Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by reddened patches of scaly skin. Even though there is no cure for psoriasis, research has shown that diet, including decreasing intake of animal fat, may improve the symptoms of psoriasis. Also, research shows that psoriasis, in addition to being a skin disease, is associated with other chronic diseases.
Psoriasis and Heart Disease
Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that people with moderate to severe psoriasis are 28 percent more likely to have heart disease than people without psoriasis. Decreasing intake of animal (saturated) fats will decrease your risk for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake of saturated fat to 7 percent of calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this will equal 140 calories, or 16 g.
Function
Animal fat is high in arachidonic acid, which can be converted in the body to become inflammatory markers, therefore increasing inflammation. Arachidonic acid has been shown to exacerbate inflammatory processes such as psoriasis.
Potential
Decreasing your intake of animal fat may improve your psoriasis. Choosing lean meat and low-fat milk and cheese will help to decrease your intake of animal fat. Also, choosing more plant-based meals will decrease your intake of meat and therefore the amount of animal fat you ingest as well.
Considerations
Research from Dr. Artemis P. Simopoulos at The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health recommends not only decreasing your intake of arachidonic acid, but also to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids to prevent heart disease and possibly improve psoriasis as well.
Misconceptions
People with psoriasis try many different things to improve their symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no diet to cure psoriasis. There has been research into different aspects of diet to improve psoriasis, but there have been conflicting results. Not everyone responds to diet changes for psoriasis, and what may work for you may not work for someone else. Always talk with your doctor before making changes to your diet.
References
- Simopoulos, Artemis. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 21, p 495--505.
- Neimann, Andrea; et al. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Psoriasis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Vol 55, p 829-35
