The inflammatory skin condition psoriasis tends to go through periods of flare-ups and remissions.The exact cause remains unknown, but it seems that environmental factors trigger the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. Many types of psoriasis exist, and inverse psoriasis typically affects the skin in the armpits, under the breast and in and around the genitals. Medication and lifestyle modifications, such as managing stress, factor heavily into keeping flare-ups at bay. Unlike some conditions in which strong links between diet and symptoms have been established, no such link exists for psoriasis, though making certain changes might help.
Eliminating Gluten
A Swedish study published in the 2003 issue of ''Acta Dermato-Venereologica'' found that many individuals with psoriasis tested positive for the presence of an antibody -- a substance that fights off harmful invaders -- that indicated an allergy to gluten, a protein found in a variety of grains. After three months of a gluten-free diet, researchers found 'significant' clinical improvement in various aspects of the condition. As an awareness of gluten intolerance and allergy becomes greater, you can find an increasing number of products specifically formulated as gluten-free. Barring such a label, you must pay attention to food labels. Avoid wheat, spelt, semolina, triticale, graham flour, barley, bulgur, durham, farina, kamut, matzo and rye. You can safely eat corn, amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, corn, polenta, quinoa, rice and tapioca.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Inflammatory conditions like psoriasis might respond well to certain dietary changes since many foods contain substances that either promote or reduce inflammation. Eating lots of omega-6 fatty acids, trans fats and animal fats contributes to inflammation because your body uses these fats to create pro-inflammatory chemicals. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, produce the opposite effect. Cut back on corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, fatty meats, fried food and any packaged foods that contain hydrogenated oils. Eat more fatty fish, walnuts, flax seed and hemp seed. The insulin spikes that result from eating refined carbohydrates and sugar also pose a problem. Choose whole grains over refined grains and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, rich sources of inflammation-fighting anti-oxidants.
Restricting Alcohol
Women who drink alcohol are more likely to report having psoriasis, according to a study published in the December 2010 issue of ''Archives of Dermatology.'' Researchers gathered data on over 116,000 nurses and found women who drank 2.3 drinks or more per week were 72 percent more likely to report having psoriasis compared to women who did not drink. When researchers examined the specific drinks reported, nonlight beer was associated with the greatest risk, while other forms of alcohol were not linked with a statistically significant increased risk. While this research suggests only nonlight beer appears to pose a problem, you might find all forms of alcohol worsen your symptoms. If you drink regularly, regardless of the type of alcohol, try cutting it out to see what happens.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Regardless of the type of diet you follow, eat in a manner that will allow you to lose excess weight, if necessary, and maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, writing for the Mayo Clinic notes extra pounds can worsen symptoms of psoriasis and reduce the effectiveness of medications used to treat this condition.
References
- ''Archives of Dermatology''; Alcohol Intake and Risk of Incident Psoriasis in U.S. Women; Abrar A. Qureshi, MD, MPH, et al.; 2010
- ''Acto Dermato-Venereologica''; Gluten-Free Diet in Psoriasis Patients with Antibodies to Gliadin Results in Decreased Expression of Tissue Transglutaminase and Fewer Ki67+ Cells in the Dermis; G.Michaelsson, et al.; 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Gluten-Free Diet
- Pacifica Skin Wellness; Psoriasis; Monica Scheel M.D.
- Mayo Clinic; Psoriasis Diet; Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.; February 2011
