Food To Eat When Healing Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common condition that causes raised, rough patches on your skin. Though psoriasis is chronic, medications, topical ointment, managing stress and maintaining a healthy body weight may help prevent or reduce the severity of your symptoms. Foods cannot cause or cure psoriasis. A healthy balanced diet, inclusive of particular foods, however, may promote healing from symptom outbreaks. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary changes.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables supply rich amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body defend itself from infections and disease and heal efficiently from health conditions. Fresh fruits and vegetables, pure juices and broth-based vegetable soups also promote hydration -- an important factor in promoting healthy, symptom-free skin, according to authors of "Psoriasis at Your Fingertips" Tim Mitchell and Rebecca Penzer. Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks regularly for broadest nutritional benefits. Varieties particularly rich in antioxidants include berries, cherries, citrus fruits, red plums, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, winter squash and sweet potatoes.

Fatty Fish

The oil in fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats associated with positive heart health and brain function. Omega-3 fats may also help alleviate inflammation and reduce itching, redness and other symptoms of psoriasis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To reap benefits of omega-3 fats, incorporate fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, halibut, flounder and sardines, into nutritious meals routinely. Replace saturated fat sources in your diet, such as red and processed meats, with baked or broiled fatty fish for heightened benefits.

Gluten-Free Grains

Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. Though many gluten-containing foods, such as whole grain breads and pasta, promote nutritional wellness for many people, gluten may contribute to psoriasis in others. According to research published in the "British Journal of Dermatology" in January 2000, psoriasis sufferers who carry particular antibodies, or blood protein, are often sensitive to gluten. Researchers placed such individuals on a gluten-free diet for three months, which resulted in significantly reduced symptoms. If you suspect a correlation between gluten and your symptoms, consume primarily gluten-free grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, gluten-free oats and air-popped popcorn -- whole grains that promote healthy blood sugar balance and provide valuable amounts of nutrients, such as B-vitamins, iron, selenium and fiber.

Flaxseed, Walnuts and Canola Oil

Flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil are additional sources of omega-3 fatty acids and may provide anti-inflammatory benefits similar to fatty fish. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends incorporating healthy, plant-based fat sources, including nuts, seeds and canola oil, into your diet for improved wellness and nutrient absorption. For further benefits, replace less healthy fat sources, such as butter, margarine and shortening, with canola oil in baked goods and other dishes. For optimum absorption, consume ground flaxseed rather than whole seed. Enjoy ground flaxseed and walnuts on their own or as nutritious additions to baked goods, yogurt, salads and cereals.