Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting approximately 4 million Americans. Silvery-white scabs of dead skin covering inflamed lesions are the earmarks of this non-contagious disease. Treatments for psoriasis commonly include light or phototherapy, topical treatments applied directly to the skin and/or oral or injected medicines. While no definitive link has been found between nutrition and psoriasis, many people report certain foods aggravate or improve their condition.
Gluten-Free Diets
Gluten is a protein found in many grain products including wheat, wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, cracked wheat, hydrolyzed wheat protein, barley, rye and some varieties of oats. It is reported by some individuals with psoriasis that avoiding these products resulted in improvement of their psoriasis. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Grain and plant products allowable when following a gluten-free diet include corn, wild rice, potatoes, quinoa, nuts, soy, flax, millet, cassava, tapioca, seeds and legumes.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are fats which are required by humans but must be obtained through food because the body is unable to manufacture them. Omega 6 and omega 3 are the two categories of essential fatty acids. Symptoms of deficiency of these fats include dry skin, skin inflammation and acne. Improvement of psoriasis symptoms has been reported by some with increased intake of essential fatty acid-containing foods like tuna, trout, salmon, herring, sardines, fish oil, canola oil, peanut oil, olive oil, wheat germ, walnuts and soybeans.
Well-Balanced Diet
According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy lifestyle factors including weight loss if overweight or maintaining a healthy weight can improve psoriasis symptoms. Exercise and a well-balanced diet can help individuals achieve their lifestyle goals and subsequently improve their psoriasis symptoms. Diet recommendations include focusing on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and avoiding high-fat, processed foods.
