and middle-aged men. However, the link between alcohol and psoriasis is not yet fully understood. Factors such as smoking, obesity, and other psoriasis triggers may have influenced the results of these studies.
If you suspect that alcohol is triggering your psoriasis, you should speak to your doctor. They may advise you to cut back or stop drinking, or to drink in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, psoriasis is not caused by diet. However, diet may play a role in how the body handles inflammation, which is a symptom of psoriasis.
Foods that cause inflammation, such as ultra-processed foods, added sugars, saturated fats, red meat, cheese, fried food, margarine, fast food, and many processed snacks, should be avoided. Alcohol is also believed to be a trigger.
A balanced whole-foods diet with fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants and compounds that decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, is recommended. A diet high in fatty fish can provide the body with anti-inflammatory omega-3s, which have been linked to a decrease in inflammatory substances.
The Mediterranean diet, which is characterised by a high consumption of vegetables, cereals, legumes, fish, fruit, and nuts, can help reduce chronic inflammation. The autoimmune protocol diet (AIP) focuses on eliminating foods that might cause inflammation, but it is very restrictive and may not be appropriate for people with psoriasis as it includes a lot of meat, which is considered a trigger for flare-ups. A gluten-free diet may also help, but it is also restrictive and should be discussed with a healthcare provider first.
