Keto Diet: Friend Or Foe For Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the epidermis, affecting around 2-3% of the world's population. It is associated with obesity, and weight reduction is a strategy to combat the pro-inflammatory state. A ketogenic diet is a nutritional regimen characterised by a reduction in carbohydrates and a relative increase in protein and fat.

There is some evidence to suggest that a ketogenic diet can be beneficial for psoriasis patients. A 2021 study found that a low-calorie ketogenic diet can be considered a successful strategy and therapeutic option to gain an improvement in psoriasis-related dysmetabolism, with significant correction of the full metabolic and inflammatory status. Another study found that a ketogenic diet resulted in weight loss, which is associated with a reduction in psoriasis.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that a ketogenic diet may worsen psoriasis symptoms. A 2019 study found that a ketogenic diet heavy in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, exacerbated a murine model of psoriasis. The researchers theorised that this was because MCTs burn faster and could prompt a buildup of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the skin.

Overall, the evidence on the effects of a ketogenic diet on psoriasis is mixed, and more research is needed to determine the impact of this diet on the condition.

The keto diet may worsen psoriasis symptoms

A ketogenic diet is a popular way to lose weight, but it may not be advisable for people with psoriasis. A study on mice found that a ketogenic diet heavy in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) exacerbated psoriasis-like skin inflammation. However, a well-balanced ketogenic diet limited to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) such as olive oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats did not worsen skin inflammation.

The Psoriasis-Keto Connection

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter. MCTs are shorter in length than LCTs and burn faster. A diet heavy in MCTs appears to cause the body to produce more damaging pro-inflammatory cytokines, signalling molecules involved in the body's inflammatory immune response. MCT-rich foods also lead to a build-up of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that can trigger a psoriasis flare.

The Study

The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, was conducted on mice and did not replicate an actual keto diet. However, the results suggest that the keto diet might not be the best option for psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis & Weight Loss

Psoriasis is linked to obesity and inflammation. Carrying extra pounds is both a risk factor for psoriasis and can worsen the existing skin condition. Research shows that shedding pounds can help reduce cardiovascular risk in people with psoriasis.

The Keto Diet and Cardiovascular Risk

The keto diet is high in fat and favours butter and whole-fat dairy products that can raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing cardiovascular risk. Since psoriasis is also associated with cardiovascular disease, the keto diet may not be appropriate for this population.

A Psoriasis-Friendly Diet

A balanced diet low in processed foods is recommended for people with psoriasis. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats such as oily fish, eggs, avocado, and olives, and whole foods directly from nature is suggested. It is also important to avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, red meat, and dairy.

Gut Health and Psoriasis

Some researchers have found that people with psoriasis have less bacterial diversity in their microbiomes compared to those without psoriasis. A whole food-based, well-formulated ketogenic diet is known to improve digestive health in general, especially if fermented foods and probiotics are incorporated.

There isn't enough scientific evidence specifically on keto and psoriasis, and more studies are needed. While one study concluded that psoriasis symptoms improved on a ketogenic diet, another animal study found that certain types of fats, namely MCTs from coconut oil, could worsen symptoms. Ultimately, it might take some experimentation with diet and foods to figure out what works best for people with psoriasis.

The keto diet may improve psoriasis symptoms

The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve a range of inflammatory conditions, from arthritis to dermatitis. Since psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, it makes sense that the keto diet could help with symptoms.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a key player in most diseases. The ketogenic diet has repeatedly been shown to reduce inflammation and improve a range of inflammatory conditions, from arthritis to dermatitis. Studies reveal that the low sugar intake and healthy fats consumed on a ketogenic diet decrease inflammatory markers more than a low-fat diet.

Skin Conditions and the Mitochondria

In addition to the wealth of research on how keto lowers inflammation, studies also underline the benefits of the ketogenic diet for the mitochondria and inflammatory dermatologic disease—skin conditions that cause inflammation of the skin or autoimmune disorders. At the same time, excess sugar is known to be damaging to the mitochondria.

Obesity and Excess Body Weight

Due to the link between obesity and inflammation, and inflammation and psoriasis, it isn’t difficult to see how eating an inflammatory diet that promotes weight gain could also fuel psoriasis. Psoriasis is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and a dysfunctional metabolism, and a ketogenic diet is renowned for boosting the metabolism, normalizing blood sugar and insulin levels, promoting weight loss, and more.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is also connected to psoriasis, and, unsurprisingly, lowering all that sugar on keto and enjoying those satiating healthy fats stabilizes insulin levels and improves insulin resistance, which could, in theory, improve psoriasis. When you have insulin resistance, sugar stays in your blood for too long and worsens inflammation.

Alcohol

Many psoriasis doctors and experts also believe alcohol aggravates psoriasis, and most alcohol is off-limits on keto.

Gut Health

Some researchers have examined the microbial structure (gut bacteria) of people with psoriasis and found that their microbiomes had less bacterial diversity and clearly differed from those without psoriasis. This means the health of your digestive system likely influences psoriasis. A whole food-based, well-formulated ketogenic diet is known to improve digestive health in general, especially if you incorporate fermented foods and probiotics.

The keto diet may not be the best option for psoriasis patients

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a popular weight-loss plan that involves eating a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. While the keto diet has been touted for its myriad health benefits, including its ability to lower inflammation in the body, some studies suggest that it may not be the best option for people with psoriasis.

The link between keto and psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing scaling, inflammation, and redness. It is characterized by the rapid production of skin cells, which leads to a buildup of cells that can result in dry, itchy, and uncomfortable skin. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be linked to the immune system, genetics, and environmental triggers.

There is a growing body of research that suggests a link between keto and psoriasis. One study found that certain fats in the keto diet, specifically medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil, may worsen psoriasis symptoms. The study, conducted on lab animals, found that a keto diet high in MCTs led to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a buildup of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that can trigger psoriasis flares. However, it is important to note that this study did not look at a whole-food approach to keto and may not fully replicate how the diet is used in real life.

The potential benefits of keto for psoriasis

Despite the potential drawbacks, there are some reasons to believe that keto could be beneficial for people with psoriasis. Firstly, inflammation plays a key role in psoriasis, and the keto diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve a range of inflammatory conditions. Additionally, keto has been found to boost the metabolism, normalize blood sugar and insulin levels, and promote weight loss, all of which could positively impact psoriasis symptoms.

The bottom line

While there may be some potential benefits to the keto diet for people with psoriasis, more scientific research is needed to fully understand the effects of this diet on the condition. It is always best to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have a medical condition like psoriasis.

The keto diet may not be ideal for people with psoriasis

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a popular weight-loss plan that involves eating a high-fat (more than 70% of daily calories) and low-carbohydrate diet. This diet changes how your body uses energy, burning fat and ketones instead of glucose from carbs. While the keto diet has been touted for its myriad health benefits, it may not be the best option for people with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing dry, rough, itchy, and uncomfortable skin. The condition is characterised by accelerated skin cell production, resulting in scaling, inflammation, and redness. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be linked to the immune system, genetics, and environmental triggers.

There is limited scientific evidence specifically on the effects of the keto diet on psoriasis. However, some studies suggest that certain types of fats, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil, may worsen psoriasis symptoms. This is because MCTs burn faster and could prompt a buildup of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the skin. On the other hand, a well-balanced keto diet that focuses on long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts may not exacerbate skin inflammation.

For people with psoriasis, a balanced diet that is low in processed foods and inflammatory foods like sugar, red meat, and dairy may be a better option. Focusing on whole foods, healthy fats, and a diverse gut microbiome may help improve psoriasis symptoms. Additionally, an elimination diet that cuts out common allergens like eggs, nightshades, and gluten may also be beneficial.

While the keto diet has shown promise in treating a range of conditions, more scientific research is needed to determine its effectiveness in managing psoriasis.

The keto diet may be a positive move for those dealing with psoriasis

The ketogenic diet has been shown to be beneficial for a range of conditions and symptoms, including skin problems. While there is limited scientific evidence on the effects of keto on psoriasis specifically, some studies suggest that it could be a positive move for those dealing with the condition.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the body rapidly produces skin cells, resulting in scaling, inflammation, and redness. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be linked to the immune system, genetics, and environmental triggers. Treatments for psoriasis typically aim to reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and slow the growth of skin cells.

The keto diet has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a key player in most diseases, including psoriasis. Studies have found that the low sugar intake and healthy fats consumed on a ketogenic diet decrease inflammatory markers more than a low-fat diet. Sugar and sugar-sweetened drinks have been proven to fuel inflammation, and these are avoided on a keto diet.

In addition, the ketogenic diet has been found to have benefits for the mitochondria and inflammatory dermatologic disease. At the same time, excess sugar is known to be damaging to the mitochondria.

Obesity and excess body weight

There is a link between obesity and inflammation, and between inflammation and psoriasis. A ketogenic diet is known to boost the metabolism, normalise blood sugar and insulin levels, and promote weight loss. A low-carb, high-fat diet is one of the best diets for achieving sustainable weight loss.

Insulin resistance is also connected to psoriasis, and lowering sugar intake on keto can help to stabilise insulin levels and improve insulin resistance, which could, in theory, improve psoriasis.

Alcohol

Many psoriasis doctors and experts believe that alcohol can aggravate psoriasis, and most alcohol is off-limits on keto.

Gut health

Some researchers have found that people with psoriasis have a different microbial structure (gut bacteria) to those without the condition. A whole food-based, well-formulated ketogenic diet is known to improve digestive health in general, especially if you incorporate fermented foods and probiotics.

One study found that psoriasis symptoms, including pain, improved on a ketogenic diet. Another study found that certain types of fats, namely medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil, could worsen psoriasis symptoms. However, this study used lab animals and did not assess a whole-food approach to keto, so it did not replicate an actual keto diet.

A 2021 study found that 30 people with psoriasis who followed a non-keto diet and then a keto diet experienced less painful symptoms and reduced coverage of their bodies by the condition. However, this was a small study with a very low-calorie meal plan that may not be sustainable for most people.

While more scientific research is needed, it appears that a ketogenic diet could be a positive move for those dealing with psoriasis.

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