How can diet affect psoriasis?

The effect of diet on psoriasis

There is no specific diet that can cure psoriasis, but there are some diet modifications that may help people manage symptoms and improve overall health.

Weight loss, a decrease in inflammation, and increased consumption of antioxidants are factors that may help to relieve symptoms after making dietary changes.

Here we look at seven ways in which diet may help ease the symptoms of psoriasis.

Weight loss

If a person with psoriasis has overweight, reaching and maintaining a moderate weight may help:

• reduce the severity of symptoms
• improve psoriasis medication efficacy
• reduce the amount of psoriasis present

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for a person’s overall good health and can reduce the risk of developing other conditions alongside psoriasis (comorbidities).

Psoriasis comorbidities

Metabolic syndrome is also a common condition in people with psoriasis. This is a key risk factor for heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the chance of developing these conditions or help manage them if already present.

Gluten and celiac disease

People with psoriasis may be more likely to have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The body of a person with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

If a person who is allergic or sensitive to gluten consumes it, it can trigger an immune system response that may worsen immune-mediated conditions, such as psoriasis.

In those with a gluten intolerance, excluding it from the diet may help reduce psoriasis symptoms. Foods to avoid include:

• wheat and wheat products, including semolina and many pastas
• brewer’s yeast
• breads and baked goods
• cornflakes and other cereals
• many processed foods
• some beers
• some cosmetics, such as lipstick and lip balm

Anti-inflammation

The most beneficial dietary interventions involve an overall healthy eating plan. Ensuring adequate nutrition and promoting healthy lifestyle habits helps the body manage inflammation and support general health.

However, as psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, supporting an overall healthy diet with anti-inflammatory foods may benefit symptom management.

Examples of foods that may have an anti-inflammatory effect include:

• oily and cold-water fish
• fruits and vegetables
• nuts and seeds
• beans
• fiber

Antioxidant activity

Certain nutrients in food have antioxidant properties. This means they reduce oxidative stress and prevent the body from producing “free radicals,” or reactive oxygen species.

Examples of antioxidants include vitamins A, E, and C, and the minerals iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium.

Research suggests a link between antioxidant intake and a reduction in psoriasis symptoms.

Good sources include:

• fruits and vegetables
• nuts and seeds
• spices, such as cloves, peppermint, and cinnamon
• herbs, including oregano, thyme, and sage

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in managing inflammation, and as such, adequate intake may help to regulate psoriasis symptoms.

The body absorbs vitamin D from two sources:

• food, such as fortified dairy products
• exposure to sunlight, as the body creates vitamin D in response to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays

People with psoriasis often have lower-than-usual levels of vitamin D in their blood and symptoms may worsen in the winter months when sunlight is less prevalent. This suggests that boosting vitamin D intake may play a positive role in psoriasis symptom management.

Besides sunlight exposure, vitamin D sources include:

• oily fish
• milk, yogurt, and Swiss cheese
• egg

Diet tips

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving psoriasis.

However, some diet tips may help to lower inflammation and enhance weight loss efforts, if necessary.

These tips include:

• Avoiding sugar: Excess sugar in the diet can worsen inflammation, so reducing or eliminating added sugars may be an important first step.
• Drinking plenty of water: Water provides hydration to every part of the body, including the skin. Consuming enough water throughout the day may help improve the texture, look, and feel of the skin.
• Avoiding trigger foods: Some people may find that keeping a food diary and cutting out one food at a time helps to identify a trigger that makes their symptoms worse.
• Eliminating trans fats: Hydrogenated oils, sources of trans fats, are common in today’s packaged and fried foods. It is best to cut out all types of trans fats, as these can lead to inflammation. Extra-virgin olive oil is a healthful alternative.
• Including cold-water fish in the diet: Salmon, trout, herring, and other cold-water fish contain vitamin D and healthful omega-3 fats. Flaxseed is also a good source of omega-3.
• Choosing anti-inflammatory foods: Vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, and spices are all anti-inflammatory. There is a lack of research to show whether or not these can improve psoriasis, but they may be a helpful addition for any person seeking to reduce inflammation.
• Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol consumption may worsen psoriasis flares.

Other items to avoid may include alcohol, caffeine, and peppers.

Summary

Everyone can benefit from a healthful diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, but for people with psoriasis, this may have the added benefit of relieving some symptoms.

Incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into the diet and reducing avoiding junk foods may help to reduce excess weight and inflammation, and it may also improve mood and an overall sense of wellbeing.