1. Find the Right Psoriasis Diet for You
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. Patients with psoriasis have inflamed and scaly, red patches on their skin. In some cases, their entire bodies are covered. Not only do patients with psoriasis have inflammation on the skin, they usually have inflammation in their internal organs as well. You should avoid or limit foods that suppress the immune system and cause inflammation as the cornerstone of your psoriasis diet. Sugar depletes immune function, causing inflammation. Use maple sugar or complex carbohydrate sweeteners such as brown rice syrup or barley malt.
2. P is for Protein
Some studies have shown that patients who eat a low-protein diet show an improvement in their psoriasis. Reduce your meat consumption, particularly red meat. Eliminate the meat in your favorite soup and chili recipes so you can still enjoy your favorite recipes. Consult a registered dietitian if you need recommendations for lowering your protein intake. Keep your fiber intake high since fiber helps transport harmful substances out of the body.
3. Include Probiotics in Your Diet
Probiotics help restore the friendly bacteria in your digestive tract. Illness, antibiotic use and stress can deplete the helpful bacteria. Poor digestion results, which can trigger food intolerance. Eat foods that contain live acidophilus cultures such as yogurt or take a probiotic supplement in powdered or capsule form.
4. Certain Foods Could Be the Trigger
Have a chiropractor perform kinesthetic testing to determine what foods might be triggering your psoriasis. Have your family physician order IgG food antibody blood testing. This testing can help you eliminate foods that your bloodstream is carrying antibodies to. Eliminate foods that the test identifies as problematic for at least 3 months. Gradually reintroduce foods 1 at a time over a period of several days or even longer. Pay attention to how your body reacts. Make substitutions. If you love ice cream but dairy is a problem food for you, try soy ice cream instead. Another option is to make homemade frozen fruit desserts. Slice a banana. Freeze the pieces on a baking sheet for one hour. Combine frozen banana slices with maple syrup in a blender. Enjoy the ice cream-like dessert.
5. From D to Z
Vitamin D and zinc deficiencies are common in patients with psoriasis. Eat foods high in zinc such as brown rice, broccoli and spinach. Make sure you get at least 15 minutes of sunlight each day to stimulate your body's production of vitamin D. Read product labels carefully of either supplement.
