Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with raised, red patches of itchy skin accompanied by silvery scales. Scientists do not yet know for sure what causes psoriasis but think it's connected to a defect in skin cells and abnormal immune system stimulation. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, believes that nutritional factors can cause or contribute to psoriasis and that proper nutrition may help to remedy psoriasis.
Eat a Low-fat Diet
In his book "Staying Healthy With Nutrition," Elson Haas, M.D. says that an antipsoriasis diet should be high in water and nutrient-dense foods and low in protein and fat. A low-fat diet is recommended because, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," psoriasis may be caused by a faulty utilization of fat. As such, Balch recommends greatly reducing saturated fat intake and eliminating the trans fats found in processed and fried foods.
Reduce or Eliminate Red Meat and Dairy
Red meat and dairy may be particularly problematic to psoriasis sufferers and should be greatly reduced or eliminated from the diet. The problem with red meat and dairy is that not only do they contain saturated fats, they also contain arachidonic acid, which promotes inflammation and can make the lesions of psoriasis turn red and swell, says Balch.
Identify Food Sensitivities
CSNN recommends identifying all food allergies and sensitivities, and eliminating the foods that cause them, because the consumption of allergenic foods promotes inflammation. According to CSNN, the most commonly allergenic foods in psoriatic patients are dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, eggs, red meat, sugar, yeast, strawberries, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peanuts, nuts, coffee and soy.
Remove Digestive System Stressors
Foods that create stress on the digestive system should also be eliminated. According to CSNN and Balch, caffeine, spicy foods, refined foods, sugar, white flour, alcohol, pop, and tobacco are all digestive system stressors and should be eliminated. So too should simple carbohydrates, because they cause a surge in insulin; there may be a correlation between elevated insulin levels and psoriasis.
Eat Raw
Balch recommends eating a diet composed of 50 percent raw foods. CSNN advises that your diet should be primarily composed of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, healthy fats, seafood and fresh fish.
Eat a High-Omega-3, High-fiber Diet
The consumption of cold-water fish and flaxseed oil is highly encouraged, because they are both great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly known for their anti-inflammatory properties. You should also consume a high-fiber diet because psoriasis is associated with high levels of circulating endotoxins, and fiber can bind to these toxins and safely remove them from the body, says Balch. CSNN recommends consuming 30 to 50 g of fiber a day.
References
- "The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition"; Pathology and Nutrition; 2008
- "Staying Healthy With Nutrition"; Elson Haas, M.D.; 2006
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis Balch; 2003
