What are the foods that are good to eat with psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy skin cells and results in red, scaly patches. This condition can affect both physical and mental health. Studies show that diet has a significant impact on psoriasis. The foods we eat can increase or decrease inflammation, which is a key factor in disease symptoms. Let’s take a look at which foods can help treat psoriasis and which foods should be avoided to avoid worsening the condition.

The role of diet in psoriasis

Inflammation plays a key role in psoriasis, and diet can have a direct impact on the body’s inflammatory response. Some foods can increase inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms, while others have anti-inflammatory properties that can support skin health . It’s important to find the right balance.

There is a connection between the gut and the skin – it is known as the gut-skin axis. A healthy gut microbiome – the diverse community of bacteria in the digestive system – plays an important role in controlling inflammation and overall skin health. Your diet affects your gut health, which in turn can affect your psoriasis symptoms. By eating right, you can also improve the condition of your skin.

Research shows that diet can affect the severity and frequency of psoriasis flare-ups. Although each person’s response is highly individual, many people find that certain dietary changes help them better manage their symptoms. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods to create an effective psoriasis treatment plan.

Foods that help treat psoriasis

Making the right food choices can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms and improve the body’s overall health. Here are some helpful foods for people with psoriasis:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids: They have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the body’s immune response and relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
2. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: Help fight oxidative stress, support immune health, and can reduce inflammation .
3. Whole grains: Provide important fiber and nutrients that support gut health and reduce inflammation.
4. Healthy Fats: Supports overall health and inflammation management.
5. Probiotics and fermented foods: Support a healthy gut microbiome, which can improve skin condition.

Foods to Avoid in Psoriasis

While certain foods can help manage psoriasis, others can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms. Here is a list of foods to limit or avoid:

1. Processed and refined foods: These foods often contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives that can increase inflammation in the body. In addition, they can lead to weight gain, which also negatively affects the symptoms of psoriasis.
2. Red meat and processed meats: Red and processed meats are high in saturated fat and compounds that can cause inflammation. Frequent consumption of these foods is associated with increased inflammation, which affects psoriasis symptoms.
3. Dairy products: Some people with psoriasis may find that dairy products cause inflammation or worsen the symptoms of the disease. This is often related to the presence of certain proteins or fats present in dairy products.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol can weaken the immune system and cause symptoms to worsen in many patients with psoriasis. It can also reduce the effectiveness of psoriasis management methods.
5. Foods containing gluten: For people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, eating gluten can make psoriasis symptoms worse.

Creating an appropriate nutrition plan for people with psoriasis

When building a diet for people with psoriasis, it is important not only to avoid certain foods, but also to adopt a balanced approach that supports the overall health of the body.

Include anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, green leafy vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Preparing food in advance will help you avoid consuming processed foods. Include a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to make the diet not only nutritious, but also delicious.

A balanced diet is key to treating psoriasis. A diet rich in essential nutrients supports the defenses of the immune system. Include protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to provide the body with the nutrients it needs.

Maintaining optimal hydration is important for skin health. Drink enough water to keep the skin hydrated and relieve the dryness and discomfort associated with psoriasis.

Selection of dietary supplements for psoriasis

Nutritional supplements can be a useful addition to your diet, especially if certain nutrients are difficult to obtain through food alone. For people with psoriasis, certain supplements can play an important role in maintaining skin and immune system health. You should keep in mind that it is always important to consult a doctor before starting a new diet or supplement. Here are some supplements that may benefit people with psoriasis:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and other sources such as flaxseed and chia are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. These acids can help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis. If you don’t get enough omega-3s through your diet, for example if you don’t eat fatty fish like salmon, supplements can make up for the deficiency.
2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for healthy skin and the immune system. Deficiency of this vitamin is often seen in people with psoriasis, which can worsen symptoms. Vitamin D not only aids in skin repair, but can also regulate the body’s overactive immune response in conditions such as psoriasis. Vitamin D supplements can be especially helpful during the winter months when the skin receives less sunlight.
3. Probiotics: Probiotics , which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, can positively affect the immune system and reduce inflammation. The link between gut health and skin conditions like psoriasis is the subject of intense research, with some studies suggesting that a healthy microbiome can help reduce symptoms.
4. Turmeric/Curcumin: Turmeric , specifically its active compound curcumin, is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis and relieve the skin condition. Curcumin can be taken as a supplement or incorporated into the diet through foods and spices.

Resources:

1. Afifi, L., Danesh, MJ, Lee, KM, Beroukhim, K., Farahnik, B., Ahn, RS, Yan, D., Singh, RK, Nakamura, M., Koo, J., & Liao, W. .(2017). Dietary Behaviors in Psoriasis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a US National Survey. Dermatology and Therapy, 7(2), 227–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-017-0183-4 
2. Buhaș, MC, Gavrilaș, LI, Candrea, R., Cătinean, A., Mocan, A., Miere, D., & Tătaru, A. (2022). Gut Microbiota in Psoriasis. Nutrients, 14(14), 2970. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142970 
3. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Psoriasis and Diet: How Foods Can Impact Inflammation. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/psoriasis-diet 
4. Cloyd, J. (2023a, April 19). What’s the Difference Between Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Postbiotics? Rupa Health.
5. Cloyd, J. (2023b, August 21). A root cause medicine protocol for patients with psoriasis: Comprehensive lab testing, therapeutic diet, and supplements. Rupa Health.