Leena Watts
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin. While there is no specific diet to cure the disease, certain foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, which can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. These include highly processed foods, fatty foods, red meat, dairy, eggs, and alcohol. On the other hand, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats are recommended for managing psoriasis. Some people with psoriasis also find relief by following a gluten-free diet, especially if they have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Overall, while dietary modifications may not cure psoriasis, they can play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and lessening the severity of symptoms.
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Gluten-free diets
Celiac disease is an autoimmune response to gluten, and people with psoriasis have a higher prevalence of this condition. A 2014 review found that celiac-related antibodies were present in 14% of people with psoriasis, compared to 5% of those without. A 2019 study also found that people with psoriasis had a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease.
The impact of a gluten-free diet on psoriasis symptoms has been evaluated in several studies. One study involving 33 people with psoriasis and high levels of anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) found that 73% of those with AGA in their bodies experienced improvement in their condition after three months on a gluten-free diet, while none of the AGA-negative participants improved. Another study of 13 people with psoriasis and high AGA levels who followed a gluten-free diet for 12 months saw a reduction in AGA levels in 82% of participants.
A 2017 study found that 36% of participants with psoriasis followed a gluten-free diet, and of those, 53% reported notable improvements in their symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation reviewed 55 studies in 2018 and gave a weak recommendation for a gluten-free diet for people with signs of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
While a gluten-free diet may help some people with psoriasis, it is not a cure and should not replace conventional therapies. It is also a significant commitment due to its restrictive nature, and it is not recommended without a medical reason. Anyone considering this diet should consult a healthcare professional and may need to follow it for at least three months to see any potential benefits.
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Dairy-free diets
However, experts do not currently recommend dairy-free diets for the treatment of psoriasis. Research has not found a link between dairy and inflammation. In fact, a 2019 review found that milk and dairy products had anti-inflammatory effects for most participants, except for those with an allergy to cow's milk. Dairy also contains a host of important nutrients and may help curb inflammation if you are not allergic to cow's milk.
If you are experiencing psoriasis and suspect that dairy may be a trigger, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or start a food journal to help identify any dietary triggers. Keeping a log of your symptoms and the food you eat can help pinpoint foods that may cause issues. Taking progress photos and sharing them with your doctor can also help determine the best diet choices for your body.
It is important to note that psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder and is not caused by diet. However, diet may play a role in how the body handles inflammation, which is a key trigger of psoriasis symptoms. In addition to dairy, other inflammatory foods include refined carbohydrates, red meat, eggs, fatty foods, and alcohol.
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The paleo diet
However, the paleo diet does not address all food triggers for psoriasis. For example, some people with psoriasis find that nuts or legumes are triggers, and these foods are not eliminated on the paleo diet. Additionally, the paleo diet can be relatively expensive and restrictive, excluding low-cost sources of protein, fiber, and micronutrients such as cereals, lentils, and brown rice.
If you are considering the paleo diet for psoriasis, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first. They can advise you on whether you need to take any supplements to ensure you are getting all the essential nutrients.
The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet is an extension of the paleo diet, which may also be beneficial for people with psoriasis. This diet is more restrictive, primarily including vegetables and meat, with certain oils and herbs. It focuses on eliminating foods that may act as immune system triggers in the digestive tract, which can drive inflammation in the body.
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The AIP diet
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is an elimination diet that aims to reduce inflammation and symptoms caused by autoimmune disorders. It is a very restrictive diet that primarily includes vegetables and meat, with certain oils and herbs mixed in. The AIP diet focuses on eliminating foods that may cause inflammation and replacing them with health-promoting, nutrient-dense foods that help heal the gut.
While research on the AIP diet is limited, it may offer benefits for people living with psoriasis. Although the AIP diet is nutritionally sound, speaking with a doctor before starting this or any other diet is crucial to ensure safety and reduce the risk of medication interactions or other negative effects.
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Weight loss diets
To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. People who lose weight slowly, about 1 to 2 pounds per week, are more successful at keeping the weight off. You can also increase physical activity to burn additional calories.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. Include fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Consume foods low in saturated fats, avoid trans fats, and limit cholesterol and salt (sodium). Avoid refined sugars and processed foods. Keep a food diary to help with sustained weight loss.
A gluten-free diet may also help reduce psoriasis flare-ups, especially if you have a gluten sensitivity. However, this diet is very restrictive and should only be undertaken after consulting with a healthcare provider.
In addition to dietary modifications, limiting alcohol and maintaining appropriate portion sizes are important for weight loss and managing psoriasis.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for psoriasis, but certain foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, which can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is recommended. Some people with psoriasis have also reported an improvement in their symptoms after cutting out gluten or dairy.
The paleo diet, which emphasizes eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods, may be beneficial for people with psoriasis. The autoimmune protocol diet (AIP) focuses on eliminating foods that might cause inflammation, but it is very restrictive and may not be appropriate for everyone. A gluten-free diet may also help reduce psoriasis flare-ups, especially for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Foods that are high in saturated fatty acids, such as red meat, dairy, and eggs, should be avoided as they can trigger inflammation. Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and pastries, are highly processed and can cause blood sugar spikes and increase inflammation. Alcohol consumption should also be moderated as it can exacerbate psoriasis.
