Psoriasis causes itchy, sometimes swollen lesions to appear on the skin in response to an overreaction of the immune system. These lesions occur because the skin cells in that area are overproduced. The affected skin is not shed in the same way as normal skin is and accumulates in thick, scaly lesions. Do not be fooled by diets that claim to cure or improve psoriasis --- these are unproven, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Detox Diets
The philosophy of detoxification diets posits that certain foods, nutrients and toxins may, when taken in excess, cause a negative effect on the body. As there is no known cause for psoriasis, advocates of detoxification have suggested that you may find some relief from eating for your condition. Detox diets usually involve fasting for a period of time and then removing certain foods from the diet to encourage the body to rid itself of harmful substances.
Medical Opinion
Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, advises that detoxification diets are scientifically unproven and may have side effects, including fatigue, dehydration, dizziness and nausea. There are no studies available to support the use of detox diets or any other dietary treatment for psoriasis. Do not embark on any detox diet without consulting your doctor.
Criticism
Detox diets have been widely criticized in the medical realm as little more than snake oil. According to Dr. Roger Clemens, professor of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Southern California, these diets may be do more harm than good. They may be especially dangerous if you are pregnant, suffering from a heart condition or renal function disorder or if you are a child or teenager.
Detox diets are attractive to psoriasis sufferers as medical treatment (as of October 2010) may only ease or lessen psoriatic lesions. The promise of any cure or alternative treatment may seem too good to pass up. However, detox dieting is not recommended to treat or cure psoriasis.
Benefits
While detoxing has no proven benefit in treating psoriasis, you may find that limiting or eliminating certain food stuffs may give you some relief. According to a study conducted by Drs. Sowmya Kaimal and Devinder Mohan Thappa and printed in the "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology," alcohol, gluten and a high calorie diet may aggravate psoriasis and affect treatment in some sufferers. Always consult your doctor before eliminating anything from your diet.
Alternative Treatment
A number of studied and proven treatments for psoriasis may be of more benefit than a detox diet. Corticosteroid creams, UV light therapy and medications are commonly prescribed. Your doctor can advise you on your best option.
References
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Causes of Psoriasis and Triggers
- Nemours Teens Health: Are Detox Diets Safe?
- Mayo Clinic: Detox Diets -- Do They Work?
- University of Michigan Health System: Psoriasis
- University of Southern California -- USCHealthNow: Debunking Detox Diets
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology"; Diet in Dermatology -- Revisited; Drs. Sowmya Kaimal and Devinder Mohan Thappa; March 2010
