Keto Diet: Psoriasis Relief Or Fad?

The ketogenic diet is a popular weight-loss plan that involves eating foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates. While the keto diet is touted for its myriad health benefits, some studies suggest that it may worsen psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, and certain foods are known to trigger flare-ups. So, does the keto diet help or hurt those with psoriasis? Let's explore the topic further.

Keto diets that are high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may worsen psoriasis

Keto diets high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may worsen psoriasis

MCTs are shorter in length than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) and are therefore digested faster. However, a diet heavy in MCTs appears to cause the body to produce more pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signalling molecules involved in the body's inflammatory immune response. This can trigger a psoriasis flare. MCT-rich foods can also lead to a build-up of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that can trigger psoriasis flares.

The study by Austrian researchers also found that ketogenic diets that were well-balanced and limited to LCTs such as olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats, did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

While the study on mice suggests that keto diets high in MCTs may worsen psoriasis, more research is needed to determine how translatable the findings are to humans. It is important to consult a physician or registered dietitian nutritionist for more information on how your diet can help control your condition.

Well-balanced keto diets with long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) do not worsen skin inflammation

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that puts the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. Typically, the body uses glucose from carbohydrates as an energy source, but in ketosis, the body turns to fat, producing ketones that serve as fuel.

There are different types of ketogenic diets, and some may be more suitable for people with psoriasis than others. Austrian researchers found that well-balanced keto diets that are limited to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) such as olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats, did not worsen skin inflammation.

On the other hand, ketogenic diets that are heavy in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially when combined with omega-3 fatty acids, may exacerbate skin inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Coconut oil and palm kernel oil are examples of foods that contain high levels of MCTs.

The molecular structure of the fat appears to play a role in the body's inflammatory response. MCTs are shorter in length than LCTs and burn faster. However, a diet high in MCTs may lead to an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signalling molecules involved in the body's inflammatory response. Additionally, MCT-rich foods can lead to a build-up of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

It is important to note that the Austrian study was conducted on mice, and more research is needed to determine the translatability of these findings to humans.

Overall, while a well-balanced keto diet with LCTs may not worsen skin inflammation, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have a medical condition such as psoriasis.

The keto diet may not be ideal for people with psoriasis due to its high-fat content

The keto diet is a weight-loss plan that involves eating a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. This diet has become popular for its weight loss benefits, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

For people with psoriasis, the keto diet may not be ideal due to its high-fat content. While the keto diet has been anecdotally reported to help with psoriasis, scientific studies have found that certain types of fat in the keto diet may actually worsen psoriasis symptoms.

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that a keto diet containing fats from coconut oil, especially when combined with omega-3 fatty acids, worsened skin inflammation in mice. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are shorter in length than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in olive oil and avocados. MCTs burn faster than LCTs, but they also cause the body to produce more damaging pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signalling molecules involved in the body's inflammatory immune response. In addition, MCT-rich foods can lead to a build-up of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

The study suggests that a well-balanced keto diet limited to LCTs, such as olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats, may not exacerbate skin inflammation. However, due to the extreme rules of the keto diet, it may not be the best option for psoriasis patients. A balanced diet that is low in processed foods and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole foods is generally recommended for people with psoriasis.

Furthermore, the keto diet's high-fat content, which includes butter and whole-fat dairy products, can raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Since psoriasis has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, the keto diet's non-heart-healthy nutrient profile may not be appropriate for this population.

While the keto diet may help with weight loss, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects, especially for people with psoriasis. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have a medical condition.

The keto diet may help with weight loss for people with psoriasis

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a popular weight-loss plan that involves eating high-fat, low-carb foods. The diet is said to change the way the body uses energy, burning fat instead of glucose from carbs. While the keto diet is touted for its myriad health benefits, some studies suggest that it could worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that can be triggered by certain foods, such as red meat, dairy, and eggs, which contain an inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid. Other dietary triggers include gluten, nightshades, alcohol, and processed, high-calorie foods.

Research has found a link between obesity and inflammation, and carrying extra weight can worsen psoriasis. Therefore, weight loss is often recommended for people with psoriasis to help reduce inflammation and improve their condition.

While the keto diet may be an attractive option for those looking to lose weight, some types of keto diets may not be suitable for people with psoriasis. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that ketogenic diets high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially when combined with omega-3 fatty acids, exacerbated skin inflammation in mice. MCTs are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter. On the other hand, ketogenic diets that were well-balanced and limited to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) such as olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats, did not worsen skin inflammation.

The study's authors caution that people with psoriasis should avoid ketogenic diets high in MCTs, as they may aggravate pre-existing skin inflammation. However, a well-balanced keto diet that favours LCTs may be a safer option for those looking to lose weight while managing their psoriasis.

It is important to note that the study was conducted on mice, and more research is needed to determine the translatability of these findings to humans. Additionally, a keto diet may not be ideal for people with psoriasis due to its high-fat content, which can increase cardiovascular risk.

Overall, while the keto diet may help with weight loss for people with psoriasis, it is important to carefully consider the types of fats included in the diet and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

People with psoriasis may benefit from anti-inflammatory diets

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that can be triggered by certain foods. An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

An anti-inflammatory diet typically includes fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, and fatty fish. These foods contain compounds that decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens (such as kale, spinach, and arugula), berries, cherries, grapes, and other dark fruits are all recommended.

Healthy oils

Oils with a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids are a good choice. Examples include olive oil and soybean oil.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish such as salmon provide the body with anti-inflammatory omega-3s, which have been linked to a decrease in overall inflammation.

Other anti-inflammatory foods

In addition to the above, other anti-inflammatory foods include eggs, avocado, and nuts.

Foods to avoid

People with psoriasis should generally avoid inflammatory foods such as red meat, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables, and gluten. These foods may trigger flare-ups and increase inflammation.

Personalised approach

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all diet, and a personalised approach is best. Working with a physician or registered dietitian nutritionist can help determine the most effective dietary changes for managing psoriasis.

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