Dante Carrillo
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes itchy, painful, red, scaly patches on the skin. While there is no cure for psoriasis, certain dietary changes may help reduce symptoms and prevent other conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis. An anti-inflammatory diet that focuses on whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich foods can help manage inflammation, a key driver of psoriasis. Additionally, avoiding foods that promote inflammation, such as those high in saturated fat, trans fat, and processed snacks, may reduce flare-ups. Working with a dietitian or nutritionist is recommended to develop a tailored plan that incorporates dietary preferences and ensures a healthy relationship with food. While dietary modifications are beneficial, they should complement medical treatments and be tailored to any medications taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
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What You'll Learn
Anti-inflammatory diets
An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms and lessen flare-ups. It is not a cure, but it can help manage the condition and possibly prevent other conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis.
An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on eating foods that reduce inflammation and avoiding foods that promote it. It is not a set diet but a pattern of healthy eating, balancing protein, fat, and carbohydrates with a focus on fresh, whole foods. It is important to note that simply adding more fibre to the diet will not necessarily reduce inflammation. However, as you eat more whole plants, you will likely eat fewer hyper-processed foods.
To get started, it is recommended to cut out one or two unhealthy foods at a time and replace them with healthier choices. For example, you can swap sweets for fresh fruit or sugary soda for water with lemon or herbal tea.
- Include extra virgin olive oil and other monounsaturated oils.
- Consume fatty marine fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Opt for lean protein or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Eat vitamin-rich foods, including vegetables, pumpkin, apricots, and green leafy vegetables.
- Choose gluten-free options if you have gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, as psoriasis patients may benefit from a gluten-free diet.
- Limit alcohol consumption, as it can lead to long-term inflammation and damage good bacteria in the gut.
- Reduce dairy products, especially if you have trouble digesting lactose or cow's milk protein (casein).
- Avoid processed snacks, red meat, fried foods, margarine, fast food, and other high-fat foods, as they can promote inflammation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Consider working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to develop a tailored diet plan that suits your needs and preferences.
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Gluten-free diets
Two small clinical trials showed a decrease in serological markers of celiac disease and a significant reduction in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) after following a gluten-free diet. Additionally, three case reports documented the resolution of psoriasis after gluten removal. These studies suggest that gluten may worsen psoriasis symptoms in individuals with high levels of anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA), indicating possible gluten sensitivity.
Based on this evidence, it is recommended that healthcare providers screen their psoriasis patients for symptoms of gluten sensitivity, such as diarrhea, flatulence, fatigue, and a history of iron-deficiency anemia. If patients exhibit these symptoms, antibody testing for IgA EMA or IgA tTG, the most sensitive and specific tests, is advised. For patients with positive antibody test results, a gluten-free diet may be considered as a potential treatment option.
It is important to note that a gluten-free diet is not necessary for all psoriasis patients. Rather, it may be beneficial specifically for those who show signs of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Before making any significant dietary changes, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to develop a safe and tailored treatment plan.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
People with psoriasis are more likely to develop heart disease, and omega-3s may reduce this risk. Research has shown that omega-3 improved people's psoriasis symptoms in 12 out of 15 trials. The benefits included improvements in skin reddening, itching, scaling, and inflammation. The researchers suggest that when taken orally, omega-3 was most effective over a period of three months or longer.
There are many sources of omega-3. Fish oil is one of the most popular omega-3 supplements. Krill oil is made from small crustaceans called krill. Algae oil is made from algae and contains no animal products, making it suitable for people who do not eat seafood or fish. Flaxseed oil is made from small brown seeds and is also suitable for people who do not eat seafood or fish. Seaweed and sea vegetables are also high in omega-3 content. Two of the three types of omega-3 fatty acids are mostly found in fish and shellfish, such as salmon, cod, mackerel, sardines, and herring.
It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before adding omega-3 supplements to your diet. While there appears to be no significant risk with omega-3 intake, some people have reported nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and a fishy taste in the mouth. People taking the blood-thinning drug warfarin should not take omega-3 supplements, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
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Vitamin-rich foods
While there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, an anti-inflammatory diet can help lessen symptoms and possibly prevent other conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis. Eating a healthy, balanced, whole-foods diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation and ease psoriasis flare-ups.
Folate, which is important for cell division in controlling psoriasis, can be found in peas, cabbage, broccoli, lentils, and cereals. Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, can be sourced from fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring. It is recommended to consume fish at least twice a week.
In addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, some people with psoriasis may benefit from supplementing with probiotics and vitamins, especially if they are deficient. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet or taking supplements.
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Probiotics
Research suggests that people with psoriasis tend to have higher levels of inflammation-causing bacteria and lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their guts. Probiotics may help balance intestinal bacteria and stimulate the body's T-cells, which regulate the immune system. This can help manage inflammation associated with psoriasis flare-ups.
Several studies have shown promising results for the use of probiotics in treating psoriasis. A 2013 study found that the oral probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 reduced inflammation biomarkers in people with psoriasis. Another study showed that supplementation with Lactobacillus strains resulted in anti-inflammatory effects, with decreased C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, and malondialdehyde levels.
Probiotic-rich foods include:
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso soup
- Tempeh
- Kefir
Probiotic supplements are also available, but it is important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interfere with medications or have side effects. While probiotics may provide benefits, they are not a replacement for traditional treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
An anti-inflammatory diet involves eating foods that reduce inflammation and avoiding foods that promote it. This includes eating fatty marine fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines), lean protein, plant-based protein, and extra virgin olive oil, while avoiding foods high in saturated fat or trans fat, such as red meat, fried food, margarine, fast food, and processed snacks.
If you have psoriasis, it is recommended to avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, spicy foods, red meat, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, as these may trigger flare-ups. It is also suggested that some people with psoriasis may benefit from a gluten-free diet, especially if they have associated conditions such as coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended for people with psoriasis. Eating vitamin-rich foods such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and nuts can also help ensure adequate nutrient intake. Consuming fish at least twice a week is also recommended, as fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
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