Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes overproduction of skin cells, affects nearly 7.5 million people in the United States and around 1/3 of cases start before 20 years of age, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Scientists have shown that dietary modifications may alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, in some cases.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Cholesterol-reducing diets such as the Mediterranean-type diet may reduce inflammation in some people (see resource 3). A study published in the January 2011 "American Journal of Medical Science," found that lowering cholesterol improves psoriasis symptoms.The meta study -- a review of previously published research -- looked at statin therapy for psoriasis patients with elevated cholesterol and found that the drugs inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease pro-inflammatory C-reactive protein levels. Statin treatment resulted in decreased psoriasis plaque area and severity. The researchers concluded that lowering cholesterol levels in psoriasis patients modulates the immune system and provides antioxidant effects that reduce both cholesterol and psoriasis symptoms.
Inositol and Fish Oil
A multi-nutrient approach may be helpful at alleviating psoriasis, say researchers of a study published in the November 2010 "Clinical Dermatology" journal. Inositol -- a signaling molecule that plays an important role in a number of body systems, including serotonin production and cholesterol lowering -- has also been used with good results. Inositol is found in high quantities in dried beans, cantaloupe, most citrus fruits, nuts, oats and whole grain foods. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids offer anti-inflammatory and immune modulating benefits. Eat fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel to obtain high quantities of omega-3 oils.
Weight Loss
A weight loss diet in conjunction with cyclosporine therapy helps control psoriasis, according to a study published in the November 2008 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." In the study, obese patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis showed better response to cyclosporine treatment when combined with a weight loss diet. Of participants who engaged in a low fat diet, 67 percent achieved a 75 percent improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, while 29 percent of the cyclosporine alone group achieved the same level of symptom relief.
Fasting, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Diets
Fasting, vegetarian diets and gluten-free diets benefit psoriasis, according to one study. Psoriasis patients with a particular type of antibody to gliadin -- a protein in wheat and some other cereals -- occasionally improve on a gluten-free diet. Similarly, fasting and low-calorie diets provide relief and may be important in prevention and treatment of some forms of psoriasis. Decreased consumption of inflammatory arachidonic acid and overall reduced oxidative stress may, in part, explain the benefits of fasting, vegetrian and low-calorie diets, say the authors. Higher antioxidant content of vegetarian diets may also prevent accumulation of malondialdehyde -- a byproduct of lipid breakdown that can be elevated in psoriasis patients. The study was published in the January 2009 " Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia."
References
- "Ameircan Journal of the Medical Sciences"; Clinical Improvement in Psoriasis With Treatment of Associated Hyperlipidemia. Ghazizadeh R, et al.; 2011
- "Clinical Dermatology"; Nutrition and psoriasis. Ricketts JR, et al.; 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Weight loss improves the response of obese patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis to low-dose cyclosporine therapy: a randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded clinical trial. Gisondi P, et al.; 2008
- "Clinical Dermatology"; Integrative dermatology for psoriasis: facts and controversies. Treloar V. 2010
- "Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia"; Nutritional influences in psoriasis; Maria Lúcia Diniz AraujoI; et al.; 2009
- "Cases Journal"; Administration of inositol to a patient with bipolar disorder and psoriasis: a case report. Kontoangelos K, et al.; 2010
