Madeleine Hull
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an uncomfortable and painful condition that affects areas of the body with sweat glands, such as the underarms. While there is no cure or specific diet for HS, certain dietary changes may improve symptoms for some people. These include eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, and avoiding foods that trigger flares, such as sweets, bread, pasta, rice, and dairy. Maintaining healthy sugar levels and losing weight may also help reduce inflammation and HS symptoms.
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What You'll Learn
The Mediterranean diet may help reduce flare-ups
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes inflamed skin lesions or sores that may look like boils. It affects areas of the body with sweat glands, such as the underarms. While there is no cure for this condition, dietary measures may help soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
The Mediterranean diet is an anti-inflammatory diet that may help reduce HS flare-ups. It consists mostly of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil. Red meat is rarely eaten, and processed foods, including sugary drinks, are cut out.
The potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for people with HS are supported by a few small studies. In one study, a dermatologist in Arizona surveyed her patients with HS and found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet had fewer flare-ups than those who did not. Another small study in Italy, where many people follow a Mediterranean diet, found similar results. Additionally, research has shown that people with HS are more likely to have low blood levels of vitamin D and zinc, both of which are found in foods included in the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. Reducing overall inflammation may help prevent or soothe symptoms of HS.
Overall, the Mediterranean diet is a healthy, nutritious diet that may help reduce HS flare-ups by lowering inflammation and improving overall health. However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for HS, and individual results may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.
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A vegan diet may lower cholesterol and increase fibre intake
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that affects the areas of the body with sweat glands, such as the underarms. It can cause deep, inflamed skin lesions or sores that resemble boils. While there is no cure for this condition, dietary measures may help to soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
A vegan diet, which consists of eating only plant-based foods, may be one way to help manage HS symptoms. A vegan diet has been shown to have several potential health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, increasing fibre intake, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Firstly, a vegan diet may help to lower cholesterol levels. Studies have found that plant-based diets lower cholesterol levels more effectively than omnivorous diets. This is because fibre, which is only found in plant foods, reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the gut and increases the amount excreted in the stool. Replacing animal protein with plant protein has been linked to lower LDL cholesterol, which may be due to the phytonutrients and fibre found in plant sources.
Secondly, a vegan diet is often higher in fibre, which is beneficial for intestinal function and the elimination of toxins. Fibre can help to balance blood sugar and hormone levels, and it also promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
It is important to note that there is currently no one diet recommended for the treatment of HS, and further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of specific diets. However, a balanced diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods and low in processed foods is likely to benefit people with HS.
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The keto diet may help with weight loss
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that affects the areas of the body with sweat glands, such as the underarms. It causes deep, inflamed skin lesions or sores that may look like boils. While there is no cure for this condition, certain dietary changes may help soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is a low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating plan that has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. The diet has been shown to produce beneficial metabolic changes in the short term, including weight loss, and improvements in health parameters associated with carrying excess weight, such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol.
The keto diet works by depriving the body of glucose, which is the main source of energy for all cells in the body and is obtained by eating carbohydrate-rich foods. When the body is deprived of glucose, it begins to use fat as its primary fuel, producing an alternative fuel called ketones, which are created by the liver from stored fat. This state of the body using fat as its primary fuel is called ketosis.
Proponents of the keto diet state that if the diet is carefully followed, blood levels of ketones should not reach a harmful level, as the brain will use ketones for fuel, and healthy individuals will typically produce enough insulin to prevent excessive ketones from forming. However, excessive ketone bodies can produce a dangerously toxic level of acid in the blood, called ketoacidosis. During ketoacidosis, the kidneys begin to excrete ketone bodies along with body water in the urine, causing some fluid-related weight loss.
The keto diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss, with people reporting feeling less hungry than on other types of restricted diets. However, long-term fat loss depends on sustained caloric deficits and metabolic adaptation. Without careful planning, some people may experience weight regain once they stop the keto diet. Additionally, the keto diet can be restrictive, and individuals may not receive all the necessary nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber, that they would typically get from fresh fruits, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains.
While the keto diet may help with weight loss, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or making significant dietary changes, especially for those with HS.
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The paleo diet may reduce inflammation
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that affects the areas of the body with sweat glands, such as the underarms. It can cause deep, inflamed skin lesions or sores that may look like boils. While there is no cure for this condition, certain dietary measures may help soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
The paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic diet, caveman diet, or Stone Age diet, centres on the idea that eating like our ancestors promotes good health. It involves eating only foods that could be hunted, fished, or gathered in prehistoric times, such as meats, fish, and vegetables. The paleo diet discourages dairy, grains, and legumes, and highly processed foods.
In addition to the paleo diet, other diets that may help reduce inflammation and improve HS symptoms include the Mediterranean diet, the autoimmune protocol, and the Whole30 diet. The Mediterranean diet consists mostly of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil, with minimal red meat and processed foods. The autoimmune protocol and the Whole30 diet restrict foods such as dairy and refined carbohydrates that are known to trigger HS symptoms.
It is important to note that there is currently no one diet recommended for the treatment of HS, and individual results may vary. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or starting a new supplement regimen.
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Zinc and vitamin D supplements may reduce symptoms
While there is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), dietary measures may help soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Research has shown that losing weight for people with obesity can significantly lower symptoms.
Some foods may cause symptoms of HS to become worse. Foods to avoid include processed foods, sugar, brewer's yeast, and dairy. Instead, people with HS should eat foods that are high in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts and fish. They should also stay hydrated.
In addition to dietary changes, some evidence suggests that vitamin deficiencies may be linked to HS, and taking certain vitamin and mineral supplements may help relieve symptoms. People with HS are more likely to have low blood levels of zinc and vitamin D, and research has demonstrated that supplementing with these nutrients may help lower symptoms.
Zinc
Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce HS flares. In a small study of 22 patients with mostly mild or moderate HS, taking a zinc supplement helped when medication failed. Eight patients saw their HS go away, and 14 had less HS. However, taking too much zinc can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, loss of appetite, and stomach pain.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. It also plays a key role in maintaining the balance of growth and death of skin cells, especially in hair follicles.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or making any major changes to your diet.
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Frequently asked questions
HS stands for Hidradenitis suppurativa. It is a condition that affects the areas of the body with sweat glands, such as the underarms. It causes deep, inflamed skin lesions or sores that may look like boils.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for HS, and more research is needed to determine the exact effectiveness of specific diets. However, certain dietary changes may improve HS symptoms. It is recommended to follow a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and low in processed foods and sugar.
The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for HS as it is high in anti-inflammatory foods such as olive oil, fish, and whole grains, while also being low in processed foods and sugar. Other diets that may help include the paleo diet, keto diet, autoimmune protocol diet, Whole30 diet, and a plant-based diet.
Yes, some common trigger foods for HS include dairy, brewer's yeast, and refined carbohydrates. It is also important to maintain healthy sugar levels, as increased inflammation in the body can worsen HS symptoms.
Yes, some supplements that may improve HS symptoms include vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
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