Keto Diet: Psoriasis Friend Or Foe?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the epidermis that affects 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 caused by excess adipose tissue. A study has shown that a low-calorie ketogenic diet can be a successful strategy to improve psoriasis-related dysmetabolism, with a significant correction of the metabolic and inflammatory status. However, another study on mice suggests that certain types of fats in the keto diet, namely medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil, may worsen psoriasis symptoms. This could be because MCTs burn faster and prompt a buildup of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the skin. On the other hand, a ketogenic diet that is well-balanced and limited to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) such as olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats, did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

The link between keto and psoriasis

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that stimulates the body to enter ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While keto is often used for weight loss, its potential impact on skin inflammation has been the subject of recent research.

The impact of keto on psoriasis

Austrian researchers conducted a study on mouse models with psoriasis-like skin inflammation to examine the effects of different ketogenic diets. They found that a keto diet high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially when combined with omega-3 fatty acids, exacerbated skin inflammation in the mice. MCTs are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter. On the other hand, a well-balanced keto diet limited to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) such as olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats did not worsen skin inflammation.

The role of diet in psoriasis management

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, and certain foods are known to trigger flare-ups. Red meat, dairy, eggs, and nightshade plants are common dietary triggers for psoriasis. Alcohol is also believed to be a trigger due to its effects on the immune system. A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish, can help reduce the severity of flare-ups.

Personal experiences with keto and psoriasis

Some individuals with psoriasis have reported improvements in their skin condition after adopting a keto diet. In an online forum, one person shared that their psoriasis had completely cleared up after two months on the keto diet, while another person attributed their success to a combination of keto and gluten-free diets. However, it is important to note that these are anecdotal reports and may not reflect the results that others may experience.

Recommendations for dietary interventions

While the research suggests that certain types of keto diets may worsen psoriasis, it is important to note that the study was conducted on mice and may not directly translate to humans. Additionally, the keto diet used in the study was extremely high in fat (77% fat), which is higher than what most people would typically follow. More research is needed to determine the specific effects of keto diets on psoriasis in humans.

Healthcare professionals generally recommend a balanced diet low in processed foods for people with psoriasis. A registered nutritional therapist advises focusing on diets that correct and balance the gut microbiome rather than restrictive diets like keto.

The influence of different fats on psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the skin, joints, cardiovascular system, brain, and metabolism. It is a polygenic disease with a significant genetic background, but it is also triggered by environmental factors. Obesity is an independent risk factor for the onset and severity of psoriasis.

The role of diet

There is no specific "psoriasis diet", but certain foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body, which can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. A balanced whole-foods diet is the best approach to reduce inflammation throughout the body and may reduce psoriasis flare-ups or make symptoms less severe.

The influence of different fats

Saturated fats and trans fats in red meat, cheese, fried food, margarine, fast food, and many processed snacks are known to trigger inflammation in the body. These fats increase the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol" in the blood, and studies suggest a link between excess fat in the body and the development and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.

Polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, are easier to break down and induce far less inflammation.

A study on mice found that a ketogenic diet heavy in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially in combination with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and plant sources, exacerbated a murine model of psoriasis. MCTs are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter, while long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) are found in olive oil, soybean oil, avocado, and nuts.

The study also found that ketogenic diets that were well-balanced and limited to LCTs did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

Other dietary considerations

In addition to limiting saturated fats and trans fats, a psoriasis-friendly diet may include:

• Fatty fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids
• Fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants
• Healthy fats like olive oil, flaxseed oil, and safflower oil, which are rich in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat
• Probiotics, which can be found in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut

The benefits of a well-balanced keto diet

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been touted for its health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, and reduced risk of certain diseases. While the keto diet has its benefits, it is important to approach it with caution and be aware of potential risks. Here are some of the benefits of a well-balanced keto diet:

Weight Loss

The keto diet can be an effective way to lose weight and lower the risk of certain diseases. Research shows that the keto diet may be as effective for weight loss as a low-fat diet, with people losing an average of 2 pounds more than those on a low-fat diet. The diet is also filling, so weight loss can occur without calorie restriction.

Improved Heart Health

The keto diet can improve risk factors for heart disease, including body fat, HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar. A 2017 review of studies found that some people on the keto diet experienced a significant drop in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides, while HDL ("good") cholesterol increased.

Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers

The keto diet may help prevent or treat certain cancers by causing more oxidative stress in cancer cells than in normal cells, leading to their death. Additionally, by reducing blood sugar, the keto diet may lower the risk of insulin complications, which have links to some cancers.

Protection Against Alzheimer's Disease

The ketones produced during the keto diet have neuroprotective benefits, strengthening and protecting the brain and nerve cells. This may help prevent or manage Alzheimer's disease.

Reduced Seizures

The keto diet has been used to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy, especially those who have not responded to other treatments. The diet alters the way the body uses energy, resulting in ketosis, a metabolic process where the body uses ketone bodies for fuel.

Improved PCOS Symptoms

The keto diet may improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can lead to skin problems and weight gain. A pilot study found that the keto diet improved markers of PCOS, including ratios of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and levels of fasting insulin.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution. Some potential risks of the keto diet include nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney problems, constipation, and fuzzy thinking or mood swings. Additionally, the high-fat content of the keto diet, especially saturated fats, may increase the risk of heart disease. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have an existing health condition.

The drawbacks of a poorly-balanced keto diet

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been around since the 1920s. While it has been proven to reduce seizures in pediatric patients with epilepsy, it is now more commonly used as a weight-loss tool. The diet is designed to burn fat by cutting carbs, and when your body enters the state of ketosis, it switches to burning fatty acids, or ketones, for energy instead of glucose from carbs.

However, the keto diet can be poorly balanced and hard to sustain, and may have several negative side effects. Here are some of the drawbacks of a poorly-balanced keto diet:

Calorie depletion and nutrient deficiency

The keto diet is so restricted that you may not receive the nutrients—vitamins, minerals, and fibers—that you get from fresh fruits, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains. Due to these deficiencies, people on the keto diet often report feeling foggy and tired, and constipation is also common due to the lack of fiber.

Bad fats in practice

The high-fat nature of the diet could also have negative impacts on heart health. Many people on the keto diet eat high amounts of saturated fats, which could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. People with kidney disease, in particular, may be at risk of requiring dialysis on the keto diet due to the additional ketones that their renal system has to process.

May cause dangerously low blood sugar

Low-carb diets like keto can help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, individuals with type 1 diabetes may be at a high risk of more episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can lead to coma and death if not treated. Even with proper medication adjustments, the risk may still be increased.

May damage bone health

The keto diet has been linked to impaired bone health in several studies. It may reduce bone mineral density and trigger bone breakdown over time.

May increase your risk of chronic diseases and early death

The keto diet's effect on the risk of chronic illness, such as heart disease or cancer, is not entirely understood. However, some evidence suggests that high-fat, low-carb diets that focus on animal foods may lead to poor health outcomes, while diets that emphasize vegetable sources of fats and proteins provide benefits.

Difficult to sustain

Because of the stringent food restrictions, many find the keto diet hard to stick to. It lends itself to yo-yo dieting, which increases mortality, and it is difficult to achieve and maintain ketosis.

May cause digestive issues and changes in gut bacteria

Since the keto diet restricts carbs, it can be difficult to meet your daily fiber needs, and constipation is a common side effect. A low-carb diet that’s lacking in fiber may also negatively affect your gut bacteria and lead to digestive discomfort.

The impact of keto on inflammatory conditions

The keto diet is a popular weight-loss plan that involves eating a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. This diet has been touted for its myriad health benefits, including its ability to lower inflammation in the body. For people with inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, reducing inflammation is key to managing their condition and avoiding flare-ups.

The link between keto and psoriasis

The link between the keto diet and psoriasis has been explored in several studies, with varying results. While some people report that the keto diet has helped clear their psoriasis, others have found that it may worsen their condition.

The type of fat matters

The type of fat consumed in the keto diet appears to be an important factor in determining its impact on psoriasis. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that a keto diet high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as coconut oil, worsened skin inflammation in mice. On the other hand, a keto diet based on long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), such as olive oil and avocado, did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids

The combination of MCTs with omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oil and plant sources, further aggravated skin inflammation in the study. This finding highlights the importance of considering the specific types of fat and their interactions in the keto diet.

Individual variations

It is important to note that the impact of the keto diet on psoriasis may vary from person to person. While studies suggest that certain types of keto diets may worsen skin inflammation, individual experiences may differ. Some people with psoriasis have reported improvements in their condition after adopting the keto diet.

Overall recommendations

While the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone with psoriasis, making dietary changes to reduce inflammation can be beneficial. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils, is generally recommended for managing inflammatory conditions. Consulting with a physician or registered dietitian nutritionist is advisable to determine the most suitable dietary approach for managing psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions.

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