When the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy skin cells it can produce psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red patches with a white, scaly appearance. Psoriasis may also be affected by diet, infections, alcohol abuse, medications and stress says the Mayo Clinic website. Low-energy diets and vegetarian diets have improved symptoms by suppressing the inflammatory process and others have improved on a gluten-free diet, according to the Institute of Food Science at the University of Hannover. While certain dietary factors may play a role in the treatment of psoriasis, more research is needed.
Low-energy Diet
A low-energy diet includes eating foods with a lower calorie content so you can eat larger portions, which makes you feel full. Desserts and processed foods provide a small amount of food and high number of calories or high-energy density. Fruits and vegetables offer larger portions and fewer calories or low-energy density. A low-energy diet should consist of large and multiple portions of fresh fruits and vegetables, high fiber whole grains such as whole-wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain cereal, lean protein such as fish and white meats and low-fat dairy products.
Vegetarian Diet
Avoiding a lot of meat and eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are generally alkaline and anti-inflammatory can help with the inflammation associated with psoriasis. A vegetarian diet can have a variety of inclusions and omissions, though generally meat is avoided and plant-based sources are consumed for nutrition instead.
Gluten-free Diet
Since psoriasis is an immune disorder, a gluten-free diet may be helpful, according to a 2005 study conducted by the Institute of Food Science and published by the National Institutes of Health. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and some medications. Gluten-free foods include potatoes, corn, nuts, legumes, wild rice, soy, seeds, quinoa and yucca. Foods that must be avoided are wheat, wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, cracked wheat, hydrolyzed wheat protein, barley, rye and triticale, a wheat hybrid. Certain soups, rice mixes, potato chips, cold cuts and sauces may contain gluten so it is important to read food labels.
Eating Smart
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, a healthy lifestyle can help you manage psoriasis. A healthy lifestyle may include eating a variety of foods, eating regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, portion control, using sugar and salt in moderation, limiting fat and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco and minimizing alcohol consumption, regular exercise and stress reduction. A 2005 study by the University of Hannover showed that diets rich in fish oil were beneficial. Vitamin D, which is antiproliferative, or cell-growth inhibiting, and helps to regulate the immune system has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis.
Considerations
If you think you may have psoriasis, see a dermatologist for an official diagnosis. If you have already been diagnosed, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Certain foods can react with medications so be sure to discuss any dietary changes to your pharmacist. Remember, the best way to treat your psoriasis is to work with your doctor by maintaining a healthy diet, having regular check-ups and by taking all prescribed medications as directed.
References
- Mayo Clinic.com : Energy density and weight loss: Feel full on fewer calories
- Mayo Clinic.com : Psoriasis- Causes
- PubMed: Diet and psoriasis: experimental data and clinical evidence
- MedLine Plus: Vegetarian Diet
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know about Celiac Disease
- National Psoriasis Foundation : Living well with psoriasis
